BUMPER crowds are expected at the Maldon Sea Shanty Festival later this month.

Following the success of last year's groundbreaking event, visitors to this year's festival on Saturday, May 30 won't be short of top class entertainment, said organisers' spokesman Ray Clark.

Performers announced for this year include four groups from the Maldon area - Mains'l Haul, Salt Water & Beer, the Goldhanger Crew and Brandyhole Shanty Crew from North Fambridge.

From further afield come the Selsey Shantymen, the Felix Stowaways, the London based HogEye Men, Leigh on Sea's Hoy Shanty Crew, Shantyfolk from Lavenham and Harwich's Black Deep.

This year's smaller scale acts include the Kent-based duo Impressed and soloist Hoy Boy, alias Essex solo shantyman Peter Purnell.

The festival takes place from 12 noon at venues on and around Maldon Quay, Promenade Park and nearby St Mary's Church.

Hosted by, and in aid of, the Maldon based Thames Sailing Barge Trust, Mr Clark said the charity hoped to top last year's "record breaking £1,500 in donations."

Admission to all festival performances will be free. Festival programmes will be available in exchange for a small donation to the barge trust, said Mr Clark.