The Bandstand in Priory Park will once again be alive with the sound of music from mid-April through to the end of September, as the much-loved Music in the Park series returns for Summer 2026.
The series begins on Saturday 11 April and runs through to 27 September. Across weekends and bank holidays, visitors can enjoy a wide range of performances on the iconic Bandstand, from brass and jazz bands to folk groups, choirs, duos, and singers/songwriters.
Some of the groups performing this year include The Long Run, Variety Jazz Band, Jackie Wilson Says, Southend Band, Tilbury Brass Band, and the Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir.
Aida Esposito, Director of Culture and Tourism, said: "Music in the Park is one of our longest-standing community traditions, bringing people of all ages together to enjoy our beautiful Priory Park. We're delighted to welcome such a fantastic line‑up of performers again this year, and I encourage residents to come along, relax, and enjoy these free weekend concerts."
This project not only brings music into the park but also reflects the city's vibrant and enduring musical heritage. By connecting this initiative to the broader music-making culture that thrives throughout the city, it becomes part of a wider ecosystem that celebrates creativity and community. It offers residents and visitors yet another accessible way to engage with music; one that highlights both the richness of local practice and the city's commitment to making musical experiences available to all.
Live performances take place from 3pm to 4:30pm, and all events are free to attend. For your comfort, visitors are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an afternoon of music in one of the city's most historic green spaces.
Full details of the programme, supported by BTMK Solicitors, can be found on the council's Music in the Park page.