Old Leigh-on-sea comes alive as crowds turn out for 2026 Regatta

September 16, 2026

The sound of live music, laughter and cheering filled the streets of Old Leigh-on-sea last weekend as the annual Leigh Regatta brought the community together for two days of entertainment and traditional waterfront fun.

Saturday and Sunday saw the historic Old Leigh waterfront packed with visitors, with families, local residents and visitors enjoying the atmosphere as the 2026 regatta got underway.

The event once again combined the traditional character of the regatta with a programme of live entertainment, food, stalls and activities, creating a festival atmosphere around the High Street and waterfront.

For many, the music was one of the highlights of the weekend.

A number of local performers and bands entertained crowds throughout the weekend, with Lemon and Lime among the local acts taking to the stage.

Their appearance added to the strong local flavour of the event, with audiences gathering to listen as the band performed against the backdrop of Old Leigh's waterfront.

They were joined on the programme by acts including Sounds Of Hungerground, The Big Maxbrite Yellow Suitcase and 24k Bruno, alongside performances from Izzy Rodol, James Tunbridge, Chris Davison, Mick Nixon, New Again and Ruby Bea.

With music continuing throughout the day and into the evening, there was a steady flow of people between the stages, pubs, stalls and waterfront.

As daylight faded on Saturday evening, attention turned to one of the regatta's increasingly popular attractions – the silent disco.

Headphones replaced the usual speakers as revellers danced along to competing DJ channels.

From the outside, it made for a distinctly unusual scene, with groups of people dancing together in near silence, occasionally breaking into cheers as the music changed.

The silent disco provided a lively finale to the first day before the focus returned to the daytime programme on Sunday.

One of the more noticeable additions to this year's event was the Ferris wheel, which stood out above the Old Leigh rooftops.

Visitors were able to take a ride and look out across the waterfront, giving them a chance to see the regatta from a completely different viewpoint.

With the boats on the water and crowds moving through the Old Town below, the wheel quickly became one of the most recognisable sights of this year's event.

While there was plenty of new entertainment, the weekend remained true to the traditions that have made the Leigh Regatta a fixture in the local calendar.

Sailing was at the heart of the event, while visitors could also watch or take part in competitions including welly-hoying, tug-of-war and the famous cockle-eating competition.

Stalls and family activities added to the busy atmosphere, with the closure of roads around the event allowing visitors to explore the Old Town on foot.

Behind the crowds and entertainment was the work of the volunteers, Sea Scouts, local organisations and businesses who help make the regatta possible each year.

The event remains an important part of the local calendar, bringing together people who have lived in Leigh for generations with those discovering the area for the first time.

And as the final weekend crowds dispersed on Sunday evening, the bunting came down and Old Leigh gradually returned to normal.

For two days, however, the Leigh-on-sea waterfront had once again belonged to the regatta – filled with boats, music, fairground rides and the unmistakable sound of a community enjoying itself.