There will be excellent photo moments throughout the day, including performances, family activities and key city landmarks.
Whether you live Southend, visit us for summer seaside magic, or are simply curious about the place everyone's talking about, you are invited to Southend City Day on Saturday, 7 March 2026, marking the anniversary of our city status granted in 2022.
From Leigh-on-Sea to Shoeburyness, as well as along the iconic Southend High Street, the celebrations will stretch right across our city and honour Southend's unique heritage and cultural diversity, with dozens of events, performances, installations, workshops, activities, exhibitions and surprises on the itinerary.
All ages welcome. All neighbourhoods included.
Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, said: "Southend City Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that makes our city unique, and at the heart of that is our people. More exciting City Day announcements are coming soon about events across the city, not just in the city centre, so, keep your eyes peeled for a fresh twist on some familiar lights and illuminations."
Ready for a sneak peek? Here are just some of the major highlights to look forward to throughout the day.
1. Knight Rider's iconic car KITT (Southend High Street)
Put yourself in Super Pursuit Mode and come say hello to KITT, David Hasselhoff's famous car from the hit show Knight Rider; you never know, it might just say 'hello' back!
2. Southend City Stage live performances (top of the High Street)
Incredible, vibrant performances from local dancers, majorettes, choirs, youth music groups and live bands will take centre stage all day. Presented by your favourite Radio Essex hosts Ross, John and Lauren, complete with the giant inflatable Southend selfie sign so you can capture the moment! The action starts from 11am.
3. Disco City's light installations (Royal Square/Pier Piazza)
As evening falls, Royal Square and Pier Piazza will transform (from 6pm) into a dazzling musical and luminous wonderland that even Alice (in Wonderland) would be envious of. Expect to feast your eyes and ears on:
- 6pm to 10:30pm Disco City with epic shiny mirrorball installations, Stunning Scribble Trees and cool light benches
- 5pm to 10:30pm The Royal Hotel (Pop-Up) Bar
- 6pm to 8pm Fab music byDJ Greg Barker
- 8pm 'What Southend Means to Me' by Sonny Green
- followed by DJ Daryl Easlea's The Record Department
4. Classic Cars on the Beach (City Beach)
Selfie hunters, assemble! Feel nostalgic as City Beach transforms into a stunning openair showcase of retro brilliance, featuring an extraordinary lineup of classic cars over 25 years old. Expect polished chrome, vintage engines, and head turning designs from 11am to 4:30pm.
While you're there, enjoy the full experience with amusements, refreshments and a great choice of nearby eateries.
Make the most of your visit by taking a stroll to the Pier Museum, which will be open with free entry. You can also join a guided walking tour on the history of the London Shipwreck, just be sure to book tickets in advance on the Visit Southend website.
5. City Jam Walk-Up Workshop (Under the railway bridge, Southend High Street)
Grab a spray can (safely!) and get creative by joining the Southend City Jam artists in this family friendly street art workshop (from 11am to 5pm), where everyone is welcome to drop in, learn, and help create a brand-new piece of art.
6. Creative family activities (The Royals/Victoria Centre)
Get ready because both The Royals and The Victoria Centre will be absolutely buzzing with nonstop, family friendly fun from 11am to 4:30pm. Expect a joyful chaos of:
- live performances
- magical face painting
- pig races (yes, you read that right)
- acting workshops for aspiring drama kings/queens
- crafts and gardening to get creative hands messy
7. Live portrait competition (The Royals)
You might just meet the next Picasso here! Watch secondary school students compete for an incredible £300 prize each by painting portraits of a live model. Multiple sessions will be held, so you'll get the chance to see many talented brushes in action.
Keen to compete? You have until 27 February to enter. Full details and how to enter can be found on our City Day young artists competition news item.
8. Citywide celebration hubs (four locations, endless fun)
Across Leigh, Westcliff, Southchurch and Shoeburyness, you'll find dozens of community powered activities. A few handpicked tasters:
Shoeburyness at the Cart and Wagon Shed (11am to 3pm)
- art and planting competitions
- family activities and entertainment
- walking tours
- local services showcase
Westcliff at the Havens Hub
- live music
- art for all ages
- intergenerational projects
- photo exhibition
- a professional recording booth capturing real stories and memories of Westcliff and Southend
Leigh-on-Sea at the Leigh Community Centre
- family friendly Silent Disco (1pm to 4pm)
- inclusive interactive story time
- talks on the history of Leigh and its fishing heritage
Southchurch celebrating Happy Holi Festival
Expect colour, joy and community celebration of the Hindu festival that celebrates spring, love, and new life.
We're only scratching the surface! Visit Southend will be revealing even more activities and surprises in the run‑up to the day, so keep your eyes peeled on the Visit Southend website and social channels.
This is your Southend, let's celebrate it together.