ESSEX Chambers of Commerce is continuing with tradition this year by organising the annual Whitebait festival in Southend.

The festival, a thanksgiving for the harvest of the sea, will take place on September 28 at the Sands restaurant on Southend seafront.

The event, sponsored by c2c Rail, features the traditional “blessing of the catch” service followed by a three-course lunch, with whitebait being one of the starter choices.

Guests will include the Mayor and Mayoress of Southend.

For more information, call 01206 765277 or via the website www.essexchambers.co.uk/events.