Brightlingsea WinterFest draws thousands in second week

The Brightlingsea WinterFest, a free late-winter arts and music festival with more than 40 events, completed a busy second week that organisers say included an art exhibition and Wellbeing Day which together attracted more than 1,450 people.

The Brightlingsea WinterFest has completed a busy second week of events, organisers say. The free late-winter festival features arts, music, spoken word and wellbeing activities across the town. This year's programme contains more than 40 events running through February. Organisers credited volunteers with helping to stage the packed schedule. Key details: - Week two included a Singalong at Brightlingsea Library, an art exhibition at Brightlingsea Museum and a Wellbeing Day at the community centre. - Organisers reported the art exhibition and the Wellbeing Day together attracted more than 1,450 people. - Other week-two activities included a 'Soul to Sinatra' music event and a mental health workshop at the parish hall. - Upcoming events listed by organisers include a Valentine's Day swing dance, music by candlelight, an ABBA singalong, a live play, a comedy night, creative arts and crafts workshops, and a Bake Off. - Most events are free; donations and raffle proceeds go to the WinterFest Wellbeing Fund and to the charity Mid and North East Essex Mind. Summary: Organisers said the second week brought strong in-person participation and supported both cultural activity and community wellbeing. They reported further events will take place through the rest of February, maintaining a mix of performances, workshops and fundraisers. Funds raised during the festival are intended to support local wellbeing initiatives and the mental health charity Mid and North East Essex Mind.