All ears on the Pier this Saturday!

This new venture, featuring an eclectic mix of bands and solo artistes, has been arranged in conjunction with local music venue, the Railway Hotel, in Clifftown Road, Southend.  

It is spearheaded by Fiona Jacobs and Dave Dulake from the Railway Hotel who were inspired to suggest the event, following a walk along the Pier themselves.  

Fiona said: "We thought it would be a very good idea to have something like this at the end of the world's longest pleasure Pier. Leigh has its own folk festival, so why not Southend too! We already organise musicians and music events regularly at the Railway, so we contacted the Council to see if we could do something similar on the Pier."  

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis said: "This is a terrific idea, and we hope that if it proves successful, it could become an annual event.  

"Well done to Fiona and Dave for not only coming up with this festival plan, but also organising it too - and huge thanks in advance to all the musicians who have so willingly agreed to take part.

 "It promises to be very exciting afternoon indeed, and - apart from the usual Pier admission prices - is free of charge

"We hope as many people as possible will come along to enjoy excellent live music performed by vibrant local artistes. 

"There will be two stages - acoustic and electric, as well as a busking area, and there will also be vegetarian food on sale."  

Those performing include: Phil Burdett, D66(Dag), Mark Wynn, Sophie Burrows, Owen Williams, Phillious Williams, Wendy Solomon, Seasiders, Skinny Love, ArtGruppe, Toby Sligo, Darren Jones, Melanie Jacobs, Son of Buff, J. D. Smith, Tuppenny Bunters, Wobbly Lamps, Tim Sully and Tom Burgess.