🗓️ Wednesday 5 March 2025
Southend-on-Sea City Council extends its gratitude to the organisations, charities, businesses, community groups, and volunteers who contributed to making Southend City Day such a huge success.
Thousands of visitors gathered in the city centre to enjoy a wide array of activities spanning the High Street, The Victoria and The Royals shopping centres, and the City Jam Zone in The Deeping.
🎶 Live Performances & Entertainment
The Southend City Stage and Southend City Songwriters Stage were buzzing with live music throughout the day, while families enjoyed interactive activities and a variety of food stalls. A major highlight of the event was a DJ set by Essex’s own stage and screen star, Denise Van Outen, performed under the city’s iconic giant mirror ball.
🏛️ Southend Museums Welcome Nearly 1,000 Visitors
Cultural attractions were a huge draw, with Southend Museums welcoming almost 1,000 visitors across:
- Southchurch Hall
- Prittlewell Priory
- Southend Central Museum and Planetarium
- Beecroft Art Gallery
Guests enjoyed guided tours, interactive sessions, and conservation workshops, while a special public display of the Letters Patent (the official document granting Southend city status) added to the historical significance of the event.
🌿 Community & Wellbeing
The Southend Museums’ wellbeing garden, recently restored by volunteers, was a popular spot. Following its success, a new volunteer group has been formed to maintain the space for future visitors.
🕊️ A Moment of Remembrance for Sir David Amess
A poignant moment of remembrance was held for the late Sir David Amess, with new photo boards unveiled at Chalkwell Lifeguards in his honour. The event was attended by local councillors, MPs, and community members.
🗣️ Council Leaders Share Their Appreciation
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, expressed his gratitude:
“Southend City Day was a fantastic way to celebrate our city, and it was brilliant to see so many people enjoying everything on offer. We’re grateful to all the organisations, volunteers, and performers who helped make it happen, and to our community safety partnership for ensuring a safe and enjoyable day for all.”
Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Business, added:
“It was great to see so many people out enjoying the day. A huge thank you to everyone who took part and helped put on such a fantastic event. Thankfully, the sun was shining, which definitely brought even more visitors to Southend.”