A UNIQUE festival in Maldon has ended after another successful year celebrating classical music with multiple concerts.

The Maldon Festival held primarily at St Marys Church, in Maldon, has drawn to a close after two weeks of musical events.

This year’s theme for the festival was the royals, in honour of King Charles III’s coronation.

There were multiple free concerts for residents to attend as well as paid events.

Children and adults enjoyed a host of workshops, including West African Djembe drumming from Lucky Moyo.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Drumming workshop: Lucky Moyo leading a classDrumming workshop: Lucky Moyo leading a class (Image: Colin Baldy)

Multiple musical styles were celebrated across the lineup, including orchestral choral concerts, jazz and classical.

The festival began in 2008 with the aim of bringing “high quality professional music to the Maldon district."

The event is on for two weeks, every year and includes performances from a range of musical professionals.

It started as a purely classical event but has now expanded while keeping classical music at its heart.

The festival was supported by Maldon District Council and Essex County Council as well as businesses including the Mighty Oak Brewery, James Mann Ltd, Maldon Staycations, The Queen Victoria pub, Gadsby Wicks Solicitors, New Hall School and Felsted School.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Classical concert: musicians perform at churchClassical concert: musicians perform at church (Image: Colin Baldy)

Festival director Colin Baldy said: “We've had some wonderful events over the two weeks of this year's festival, with concerts in St Mary's Church, All Saints Church and in the very atmospheric surroundings of Mundon Church.

“Events have ranged from a Silent Movie, with live improvised organ accompaniment, to a workshop of West African Djembe drumming. Audiences and participants alike have thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

“In addition, we have provided educational workshops to hundreds of local school children, both at All Saints Primary School and the Plume Academy.”

The final event was held on Saturday evening, with a Last Night of the Proms sing-along at St Mary’s Church.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Children's class: class at Plume AcademyChildren's class: class at Plume Academy (Image: Colin Baldy)

Mr Baldy said: “Songs included Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia and Jerusalem; as well as that modern classic Hey Jude: all accompanied by a full orchestra.

“The programme also included Mozart's Coronation Mass and Handel's Zadok the Priest, as sung at the King's Coronation.”