MUSIC rang out across Mersea Island as a popular festival made its triumphant return.

In its 11th outing since humble beginnings as a charity concert, Cosmic Puffin attracted dozens of talented bands from across Essex as well as flourishing talent.

Across seven stages, a wide variety of acts offered up different flavours and sounds.

On the Cosmic Stage, the crowd was treated to a mix of melodic rock and roll, up-tempo beats and some of the finest blues music on offer thanks to performances from groups including Pet Needs, MonkeyFist and Goofa Dust.

A unique brand of roots-rock reggae was delivered with style by festival regulars the Majestic.

The Breaking Out Stage was home to up and coming talent, including 20-year-old singer songwriter Harry Cash, Jesus Hooligan, Josh Island and Fielding’s Dream Correction.

The festival, which took a hiatus last year, typically raises thousands of pounds for a range of worthy causes.

This year’s charities were Bliss, a special baby care charity, Animals Asia, Ald Life and Autism Anglia.

Jamie Anderson, one of the organisers, said about 600 people attended.

He said: “It went brilliantly as usual. Everybody was happy, everyone we spoke to says what an incredible festival it is.”

The festival will be making a return next year.