THE ESSEX Entertainment Awards winners will be announced and the winners presented with their prizes in Thurrock this year.

The musical awards ceremony, which celebrates talent from across the county will be held at the Civic Hall in Grays on November 2.

The awards, which were started last year, proved to be a great success and str back for a second year running.

Several musicians from Thurrock are up for awards, including the band Tall Dark Friend who have been nominated for best original artist and ISPA for best dance act.

The event is designed to showcase the talent across the South East of the UK, while recognising and rewarding acts within their particular fields in music, dance and variety.

Organiser Lee Knell said: “To describe the ceremony, it’s pretty much the same as the Brits – a redcarpet event with quality performances from some of the best talent in Essex. I just didn’t expect it to be so popular this year. We have 50 acts performing.”

The event starts at 4pm.