A bumper line-up is set to hit the stage for this year’s Brightlingsea Free Music Festival as the event celebrates its 15th anniversary.

East Anglian Daily Times: Braving the rain at the 2012 Brightlingsea Music Festival.Braving the rain at the 2012 Brightlingsea Music Festival.

The three-day event begins this Friday evening with up-tempo world and folk music from Fishclaw, before a full programme on Saturday and Sunday.

Joint headline acts this year are the New Town Kings and The Brew.

In the evenings several pubs around the town add to the festival atmosphere as they host their own live performances.

Among the bands performing are some who have been at previous festivals, including The Brew.

Lead organiser Dave Palmer said: “It all started very low level with a group of guys who got a trailer and it has gradually grown over the years. Many people have come before me and put a lot of time and effort in.

“I have been doing it for the past five years and it has made me realise how much the community relies on volunteers and I certainly appreciate their efforts. One of the satisfying things is seeing the whole town come together.

“We have tried to draw some links with previous festivals, and bands such as The Brew have really matured since we last saw them.”

The whole festival is paid for by sponsorship and donations made by revellers.

“It is incredibly important people chuck a few bob in the buckets, particularly as in recent years grants have dried up and costs risen,” added Dave.

“It is vital if we want to make sure we have another event at least as good next year.”

Other performers include Adrian Nation, up-and-coming singer-songwriter 17-year-old Grace Sarah, local choir Bright Voices and the Sweeting Swing Band who wrap up the festival.

The festival aims to bring a wide-range of genres, as well as giving newer performers a chance at the big stage.