Set in the beautiful surroundings of Chalkwell Park, Southend on Sea, the Festival of Southend on Sea promises to be a mix of quality craft, food produce, food and drink exhibitors, a health, healing and well-being area, fun fair rides for the kids, live music and more.

Southend Carnival Events has organised the event in celebration of Southend being the UK’s ‘Alternative City of Culture’, and in commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of the Borough.

Open to all, the event promises to be a display of Southend-on-Sea’s finest: come and sample the exclusive food and drink on offer from local producers, peruse the many artisan craft stalls and join in the celebration of our superb music venues with live music on-site.

To celebrate Southend’s notable history, Southend Museums will be showcasing some of our most historic moments, right in the heart of the Festival.

What’s more, the dedicated ‘KidZone’ will feature numerous activities in which your children can partake. From fairground rides to DJing and water conservation training with ‘Mad Science’, there is something for everyone. Disney’s ‘Frozen’ characters will also be storytelling on-site for the younger ones, whilst Essex Wildlife Trust will be hosting ‘stingingly’ exciting, bee-related craft classes. 

Thames Delta also presents the main stage of live music showcasing quality bands and artists from Southend. Over the 3 days, a full programme of music entertainment will run from 11am til 7pm each day for the whole family to enjoy. Soslam, Peggy Sues music bar, Ten Green Bottles pub and the Railway Hotel in Southend have come together to support the festival and local musicians. A second acoustic stage will showcase Thames Estuary singer-songwriters with open mic slots available to the public. This is funded by Arts Council/Southend Council and Southend Carnival.

Free Music Workshops at The Festival of Southend On Sea by, Quest Music Services will run as part of a vibrant music area. It will be a chance for young people to enjoy and get involved in within a safe environment; learn to DJ, create a song, sing, perform or rap live at the festival. Free music workshops will be running from 11am till 6pm every day in the Kids Zone at the festival.