A COMMUNITY event will be returning to the Dengie this weekend.

St James Church, Dengie with Asheldham, has announced its second Ignite event which takes place over Saturday and Sunday.

The events held at the church in Keelings Road includes live music, children’s activities, talks and more.

A spokesman said: “Dengie is a small rural village and the church committee continue to seek ways to build the sense of community in their area.

“As part of a Joint Benefice of local villages, led by the Reverend Steven Poss, we are continually developing ways to unite communities and church together.

“Ignite was a new concept last year and St James is excited to develop it this year.

“The committee at St James looks forward to welcoming visitors old and new to this exciting annual event.”

On Saturday, the church will be open from 11.30am to 5pm.

There will be a range of talks and musical acts playing throughout the day and a small bazaar with stalls and information.

The music begins with Tiny Sing, a led sing-along for young children. There will be a space for children’s activities, including face painting and ‘Mini Messy Church’ craft activities based around the church calendar. All refreshments will be free, including a barbecue from noon to 4pm.

Inside the church, there will be displays including church records going back more than a century.

On Sunday, the church will be open from 11.30am to 1.30pm with light refreshments, displays and some stalls. The weekend will conclude with a special celebration service at 3pm which joins with churches across the nation in singing Thy Kingdom Come.