IT'S the weekend again and we've put together a few things to keep you busy.

1. Waves of excitement are building for the fabulous fund raising round-the-world yacht race starting in Southend at 12:30pm on Monday 31st August.

This thrilling event is the beginning of the first leg of the 40,000 mile Clipper Race in aid of the children’s charity, UNICEF.

Battling for success will be 12 identical 70-foot yachts, each with a professional skipper and crews with a thirst for adventure.

To celebrate the race start on Monday 31st July, Southend residents and visitors are being offered a free tea or coffee in the Pier café for every walk and ride or train return ticket.

Customers will just need to show their ticket receipts in the café for these to be stamped and exchanged.

This is the tenth annual Clipper Race. Over the coming days, crews will be gathering at St Katharine’s Dock, London, for the ceremonial launch on Sunday 30th August, before the race itself begins at Southend on Monday 31st August.

For more details about the race, please visit: https://www.clipperroundtheworld.com

2. THIS year's Burnham Quay Day promises to be fun for all the family.

Against the backdrop of boats pounding down the River Crouch during Burnham Week, the town's quay will be abuzz with activity on August bank holiday Monday 31 from 10am-4pm.

Craftwork, gift stalls, children?s entertainment, games, live music and plenty of refreshments will be on offering with the chance to see the racing.

3. A Pirates Treasure Hunt will be held at at Blake House Craft Centre, Braintree, on Sunday. Children can follow the clues to find pirates treasure. Plus inflatable castles, stalls and lots more.

www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk

4. 4th Cider & Wine Festival will be held at Dedham Vale Vineyard, Green Lane, Boxted, this weekend.

£3 entry per person.

Ciders, local ales and English wine to sample in the winery with food stalls and live music throughout the day overlooking the lake. In the Tasting Barn we will be offering tutored wine tastings and the Vineyard Trail will be open to explore.

5. THE Foulness Island Bike Ride hosted by the Rotary Club of Thorpe Bay, takes place on Sunday.

Starting and finishing at Great Wakering Primary School, the charity bike ride offers a choice of distances, from 11 to 23 miles. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Organisers are also still looking for additional marshals for this event so contact them if you would like to be involved Entry fees are: Adults £12.50, Child £7.50, Family (2 adults and two children under 16) £32.50 Call 01702 525514 for more information.

Money raised will go to Southend Hospital.

6. REAL ale fans are preparing to raise a toast to Witham's fifth annual beer festival.

The event will be held at Witham Hockey Club and Witham Cricket Club in Maldon Road from August 27-29.

Drinkers will be offered a wider range of 48 real ales and 20 ciders as well as a selection of wines.

They will also be able to line their stomachs with a range of hot food including stone baked pizzas, burgers, sausages and chicken.

There will be daily cricket matches and live music each evening and all profits will go back into the clubs.

For more information visit withambeerfestival.co.uk.

7. The annual Thames Barge sailing match takes place this bank holiday weekend. The 52nd race starts at 11am on August 30 off Southend Pier.

Normal Pier admission applies or free upon purchase of a barge match programme. Also, there will be a Sailing Barge Exhibition in the Royal Pavilion, Southend Pier from August 29 to 31.

8. Colchester Free Festival is back. All day Saturday and Sunday at Castle Park in Colchester there will be the best of the most established performers alongside exciting up-and-coming acts from Colchester and surrounding area. 2015 is all about pushing young, up-and-coming, fresh and emerging talent to the forefront. For more details, and lineup, go to http://colchesterfreefestival.org.uk.

9. THE Knights of Middle England are back!

Jousting will provide the entertainment at Hedingham Castle in Castle Hedingham from August 30-31.

See bold and bright costumes accompanied by stunts such as saddle falls, drags and rearing horses.

Watch the evil Black Knight and his trusty fool cause havoc against the Earl of Warwick and his team of chivalrous Knights.

10. ‘Ello, ello, what’s going on here then?’ Detectives Plod and Clod need your help. Travel with them through over 500 years of history, as they attempt to track down the world’s first time travelling super criminal. Learn how to use the Norman stocks, stand trial in a medieval court and work with the ever evolving police force of the past.

Mountfitchet Castle is open everyday from Mid March to Mid November 10.00am to 5.00pm.

The tours will commence at approx 11am and 3pm. Normal admission fee applies, there is no extra charge for the special event.

Mountfitchet Castle, Stansted, until Sunday 30 Aug.