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. SOME of Essex's finest foilage will be on show at a garden show.

From May 2 to May 4, florists will take over Garon Park Leisure Centre in Southend, from 10am to 5pm on each day.

Green fingered enthusiasts will be treated to talks and demonstrations by gardening experts, while plants and flowers will be available to purchase at the show.

2. A SEAFRONT pub will host a four-day ale festival over the May Bank Holiday.

The Lobster Smack, in Haven Road, Canvey, will host a cask ale festival from Friday to Monday.

The pub will offer 13 ales, including tipples from the Brentwood Brewery and other local companies.

Singer Big Baz will perform from 8pm on Friday and Chris Daley will sing Britpop tunes from 4pm on Sunday.

The festival will run from 12pm to 11pm over the four days.

3. CRAFTSMEN and artists will display their work at a fair.

The Guild of Essex Craftsmen will hold a fair at Cromwell Manor, in Pitsea Hall Lane, Pitsea, on Sunday, May 3, and Monday, May 4.

Some members will demonstrate their crafts at the fair, which will run from 10am to 5pm each day.

Free tea and coffee will be available and food will be available to buy.

Entrance is free for children and £3 for adults.

For details email enquiries@aniaoriginals.co.uk.

4. This bank holiday weekend, Barleylands Farm Park is bursting with animal antics! Cheer on your favourite brightly coloured ‘woolly jumper’ in the Lamb National, watch ‘Billy the Kid’ and friends compete in the new hilarious Hilly Billy Goat Races!

Plus there’ll be shearing demonstrations, goat grooming, lamb bottle feeding, birds of prey displays, interactive reptile sessions and more.

5. VILLAGERS in St Lawrence and Bradwell will be displaying their scarecrows on May 3 and 4 as part of their scarecrow festival.

If you pop into St Thomas Church, High Street, they can give you a map of where all the scarecrows are dotted about. 

There should also be scarecrows displayed at the church. 

6. A WALLASEA wander will take place this weekend at Wallasea Island, Burnham on Crouch.

Walkers are asked to meet at 9.30am on Saturday at RSPB car park, Wallasea Island. Booking is essential and it costs £3. For more info, or to book, email southessex@rspb.org.uk or call 01268 498620.

7. SOUTHEND Inshore Lifeboat Station will be open to the public on Sunday the 3 May 2015, from 11am to 3pm. 

There will be a Lifeboat and Hovercraft launch and operational demonstration at 1pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to speak to volunteer crew members and to watch videos of RNLI Lifeboats in rescue action.

There will also be something for the kids, as well as the opportunity to get up close and personal with lifesaving equipment. 

8. Visit Colchester's ONLY indoor market and cafe, based in Colchester's oldest building - Holy Trinity Church.

A home cooking cafe and an indoor market, selling art, craft, vintage, antiques, books, fashion and world goods. 

It is open 9.30am until 4pm on Saturday. 

9. Weald Country Show & The Festivals of  Dogs 3rd & 4th May At Weald Country Park, Weald Road, South Weald, Brentwood.

www.wealdcountryshow.co.uk.

10. Bluebell Trail and Cream Tea Experience at High Woods Country Park, Turner Road, Colchester, this Sunday. 

Follow the marked trail through the woods to our beautiful bluebell hot spots. Trail is about 2 miles over uneven ground. Enjoy a lovely cream tea afterwards. No need to book. Drop in anytime between 11am-3pm. £5 per adult, £3 per child.