IT'S the end of a long week and we're all looking forward to the weekend. So we've put together a list of ten things to do in Essex this weekend.

If you have any other suggestions, please comment below.

1. Farmers' Market

A Farmers' Market will be held this Saturday in Leigh. Leigh Community Centre in Elm Road will be open for people to browse fresh produce from 9am until midday. 

2. St George's Day parade

Southend will see a St George's Day parade through the town centre this Sunday. The Parade will form up outside the Naval & Military Club in Royal Terrace and march to St. John's Church for a service commencing at 11.30 am. ollowing the Service, the Deputy Mayor will take the march past at the junction of Royal Terrace and the High Street and the Naval & Military Club will be open for refreshments. A road closure will be in place from approximately 10.50 am. Therefore there will be no access to The Royals car park after that time; however, Seaway car park will be accessible.

3. Naze Guided Walk

Meet by the Naze cafe, The Naze, Old Hall Lane, Walton-on-the-Naze, on Saturday at 10am for the two hour guided walk. Naze Education Ranger Ben Eagle for a guided walk of the Naze, exploring the geology, 50 million year history and wildlife of the peninsula. The walk will be about two hours in duration and is about two miles in distance. Please wear suitable footwear.

4. 3 Churches Challenge

Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre, Colchester, will hold a day of birdwatching this Saturday from 10am until 4pm. People will visit the churches at Layer de la Haye, Abberton and Great Wigborough to view across the reservoir and see what birds we can find (plus Little Wigborough as well if time alllows). Spring migrants should be arriving, so who knows what we’ll find. Bring binoculars and a packed lunch. Numbers are limited; and booking is essential.

5. Thames Sailing Barge Open Days 

See the historic Thames Sailing Barges up close this Sunday from 11am until 5pm at Maldon. Find out about historic sailing barges Centaur and Pudge and step aboard to see how they were built and operated at Maldon Quay. Admission is by donation. Refreshments available.

6. Coffee morning 

Farleigh Hospice’s Springfield Support Group are holding a Coffee Morning on Saturday at St Augustine’s Church Hall, Beardsley Drive, off New Bowers Way, Springfield  from 10am to 11.30am. It costs Price: £1.50 which includes coffee and a scone. There will be a raffle and stalls.

7. Countryside cycle ride

Join Cyclists' Touring Club cycling group for a leisurely ride from Wickford's Market Café in Woodlands Road to a cafe for 'elevensies'. The group then usually go onto a countryside pub for lunch before heading home, usually stopping off at a tearoom en route. For more information call John Steer on 01702 529638 or email segssec@btinternet.com.

8. Maldon Mud Race

Fundraisers will be getting muddy for money this weekend as people take to the river for the mud race on Sunday. There will be a duck race at 12.30pm before the main race at 1pm which lasts around an hour. 

9. Model Yacht Race

Model yachts will take to the water at Coalhouse Fort, Princess Margaret Road in East Tilbury, Thurrock this Sunday. Coalhouse Fort Model Boat Club meet from 10am until 3pm every Sunday and Wednesday. Annual membership costs £15. For more information email noggin-1756@tiscali.co.uk or call 07443 930856.

10. Visit the Vulcan at Southend Airport 

XL426, the Vulcan at London Southend Airport, will be opening its doors again soon after its winter refurbishment to greet her fans of all ages! The Spring cleaning is complete and the aircraft is resplendent in a new coat of paint. It runs from 10am until 4pm on Sunday and costs £3.50 for over 16s. Cockpit visits are subject to availability at an additional cost of £3 per person regardless of age. Vulcan Restoration Trust members are admitted free and you can join VRT on the day too.