Seafront city to celebrate third anniversary

A seafront city is preparing to be lit up by live performances during a day of celebration.

Southend City Day is planned for Saturday, three years to the date since the area was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

Being held for the first time, the all-day event is being headlined by actress and presenter Denise Van Outen.

But what is Southend City Day and how is it being marked?

There will be two stages offering live shows throughout the day - the Southend City Stage and the Southend City Songwriters Stage.

Community choirs, amateur dramatic groups and bands will perform on the city stage from 11:00 GMT to 17:50.

Basildon-born Van Outen will kick off the "Disco City" party from 18:05, with other DJs performing under a 2m (6.5ft) disco ball until 22:00.

Local songwriters have been booked to sing their original songs on the songwriters stage between 11:00 and 17:50.

More than 30 artists are also planning to transform the city centre when they paint street art throughout the day.

A live outdoor painting event, led by local artist Andy Downes, is also part of the schedule, and people with street-facing windows have been encouraged to decorate them for the day.

Throughout Saturday, performers will roam the High Street alongside food vendors, a brass band and various demonstrations.

Free activities, workshops and support from community and faith groups will be on offer at both the Victoria Centre and The Royals Shopping Centre.

BBC Essex will be broadcasting live from the event between 10:00 and 14:00.

Southend-on-Sea is instantly recognisable to many, largely thanks to its 1.34 mile-long (2km) pleasure pier - the world's longest.

Informally dubbed "London's beach" due to its proximity to the capital's East End, the Essex resort is popular with people looking to enjoy some sea air.

It became England's 52nd city when the King - then the Prince of Wales - delivered a letters patent from the Queen.

The bestowment of city status came after a lifetime of campaigning from Sir David Amess, a veteran Conservative and Southend West MP.

Sir David's greatest wish was awarded after he was murdered during a constituency surgery in October 2021.

His life will be commemorated as part of the celebrations on Saturday, including a show from the Music Man Project at 12:00.

Daniel Cowan, the Labour leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said the event was a chance to showcase everything great about the city.

"City Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the organisations, charities, and volunteers who do so much for Southend," he said.

Cowan said it was important to remember Sir David's contributions, adding many were still inspired by his "passion for our city".

He continued: "This day is a wonderful way to honour his legacy while showcasing everything that makes Southend special."

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