A COLOURFUL procession will parade through Clacton to start the town’s first Sea and Beach Festival.

The organisers of the summer spectacular want community groups, schools and residents to join a parade through the town, which will act as the curtain-raiser to start the event in style.

It will leave Clacton Town Hall at 10.30am on July 4, snaking its way through the streets to West Beach.

People are being urged to dress up and decorate prams and buggies with a nautical theme, with prizes on offer for the best dressed.

The new event has been organised by Tendring Council, which hopes to make it an annual crowd-puller.

Council communications boss Nigel Brown said: “There is a great deal of enthusiasm across the board and we want to make this a very special weekend for both our residents and visitors.

“The whole idea of the procession is to create a carnival atmosphere and get as many groups and individuals involved as possible.

“We would love to hear from a marching band or troupe of musicians that would be prepared to lead the way to the West Beach.”

Once the procession hits the beach, the festival will get started, with a host of activities and entertainment acts lined up.

Bands and singers will perform, while magic shows, balloon modelling, face painting and craft workshops will all be on offer.

Pleasure boat rides will be provided by the 96-seater Viking Saga and the James Stevens 14, a 115-year-old motorised lifeboat that has been restored at Walton by Frinton and Walton Heritage Trust.

There will also be a beachside barbecue on both days of the event, which will run from 11am to 5pm on July 4 and 5.

Anyone wanting to take part in the procession – especially a marching band – can e-mail seafronts@tendringdc.gov.uk or call 01255 686969.