HUNDREDS of music fans are enjoying a free festival which is taking place in Brightlingsea this weekend.

The event being held on Hurst Green started on Friday evening with a line-up of classical music including professional flautist Anne Allen, classical guitarist Craig Ogden and mezzo-soprano Lynette Alcantara.

On Saturday the programme of music ran from noon to 8pm with artists from the world of roots and blues such as the popular five-piece band Hokie Joint and the 60s-influenced The B Goodes.

Today (Sunday) the theme is jazz and world music and the entertainment starts at noon with Bright Voices and continues 6.30pm with the Sweeting Swing Band closing the show.

Now in its eleventh year, the Brightlingsea Free Music Festival started in 2001 to provide a platform for new and established bands.

Although the festival is free, it does cost around �15,000 each year to run and relies on the support of local businesses.

For more information visit www.brightlingseamusicfest.co.uk.