Southend is gearing up for a spectacular start to the festive season on Saturday 14 November with a whole day of Christmas celebrations, including the return of Southend Pier's festoon lighting.
For the first time in over 20 years, the world's longest pleasure pier will once again be adorned with over a mile of twinkling festoon lights, creating a magical ribbon of light stretching out across the Thames Estuary.
The official Southend Pier Switch On will take place at 5:00pm, marking an exciting moment in the Pier's history and giving visitors a rare opportunity to experience this much-loved Southend landmark illuminated against the night sky.
There is plenty more to enjoy throughout the evening too. At the Pier Head, the popular “On the Decks” area has been given a glow-up, complete with colourful neon lighting, fabulous light benches, music and entertainment. Visitors can relax, enjoy the atmosphere and take in the stunning views across the estuary, while the Royal Pavilion will be serving a selection of food, drinks and cocktails throughout the evening.
The celebrations will culminate in the final seafront fireworks display of the season at 7.30pm, with the Pier offering one of the most spectacular vantage points to watch the sky explode with colour over the Thames Estuary.
A whole day of festive celebrations
The Pier festivities form part of a much bigger day of Christmas celebrations across Southend.
Organised by Southend City BID, Christmas in the City will bring festive cheer to the High Street with an artisan Christmas market, live music, performances, roaming entertainment and family-friendly activities throughout the day. The main city centre Christmas Lights Switch On will take place at 6pm in Victoria Circus, before the celebrations conclude with the spectacular seafront fireworks display at 7.30pm.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, said: “We promised we would return festoon lighting to the pier, and that is precisely what we have done. We are committed to the regeneration of Southend and bringing some sparkle back to the pier is just the start.”
Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, said:
"The return of festoon lighting to Southend Pier after more than 20 years is a really special occasion for our city. We've got a fantastic evening planned, with music, entertainment, food and drink, and some brilliant new lighting features at the Pier Head. With the fireworks rounding off the evening, it's a great opportunity for families and visitors to experience the Pier in a completely different way. Combined with all the fantastic Christmas celebrations taking place in the city centre, it's shaping up to be a truly magical day in Southend, and we hope everyone will come along and join in the festivities."
Enjoy the magic for less
Southend Pier will be open from 10.15am until 8pm on Saturday 14 November, allowing visitors to enjoy the Pier throughout the day before experiencing its spectacular transformation after dark.
With walking admission costing just £3.10 for adults and £2.10 for children and concessions, it's an affordable way to celebrate the start of the festive season and enjoy one of Southend's most memorable evenings of the year.
For further information about the Pier event, visit Southend Pier Switch On.
For details of the wider Christmas celebrations across Southend, visit www.visitsouthend.co.uk.