GUESTS danced the night away at a charity bash, which raised more than £13,000.

Party in the Park, was held in a marquee in Garon Park, Southend, to raise money for the Southend Fund, which raises money for charities all over the town.

Guests were treated to a wide range of entertainment and plenty of food.

Partygoers tucked into a delicious buffet of Asian food while magician, Richard Graham went from table to table showing off his tricks.

Meanwhile, music was provided by four local bands These included rockers Grand Reunion and Kings Horses, female duo, Stiletto, and reggae band, the Beatroots.

Former mayor of Southend, Gwen Horrigan, was one of more than 80 people who enjoyed the event on Friday, as was Howard Briggs, chairman and founder of the Southend Fund.

The event, which cost £10 to attend, was organised by business networking organiser, Southend Peers BNI, and the marquee was provided by the Essex Cricket Association.

Debbie Swallow, from Southend Peers BNI, said: “It went really well, the marqee looked lovely.

“There were people dancing until the end and I think everyone had a good time.

“All the money goes into the Southend Fund and benefits the community.”

The money raised through ticket sales for the evening were topped up by the Government’s Grass Roots Challenge scheme, which encourages donors to support small community projects by offering to top-up any money raised by up to 50 per cent.