Bravissimo! Southend gets a taste of La Dolce Vita!

This hugely popular event, which runs from 10am till 4pm in Southend High Street and The Royals Shopping Centre, features fast cars, fast bikes, glorious music, wonderful food and succulent wines.  

To help set the tone for the fabulous festival, a lookalike and soundalike of the late legendary Italian tenor, Pavarotti will be in remarkably resonant voice at the top of Pier Hill.

There will be lashings of sumptuous Italian food and wine available to buy, and the best examples of Italian style and speed - Ducatis, Vespas and classic cars - will also be on show.  

Don't miss Gordini and his gondola as well as a Venetian lady on stilts in the Royals Shopping Centre - and a special guest appearance by former Big Brother contestant, Mario Mugan.  

Dawn Jeakings, who chairs Southend Town Centre Partnership and is Manager of The Royals Shopping Centre, said: "Shoppers will be able to browse at their leisure, and feel the wonderful experience of Italy.

"This is all part of our effort to make Southend as much fun as possible for our customers."  

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis said: "Southend Italian Festival really helps bring the feel and flavour of Italy here to Southend-on-Si!

"There will be lots on offer to appeal to all ages. The festival is a real treat for our residents and visitors, so we urge everyone to come along and join in the excitement."