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Southend Blog
Welcome to the Visit Southend blog, your guide to making the most of the city by the sea. Here you’ll find the latest visitor updates, inspiration for planning your trip, and ideas to help you discover more of Southend throughout the year.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for more, you’ll find fresh inspiration, local tips and even more reasons to start organising your next seaside escape.


Global Street Art Icon Sofles Set to Transform Southend This Summer
Southend’s streets are set to become even more colourful this August as internationally renowned Australian street artist Sofles joins the line-up for the milestone fifth edition of Southend City Jam. What started as an ambitious celebration of street art has grown into one of Europe’s most exciting urban art festivals, attracting world-class artists and visitors from across the UK and beyond. This year, the festival reaches a major milestone with the announcement of Sofles a
7 hours ago2 min read


Hop Aboard Southend’s Open Top Bus
What better way to enjoy a day at the seaside than with a ride on one of Southend-on-Sea’s famous open top buses? There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about an open top bus ride by the coast. Feel the sea breeze in your hair, soak up spectacular views across the Thames Estuary and watch Southend’s vibrant seafront come to life as you travel along the shoreline. Perfect for a Summer Day Out The route takes in some of the best-loved sights along Southend’s coastline. Start y
12 hours ago2 min read


Halloween - We want you!
It's never too early to start thinking about your Halloween costume! The Southend Halloween parade is back for the sixth year and for the first time is happening on Halloween night! The seafront will transform into a spectacular celebration of creativity, community, and all things spooky. This year we’re looking for even more of the community to join the magic! Over the past five years, the Southend Halloween Parade has grown into one of the city’s most vibrant community even
1 day ago2 min read


A Summer Date Day by the Sea
There’s something about summer by the sea that makes an ordinary day feel like more. A bit more relaxed. A bit more romantic. A bit more fun! In Southend, you can put together a date day that feels easy and spontaneous, with loads of ways to shape it around your mood. Think coffee by the coast, a stroll along the seafront, lazy time on the beach, lunch with a view, and cocktails as the sun starts to dip. Whether you’re planning a first date, celebrating something, or just ma
Jun 44 min read


Classic Cars are back for summer 2026
A much-loved Southend favourite is set to return this summer as Classic Cars on the Beach heads back to City Beach for 2026, bringing vintage style, heritage motors and plenty of seaside nostalgia to the seafront. Hosted by Southend-on-Sea City Council in partnership with the Southend and District Classic Car Club, the event will once again line City Beach with an impressive display of classic vehicles, all more than 25 years old, for visitors and residents to enjoy. From bea
May 192 min read


Southend's set for an egg-citing Easter!
Southend is getting ready for a busy Easter bank holiday weekend, with families and visitors heading to the city to make the most of its beaches, attractions and great outdoor spaces. With plenty happening across the long weekend and beyond, Southend is the perfect place to enjoy an Easter day out or short break by the sea. Whether you’re planning family fun, fresh-air adventures or something a little different, there’s lots to discover. This Easter, visitors can also explore
Apr 22 min read


Christmas in Southend
Southend-on-Sea is set to sparkle this festive season with a fantastic line-up of activities and events for residents and visitors alike.
Dec 12, 20252 min read
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