A SAUSAGE and cider family-friendly festival is heading to south Essex.

The three-day event, scheduled for the May bank holiday weekend, will take place at Barleylands, Billericay, if the council gives it the go-ahead.

It will feature live music, from tribute bands and artists, as well as plenty of entertainment and shows for children, including the old favourite Punch and Judy.

Families can attend the event and camp for the weekend (Friday, April 29 until Sunday, May 1) at a price of about £35 per adult, £20 per child. The festival will cater for up to 5,000 people.

James Dean, the managing director of James Dean Events Ltd, based in Derbyshire, says his company want to provide good value family entertainment.

He said: “Other lager events don’t always look to cater for families and those with children, but we ensure that we tick all the boxes by providing something for every member of the family.

“It is something a bit different, beer festivals have been done before and it is convenient and both, sausages and cider, are easy to enjoy and consume without a lot of cutlery and fuss.

“We have held these festivals in Leicestershire, Manchester and Derbyshire. We meet with local producers who make both sausages and cider and the event is also about supporting local growers and farmers.”

The music and entertainment would stop about 10pm each night.

Kevin Blake, the councillor for Burstead and deputy leader of the council, is very keen it happens.

He said: “I think it will be brilliant, I like both cider and sausages and I know people who do and would like this. I would enjoy tasting all the different varieties of cider and sausages that would be on offer. I think it’s just such a good idea.”

Basildon Council is expected to make a decision next month .

The plan comes after the Echo revealed last month how the first major outdoor ukulele festival will be held at Barleylands this summer.

Uke Fest, featuring the internationally acclaimed Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain as headline act, takes place at Barleylands Farm on Saturday, July 23.