SOUTHEND’S first yoga festival has been hailed a major success.

Hundreds of families flocked to the event at Thorpe Hall School, Wakering Road, Southend in the sunshine.

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Position - one of the yoga sessions

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Entertainment - musician Rosie Cunningham and friends

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Song 'n' dance - live music was provided courtesy of Rosie Cunningham and her band

Essex wellbeing centres Mayura Yoga and The Yoga Factory Southend joined together to provide the exciting day of yoga, gong baths, music, therapies, stalls and much more.

The event was held to raise money for the new Fair Havens Hospice.

Paula Mayura from Mayura Yoga Studios, said: “What an incredible day.

“Thank you to everyone that took part in the 108 Sun Salutations in aid of Havens Hospices.”

Josh Lipscombe from The Yoga Factory said: “We know this is the start of a fantastic annual event, thank you to everyone that joined us to create the magical atmosphere.”

As well as the gong baths and sun salutations there were several types of yoga including family, yin, restorative and dance yoga taster sessions.

Live music was provided courtesy of Rosie Cunningham and her band.

As the weekend temperatures hit the high 20s, the organisers were thrilled when Essex Fire and Rescue Southend team White Watch turned up to cool everyone down with an impressive water display.

Organisers said it was a great day and one of the highlights of the day was the sponsored event of 108 Sun Salutations.

All the visitors were invited and encouraged to take part, regardless of ability.

Professional guides was present on the day to help and give people the opportunity to take part in this fantastic community fund-raiser.

Organisers said the event was a joint celebration of joy and happiness.

It was also an opportunity to bring yoga to the community.

The event help to raise cash for the new Havens Hospice adult centre.

The charity started building a new Fair Havens Hospice opposite Priory Park in Southend in October 2018 and work is on schedule.

Barnes Construction has finished installing the roof trusses for the inpatient unit.

Havens Hospices includes Fair Havens Hospice, Little Havens Hospice and The J’s Hospice.

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Organisers - Josh Lipscombe and Paula Mayura