Let's hope the sun keeps shining as there are lots of great events happening in and around Essex this weekend. Here are five things for you to do:Brightlingsea Carnival and Brightlingsea Scarecrow Festival, Brightlingsea
Come along and enjoy a free, family day out at this carnival by the waterfront. There's so much to do from rides, music and tasty food to stalls and the chance to grab a bargain at the car boot sale. There's something for everyone. Also, don't forget to check out the Scarecrow Festival which is on all weekend – which one is your favourite?
Carnival – from 12 noon on Saturday, June 21
Scarecrow Festival – Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22
The Carnival is at the Recreation ground, Bayard Avenue, Brightlingsea. The Scarecrow Festival is around the town.
Entrance is free to both events.Click here for more detailsStart of Maldon Arts Festival, Maldon
What better way to launch the 7th annual Maldon Arts Festival than with two beautiful pieces of music with a wartime connection.
The Choir of St Mary's and the Essex Classical Orchestra will be performing Haydn's Nelson Mass which was composed during the Napoleonic Wars. This will be followed by Durufle's Requiem Mass, which was commissioned to remember the First World War by the French government.
7.30pm on Saturday, June 21
All Saints Church, Maldon
Tickets: £12, and £10 concsClick here for more details and the full events programme Dreamboats and Petticoats, Cliff's Pavillion, Southend
Step back into 1961 with Norman and Bobby who are competing to win a national song writing competition. There's love interests too of course with the gorgeous Sue and shy Laura who is hiding her passion for the piano. Inspired by the multi-million selling albums of the same name, this show features all the best 60s classics such as Shaking All Over, Bobby's Girl, Runaround Sue, C'Mon Everybody and Let's Twist Again.
8pm on Friday, June 20
2.30pm and 8pm on Saturday, June 21
Cliffs Pavillion, Station Road, Southend SS0 7RA
Tickets range from £23.50 - £30.50.Click here for more details and bookingsEssex Countryside Bike Ride
Saddle up for a lovely bike ride for a good cause this weekend. There are 25-mile and 60-mile routes, and a family-friendly 10-mile route.
The brand new routes for 2014 take in some of the most pictureque countryside in Essex. All cyclists must wear helmets and all under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Races start from 8am on Sunday, June 22.
You can register on the day from 7.30am.
60- mile race leaves at 8-9am
25-mile race leaves between 9-10am
10-mile race leaves at 11am
Starts at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford
Cost: The 25 and 60-mile routes are £16, the 10-mile route is £6Click here for more detailsVintage Fayre, Hatfield Peverel
Don't miss your chance to pick up some pretty vintage bits and bobs, and tasty treats at the fifth Vintage Fayre at The Crix. Ther will also be classic cars, live music and a seaside theme featuring donkey rides, bouncy castles, ice cream, face painting and crafts. This event is in aid of the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.
10am – 5pm on Sunday, June 22
The Crix, Hatfield Peverel, CM3 2EU
Tickets: £5 adults, £4 concs, under 16s £1, under 5s free.Click here for more details
