Southend-on-Sea is gearing up for an action-packed week of family-friendly fun this half term.
Headlined by the Springtime Festival at Southend Pier from Saturday 25 May to Sunday 2 June, this vibrant festival takes place daily from 11am to 5pm, offering a range of activities promising fun for all ages.
For just £5 per person, visitors can purchase a wristband offering unlimited access to an array of classic sideshow games such as Hook-a-Duck and Coconut Shy. Kids can bounce on the bungee trampolines or have fun driving the mini bumper cars. Wristbands are available for purchase on the day from any ticket desk (standard pier admission applies).
The bank holiday weekend brings added excitement with live music from the band Middle Ages Spread and DJ Greg Barker, along with face-painting and a diverse range of live entertainment, ensuring an unmissable event for the entire family.
Councillor Matt Dent, cabinet member for culture, tourism, and business, said: “There’s so much to see and do in the city of Southend this half term, including arts and culture, shopping, food and drink, walks and trails, and our award-winning beaches and parks.
“We are committed to attracting more visitors to Southend and offer real value to residents. The Springtime Festival at Southend Pier is just one of many exciting upcoming events we have planned for the pier this year. More exciting announcements to come!”
Romans: Settling in Southend exhibition, Southend Central Museum
The fun doesn’t stop at the pier. Explore the captivating ‘Romans: Settling in Southend’ exhibition at Southend Central Museum during the half term break. Curated by Southend Museums, this immersive showcase delves into the lives of individuals in Roman Britain, offering a unique perspective on the rich history of the region. Featuring a stunning collection of Roman artefacts from across South Essex, many on public display for the first time, this exhibition promises an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
Roman Day – Friday 31 May, Southend Museums
You can even get your hands on some Roman artefacts! Join Southend Museums this half term for Roman Day! Get hands on with history in an artefact’s handling session, discover the myths and legends written in the stars in a specially themed planetarium show, and explore the new ‘Romans’ exhibition with a family friendly activity trail. Book tickets here. Book tickets for Roman Day.
Creative open day – Saturday 1 June, Focal Point Gallery
Join us at Focal Point Gallery on Saturday 1 June, for our latest Creative Open Day, where we will explore the ideas and methods of art displayed in our current exhibition with artist Ojoma Idegwu.
Please book your 1-hour slot and note your start and end times.
Beecroft Art Gallery
Additionally, art enthusiasts can indulge in the latest exhibition, ‘Streetlarking & 23 Boxes,’ by Southend-based artist Simon Hollands at Beecraft Art Gallery.
Further information
For detailed listings and ideas of what to do this half term, visit www.visitsouthend.co.uk/school-holiday