THOUSANDS of visitors turned out for the annual Brightlingsea Town Regatta and Boat Show.

The boat show organised by Brightlingsea Sailing Club, the Colne Yacht Club and Morgan Marine ran over the whole weekend in bright sunshine.

Highlights included a spectacular fireworks display on Saturday evening.

Visitors were treated to waterside events, including boat and fun races, displays and rescue demonstrations, and were also given the opportunity to try a boat themselves.

Stalls and shops offered chandlery, marine electronics, engines and clothing.

Local bands, majorettes, the RNLI, Coast Guards, and the Royal Navy Association also entertained guests over the weekend.

Ric Morgan, chairman of the Regatta organisers, said: “It’s a really good time to promote local businesses and it produces a really nice big weekend.

“We get several thousand people and we had the weather set fair - a lot of fun has been had.

“Brightlingsea is a superb venue steeped in history and there’s a great community spirit.”

Each year the event is supported by Brightlingsea Town Council and local businesses.

Money raised from the fireworks display will go to the Mary Barron suite at Colchester General Hospital.

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