A FESTIVAL devoted to mental health awareness is marking a record-breaking year after raising more than £5,000 to improve wellbeing in Brightlingsea.

The town's WinterFest attracted more than 3,500 visitors this year and involved more than 200 artists and performers.

First held in 2015, the festival was founded by Alix Sheppard and David Griffiths as a means of banishing the the winter blues and bringing people together.

Profits raised by the the festival go towards the WinterFest Wellbeing Fund, which gives grants to organisations for activities or equipment designed to improve mental or physical wellbeing.

A chunk of the cash will also be donated to mental health charity Mid and North East Essex Mind.

The month-long event launched with a feast of spoken word and song delivered by Martin Newell, from Wivenhoe.

It went on to feature up-and-coming music acts and workshops, a comedy night and artist workshops.

Cake sales, a sell-out candlelit concert and a raffle also boosted funds.

David said: “It has been the best ever with more events, more people involved and more money raised.

“Many of our events have been full to capacity, people from Brightlingsea and across Essex have turned out in force, despite February being one of the stormiest ever.

“We are really pleased that it has been a multi-generational festival involving people of all ages and want to thank everyone who has supported WinterFest this year.

“Venues and businesses in Brightlingsea have given us tremendous support and the artists and performers have given us their time and talents, many without making a charge.

“WinterFest was powered by a team of around 20 volunteers this year, more than ever before and the events couldn't take place without them.

" The whole crew are overwhelmed by how much the festival has become part of the Brightlingsea community.

“We have had fantastic feedback and many people have said it has given them the impetus to take up new activities.

"It is great to know it makes a difference to so many people's wellbeing.”

Applications for grants from the fund will be invited in May.

For more details visit brightlingseawinterfest.co.uk.