Southend City Day returns this weekend for its second year, and I'm incredibly proud of how quickly this new tradition has grown.
City Day was created to bring our whole community together to celebrate who we are, what we've achieved, and where we're heading. It has already become one of the most significant moments in our civic calendar, capturing the pride, ambition and spirit of Southend-on-Sea.
City Day is about celebrating Southend together - our heritage, our progress and the pride we share in calling this city home.
This year's celebrations offer something for everyone, with events centred around the city centre and seafront, alongside dedicated community hubs in Leigh, Westcliff, Southchurch and Shoeburyness. Wherever you live in Southend, you'll find activities, performances or family-friendly experiences close by, reflecting a day designed for all ages and all neighbourhoods.
A major highlight of this year's programme is the opening of the new Museums Collections Centre at the Beecroft Art Gallery, bringing tens of thousands of historic objects into a publicly accessible space for the first time - from EKCO radios to Roman-era finds and items from the 17th century warship London.
Last year, I announced that we would make our museum collections more accessible, and this opening delivers exactly that. The free behind-the-scenes tours have already sold out, showing just how popular this new space is and how strongly residents value the chance to explore Southend's heritage up close.
City Day also reflects Southend's growing profile. Our city has been recognised as one of the best places for under 35s and even celebrated internationally for our iconic pier.
Last year's inaugural City Day saw thousands take part, demonstrating how strongly people stand up for Southend and take pride in shaping its future. And importantly, we remain committed to building a city that works for all ages - a city shaped together, where everyone feels proud to live, work and visit.
And, in the spirit of celebration, we will also be making a major announcement during the day - something we've been excited to share and kept under wraps especially for City Day. It will add an extra moment of excitement to a citywide celebration already full of energy and community pride.
City Day is our chance to come together and celebrate the best of Southend. This is our city. This is our day. And I couldn't be prouder of the people who make Southend-on-Sea such an exceptional place to call home.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council