The Ongar Festival takes place on May 6

Close to 200 years since the original festival closed down over concerns it was becoming too rowdy and alcohol centric, the town will be putting on a day of activities in what could become an annual event.

Chairman of Epping Forest District Council David Stallan will open proceedings at 9.45am in the car park opposite the library.

In honour of Ongar's twin town Cerizay, the day's French theme will include a pétanque tournament contested by more than 100 players.

Organiser and former pre-school head Carolyn Innocent, who has been playing pétanque for 14 years, said: "At first we thought we'd organise a tournament, and then we thought why not do it for the whole community?

"The high street will have a best dressed competition for the shops and a treasure hunt.

"There will also be entertainment in the hall.

"The first festival was in the 1800s, but the town decided they shouldn't run them anymore because they got out of hand.

"This will be a major family event for the first time."

Several pubs will special French menus for the day, with a barbecue and champaign tent outside.

The event is hosted by the Ongar Twinning Association and its main sponsor is Montague Lettings and Sales-Estate Agents based in Ongar.