MERSEA Island hosted its annual food, drink and leisure festival.

Food lovers flocked to Essex Outdoors to enjoy the food and drink the area is famous for producing and help raise money for worthy causes.

There was plenty to sample – everything from fresh fish to ice-creams and cakes.

Artists, photographers and craftsmen, whose work reflects the beauty of Mersea, had their work on display and for sale.

Musical performances took place across both days and dancers helped get the crowd involved.

Beverley Perkins, founder and organiser of the festival, said: “It was our first year at that site.

"We felt it went well, we had more space for more people to come than ever before.

"As far as we know it is the only community festival of its kind in Essex and probably in East Anglia.

"It gets better and better year on year for visitors, performers, traders and the charities which benefit.

“It is a great opportunity for people to find out more about the island or who already live in Mersea to see what it has to offer.”

This year’s event raised £6,000 just on the grand draw competition meaning since its creation in 2009, it has raised more than £60,000 for local causes.