Brightlingsea has a long history, especially with the sea. Some of this history is kept alive by the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea. This is an ancient alliance from the 11th century. For more information, please see the Liberty on the Links page.
We have always been a fishing port, although now sadly much reduced with only a small number of active boats using our harbour. Recreational sailing has taken its place with both a Sailing Club and Yacht Club. The harbour is always busy with both commercial shipping at the wharf as well as moorings and a marina for private boats and visitors.
Brightlingsea stands at the end of a single road making it feel like an island at times (which at some time in recent history it was). This means that we have no through traffic and that we have all our needs within the town, leading to a culture of self sufficiency. Having the waterfront with a small beach and beach huts we do get local visitors on nice warm days, some staying the weekend or longer in the camp site. For more information, please click on the links on the welcome page.

As well as u3a there are many other active organisations in the town. They organise events throughout the year some of which are long standing traditions such as the Carnival every year and the Town show, There is a free 2 day music festival, regatta days by both the Sailing Club and Yacht Club and special events over the year including the Blessing of the Waters and a Late Night Shopping event at Christmas. Our theatre groups and choirs organise many performances throughout the year.

A major annual event is the barge and smack race which takes place in September with boats racing from the mouth of the river Colne to Clacton and back (wind permitting). Some photos from this year can be seen below.