Southend City Jam: Make a Weekend of It
Southend City Jam returns from 28 to 30 August, bringing an explosion of colour, creativity and culture to the city centre and seafront. During the free three-day festival, visitors can watch artists from across the UK and around the world create incredible murals live, transforming Southend into a giant open-air gallery.
Wander through the city centre, chat to artists, watch murals evolve throughout the day and explore the growing collection of street art that has helped shape Southend's creative identity.
Don't forget to take a few detours while you're exploring. Some of the best discoveries happen when you venture away from the main festival route and uncover artwork tucked away in unexpected corners of the city. While the artwork is undoubtedly the star of the show, Southend City Jam is also the perfect excuse to discover everything else Southend has to offer. If you're planning a visit, here are a few ways to make the most of your time in the city.
After a morning of mural spotting, it's time for a well-earned break.
Southend's food scene has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quick coffee and pastry, a relaxed lunch with sea views, traditional fish and chips, or a memorable evening meal. The city is home to a wide range of cafés, pubs, restaurants and independent eateries, making it easy to turn your festival visit into a full day out.
If the weather is kind, grab a table outside and soak up the atmosphere as the city buzzes with festival energy.
Once you've explored the artwork in the city centre, make your way towards the seafront.
Southend's coastline provides the perfect contrast to the vibrant urban art. Spend some time enjoying the beach, taking in the sea air or simply slowing the pace after a busy day exploring the festival. Southend's waterfront is one of the city's biggest attractions.
It's also a great chance to see how the festival extends beyond the High Street, with artwork appearing across the seafront.
If you're making the journey to Southend, why stop at the festival?
The city offers plenty of attractions to fill a weekend, from parks and gardens to museums, walking trails and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can combine a day of culture with classic seaside fun, making Southend an ideal destination for couples, families and groups of friends alike.
Southend City Jam may be the reason you visit, but chances are you'll leave with a much bigger appreciation for the city itself.
With so much happening across the festival weekend, staying overnight is a great way to experience more of Southend without trying to squeeze everything into a single day.
From seafront hotels with coastal views to cosy guesthouses and self-catering accommodation, there are plenty of options to suit different budgets and travel styles. Staying overnight means you can enjoy the festival during the day, experience Southend's food and drink scene in the evening, and wake up ready to explore even more the next morning.
The Perfect Blend of Art and Seaside Fun
Southend City Jam has become one of the city's most exciting cultural events, attracting renowned artists and thousands of visitors each year.
But the real magic of visiting during the festival is that it offers far more than just great artwork. Spend your day discovering incredible murals, enjoy Southend's fantastic food and drink scene, explore the seafront, stay overnight, and turn a festival visit into a memorable seaside break.
This August, come for the street art and stay for everything else that makes Southend a city worth exploring.
