A FREE music festival in Harlow’s Town Park is bringing communities together this Bank Holiday Weekend and supporting local artists to showcase their musical talents.

Funded by Essex County Council’s ‘Culture in Essex’ small grant scheme, LinkFest is now in its seventh year and features two days of live music and entertainment for festival-goers of all ages.

The Culture in Essex grant supports arts and cultural activity across the county, with the aim of positively engaging and benefiting local people.

As well as performances from local artists, the event will include side stalls, a children’s area, and an opportunity for small local businesses and charities to promote themselves.

Cllr Sue Lissimore, ECC Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities, said: “Harlow’s Town Park has played host to lots of different musical talent over the years, dating right back to the seventies and providing opportunities for local communities to come together and enjoy connecting in new ways.

“LinkFest is continuing this tradition and is now a firm fixture in the town’s summer calendar, with increasing numbers of people visiting the town each year.

“I’m pleased we’ve been able to support the festival through our small grants scheme and I hope everyone enjoys the weekend.”

This year the festival will also join forces with the Harlow Carnival to make it the largest ever Linkfest to date, with the carnival culminating at Town Park on Sunday.

Jamie Pring, LinkFest organiser, said: “Receiving the grant from Essex County Council has enabled us to support our volunteers and hire equipment, meaning we have been able to develop and expand the festival this year. Without this funding it would have been difficult to put on such a great festival that benefits the local community.”