Southend-on-Sea bids to become the first UK City of Culture 2013

You can find out details about our bid here, and show your support.

Our bid will showcase some of the diverse cultural talent which Southend has, some of its most iconic venues, and some of its brightest stars.

Find out what's going on in the borough and beyond - in our museums and galleries, in our theatres, parks and open spaces, on our famous Southend Pier, our beaches and foreshore, in local communities infact anywhere in Southend.

There is a team dedicated to writing the bidding documents, to persuade the judges that Southend is indeed "The Town the Shore and so much More". So tell us what you think, sign up and back the bid now.

What is the UK City of Culture competition?

On 14 July, Culture Secretary, Ben Bradshaw launched a UK-wide competition to host the first UK City of Culture which will take place in 2013. The competition aims to build on the success of Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture 2008, which had significant social and economic benefits for the area. The winning city will be one that is able to deliver a substantial programme of cultural activity which leads to extensive and positive change in their area, and a lasting legacy.

The inaugural winner will become the focus for national attention and could host high profile events such as The Turner Prize or The Brits.

More information on the UK City of Culture competition is available on the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) website here.

Latest News

The competition to become the UK's first City of Culture in 2013 has entered its next phase with 14 cities submitting their initial proposal to be considered for the UK City of Culture.

From the original 22 cities which expressed interest in October, just 14 have taken the next step in the process. These contenders are:-
Barnsley, Birmingham, Carlisle, Chichester, Cornwall, Derry, Durham, Hull and East Yorkshire, Ipswich and the Haven Gateway, Norwich, Portsmouth and Southampton, Sheffield, Southend, Swansea.

Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said:-

"Culture changes people's lives, and has the power to transform cities and economies. This was brilliantly demonstrated by Liverpool last year. Becoming City of Culture will help bring people together, both locally and from all over the country, to share experiences of something challenging, enlightening - and sometimes just good fun. These 14 bidding areas now have a wonderful opportunity to bring culture into the heart - and to the forefront - of their communities and the country as a whole, pulling in investment and boosting tourism. "We now have a really strong field, and I wish them all the very best of luck."

A shortlist of 4/5 cities will then be drawn up in February and those chosen will have until 28 May 2010 to submit a full and final bid. The winning city or place will be announced in the Summer.

Bright Ideas

Cultural Highlight

Summer Days
Sat 24th & Sun 25th July
Priory Park
A weekend of sport, art, music, dance for all the family to celebrate the two year countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Find out more

Sports

Southend's Legacy
A variety of sporting events take place throughout the year, supported by Southend-on-Sea's legacy of 2012 where Hadleigh Country Park will play host to the Olympic Mountain Biking event.

Browse events

Upcoming Shows

At the Theatre...
With a packed entertainment schedule throughout the year the Cliffs Pavilion and the Palace Theatre cater for all tastes, from intimate plays and stand-up comedy through to large-scale touring productions.

Browse shows

Urban Games

Sat 14th Aug
This annual event will see world class performers drumming up the crowd and then you will have the opportunity to try the activities with local sports clubs.

More details

Festivals

A Feast of Festivals
A feast of fun is being served up this Summer with a packed programme of family-orientated events taking place across tow - there really is something for everyone's tastes.

All Festivals

Open Spaces

Southend's Historic Cliff Lift has recently reopened and retains many of it's original features from 1912. The iconic railway is an enjoyable way to travel between the Seafront and Clifftown area with stunning views.