LIVE music, a free barbecue, drumming, a historical collection, and community spirit made sure the launch event of a new community hub in Harwich was a success.

The launch event, which took place on Saturday (August 31) at Stour Road, saw a few hundred residents attend, with people receiving tokens after they visited each stall so they could enjoy the free food.

The Oddfellows charity fundraisers gave a £500 cheque to Harwich Space, which will join the existing Ukraine Support Projects and Food For Thought community kitchen already based in the Stour Road site. 

Donation - Diana Randell from the Oddfellows and Tony Elliston Donation - Diana Randell from the Oddfellows and Tony Elliston (Image: Newsquest)

Tony Elliston, chair of the Harwich Cultural and Community Projects, said: "It's a very generous donation from Oddfellows and Diana is brandishing the latest contributions of baby goods.

"We have sealed and delivered about five hundred carrier cots to the Ukraine to support new mums. Again the Oddfellows and other knitting groups have provided a lot of goods in the carrier cots, so thank you very much."

Hit - The BBQ was very popularHit - The BBQ was very popular (Image: Newsquest)

The barbecue was provided by Harwich's Food For Thought community kitchen with Harwich charity HIVE covering the event's cost for them.

The Mute Swans - a steampunk and pirate-themed band featuring banjos and a ukulele, concertina and whistle - performed, as well as Ben Cushway on the guitar.