The August Bank Holiday is a great time to enjoy what Southend-on-Sea has to offer.
From our famous seafront to quieter green spaces, from live music to family activities, there's plenty happening across the city this weekend, and much of it is free.
This weekend's four highlights include:
1. On the Decks - Southend Pier's new open-air area at the Pier Head. Enjoy live DJs every weekend (1pm to 7.30pm), a cocktail hut (open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm to 7pm), colourful beach huts and estuary views. The last train from the pier head is 7.45pm.
2. Old Leigh Artists’ Market (25 August) - browse handmade pieces and artwork in the characterful setting of Old Leigh's cobbled streets.
3. Waddle-On-Sea (until 3 September) - there's still time to follow the penguin trail across the city and enjoy a free, family-friendly wander.
4. Music in the Park (23 to 25 August) - head to Priory Park bandstand (3pm to 4.30pm) for live performances by local musicians. Bring a blanket or chair and settle in for the afternoon.
If you'd prefer something slower paced, why not take a walk along the worlds longest pleasure pier, explore Two Tree Island for crabbing and bird-spotting, or simply relax in one of our parks and gardens with a picnic.
And the summer fun isn’t over yet…
Next weekend, City Jam (29 to 31 August) returns – the UK’s largest free street art festival, with more than 200 artists transforming the city centre, seafront and pier into a giant open-air gallery.
So whether you’re enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend or looking forward to City Jam, there’s plenty to make the most of the summer here in Southend-on-Sea.
For the full guide to what’s on this Bank Holiday and beyond, head on over to Visit Southend.