Crowds Enjoy Festival - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh News. A FESTIVAL celebrating community and diversity in Westcliff saw crowds throng the streets.

A FESTIVAL celebrating community and diversity in Westcliff saw crowds throng the streets.

Sun shone whilst chatter and laughter reverberated as more than 3,000 people enjoyed the second Hamlet Court Road in Harmony Festival, which took place on Sunday, May 21.

As part of the wider revival of this famous and historic street, 35 stalls stretched down the road and many of the shops, bars and cafes added to the music and culinary attractions, whilst a stage buzzing with diverse acts included Tamil dancers, the Polish school and traditional Morris dancing from the Cockleshell Clogs.

Spoken word artists shared their poetry and music including performances from the South African Choir, Steel Heresteel Pan Band and the Tempo Collective.

The performances were topped off by Digby Fairweather and his internationally acclaimed jazz band.

The event welcomed the Southend Mayor, MPs, Ghostbusters and a wide range of charities and small businesses.

A Better Start Southend hosted a hub for families with music, storytelling and activities for children. Up the road, Havens Hub was busy with a craft fair and community café.

Kay Mitchell, organiser of the event, said: “Thank you so much to all of the volunteers, artists,
partners, funders and supporters for helping to make the Hamlet Court Road in Harmony Festival
happen.

“It was an incredibly successful day, celebrating the diversity and strong community that we
have in Westcliff. The event goes to show what can be achieved if we work together.”

Picture by Gaz de Vere.

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