Some 15 schools from across the county wowed audiences as they took part in the annual Essex Schools Showcase for Arts.

The initiative is an opportunity for the public to see an array of artwork and performing arts by the schoolchildren, including drama, sculpture, photography, textiles, live bands, and even puppetry.

On its first day, Chelmsford was awash with music as tow jazz bands took to the stage from Bishop’s Stortford High School.

Meanwhile, in the High Chelmer Shopping Centre, shoppers enjoyed artwork displayed in the atrium where student James Gilmour from the Plume Academy, in Maldon, exhibited his take on a traditional Chinese landscape.

The events are part of The Summer of Art Festival, running until October.

Councillor Susan Barker, cabinet member for culture, communities and customer said: “The Summer of Art does many great things, it brings recognition in new ways and it fosters connections and opportunities that would otherwise be missed.”