What makes Southend-on-Sea special?

Southend is on an exciting journey of rediscovering the role of a seaside town for the 21st century. This journey brings with it the opportunity to introduce new sections of the community to the destination whilst retaining its traditional and authentic appeal. It is a journey that is not only relevant to Southend, Essex and the South of England, but also for seaside towns everywhere that need to redefine their relevance to the accessible culture of these isles.

Southend-on-Sea is a seaside with hidden depths and through regeneration projects including a new sea front experience alongside a burgeoning arts and cultural offer - it is no surprise that around 6 million people choose to visit Southend each year. The attraction of Southend is drawing from far and wide and with an airport, 9 railway stations, access by sea and two major roads, there are plenty of options to reach Southend

The offer is so much more than the built environment and although there is the longest pleasure pier in the world along with museums, galleries, amusements and nightlife to compete with the best in the country, the real distinction for Southend is its cultural and events programme that runs throughout the year. With a calendar of events that includes the largest free air show in Europe, Britain's largest free folk festival and the country's biggest Hindu Ganesh festival, the offer is clearly significant, broad and accessible.

In recent years the development of other events and festivals including a week long Film Festival and a Polish Arts festival to celebrate the links with Sopot, Southend's twin are helping to place Southend on the map to new audiences. This is part of the journey that continues and with your support can help us to become the capital of culture 2013.