See what’s here – on the Pier!
Published Friday 27th July 12 in Council - news and information releases news
Southend’s world famous Pier is hosting a wealth of exciting attractions for all the family throughout the summer.
This weekend visitors to the borough’s much-loved landmark can revel in swinging lunchtime jazz on the Pier walkway.
Paul Sealey and his Quartet will be playing to visitors from 1pm until 3.30pm on Saturday and Sunday (28th and 29th July).
Meanwhile at 7pm on Saturday Tina May and Digby Fairweather are among a talented line-up of musicians starring in ‘Nocturnes and Seascapes' at the Pier’s new Cultural Centre.
The following weekend the Pier hosts its 24th annual Puppet Festival from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th August from 11am until 5pm each day.
Punch and Judy, marionettes and glove puppets will put on a show for kids and adults who want to re-live their childhood alike.
The event is part of the national celebration of Mr Punch’s 350th Birthday supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. More details can be found at www.thebiggrin350.com
Arguably the most famous traditional puppets in the Western World, the Punch and Judy Show is synonymous with British seaside holidays of yesteryear.
Punch and Judy have come a long way since an Italian puppet called Pulcinella was first recorded in the 1662 diary of Samuel Pepys after a Covent Garden show.
Six Puppeteers from across the South of England will bring their personal interpretation of the Punch story and exciting marionettes.
At the Pier entrance a keyless Dean organ will re-create the showground atmosphere and at the new Pier Cultural Centre there will be a Big Grin exhibition illustrating the history of Punch, puppets and Punch memorabilia.
More details are available from Punch history expert Professor Chris Gasper at chris@cgasper.freeserve.co.uk or by phoning 01702-612783. Chris has also been involved with the Southend Puppet Festival since its inception.
Bring the family and walk or take the train to the end of the Pier to make a day of it. You can bring a picnic or eat in the new Cultural Centre Café.
Then stand by for the Southend Pier Festival, a unique two-day musical extravaganza on Saturday 11th August and Sunday 12th August.
This event will feature more than 50 bands who will perform at the Pier Head. This event is sponsored by Olympus Key Med, the Mosaic Studio and Brown & Carroll.
Launching a music festival on Southend’s landmark Pier was the brainchild of Fi Jacobs & Dave Dulake of The Railway Hotel.
Managed and financed by a small group of local music lovers, the festival will showcase dozens of bands, musicians and artists playing Indie & blues, Rock, Garage, Folk & Americana.
From Wednesday 15th August to Tuesday 21st August a special exhibition called ‘What The Artists Saw… at The Seaside’ will be on display at the new Cultural Centre.
It offers images of Southend from four different artists - Simon Fowler, Christopher Green, Jonathan Trim and Simon Poulter.
They give diverse perspectives which aim to challenge pre-conceptions of the town, letting visitors see Southend through their eyes via photography, drawing and painting.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis, said: “Southend Pier is an internationally recognised and iconic attraction in its own right and we are delighted this year that it is also offering such a wide choice of different kinds of entertainment and activities.
“Our new Cultural Centre has opened up even more exciting possibilities so we would encourage everyone to come along and enjoy some of the fun, art and music.”
Pier Admission Charges; Walking - £2 Adult; £1 Child/Concession. Walk & Ride - £3.10 Adult, £1.80 Child/Concession, £8 Family (two adults & up to three children). Train Return £3.60 Adult, £1.80 Child/Concession, £9.30 Family (two adults & up to three children).