A PLANNED event that expected to draw 6,000 people to Grays Riverside park this weekend will not be happening - despite it being flagged up and advertised on digital platforms.

The event, 'Cancel Cancer Africa Festival 2021' does not appear to have official sanction from Thurrock Council or the volunteer organisation that runs the park and facilities - but was set take place at the park over Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

Organisers promoted it saying: "CCA Festival (CCAF) is a Music, Bodypainting and Fashion event, created to celebrate diversity and creativity. The festival celebrates our diversity and creativity. While raising Cancer awareness, building cohesion across cultures and identities, showcasing an ambitious, inclusive, and vibrant community."

The festival was supposed to be a paid for event and from online links you can get to a booking page - but it is now flagging up a similar event for 2022, though again it appears no official permission has been given for that event either.

A spokesperson for the Riverside Community Big Local organisation said: "There is no event, other than the usual facilities being open, at the park this weekend."