10 THINGS TO TURN UP TO - SUMMER 2022

1 – MUSIC IN THE PARK is back! Spend a sunny weekend afternoon in Priory Park and enjoy FREE live music at the bandstand, from Sunday 17 April until Sunday 25 September. For more details and the full line-up, visit https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/guide/music-in-the-park/

2 – The Queen will be celebrating her PLATINUM JUBILEE this summer with events taking place in our City from Thursday 2 June until Sunday 5 June. Prittlewell Priory in picturesque Priory Park will be hosting a Jubilee Cream Tea on 2 June to mark her majesty’s 70^th year on the throne. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.southendmuseums.co.uk/event-details/jubilee-weekend

3 – Play PONG! Southend’s newest night time venue really is the place to be. With ping pong and beer pong options plus a yummy wings menu, grab your mates and try out this fun alternative to the ordinary pub. Prices start from £10 for 30 minutes, book your slot here – https://ilovepong.com/book-now/

4 – Short Street is shaping up to be Southend’s best kept secret and we really hope SHORT STREET ECO MARKET will make a return this Summer. Described as a collective market of local, conscious & artisan traders, you can buy everything from fresh produce to wine and vintage clothes at this event. Check out their Instagram for the latest announcements – https://www.instagram.com/shortst.ecomarket/

5 – Pilates is good for your soul, posture and general fitness, combine this with our beautiful beaches and you have a winning formula! Charlotte at Pilates Plus Essex will soon be offering her popular ‘PILATES ON THE BEACH’ sessions on Chalkwell beach. Classes take place every Sunday morning at 8am from May to September, book now at https://pilatesplusessex.co.uk/

6 – THE CRICKETERS is a gem of a pub in the heart of Westcliff, providing quality food and handcrafted cocktails. If you have one night out this summer, take a trip to try their delicious and varied drinks menu while you check out some proper live music. For full line-up details, visit https://www.thecricketersbarandfood.co.uk/live-events

7 – LEIGH FOLK FESTIVAL is celebrating its’ 30^th anniversary this June. This cultural staple takes place at Leigh Library Gardens from 23-26 June, featuring music, dance, spoken word, comedy, food and workshops. Don’t miss it! For more information, visit https://www.leighfolkfestival.com/

8 – Calling all keen runners – the SOUTHEND HALF MARATHON takes place on 12 June. Raising money for Havens Hospices, the scenic 13.1 miles route from Shoeburyness along the coast gives you perfect views over the Thames Estuary. Sign up now (https://www.havenshospices.org.uk/support-us/events/southend-half-marathon/) and help Havens continue ‘Making every day count’ for children and adults with incurable conditions in Essex.

9 – Knickers Theatre has hosted a couple of successful cabaret nights at Caddies in Southend town centre with more CABARET AT CADDIES events planned for this summer. Attend to watch a cracking line-up of local performers in stand-up, music and comedy. The next event is on Friday 27 May, keep your eyes peeled on their Instagram for futher details – www.instagram.com/knickerstheatre/

10 – Hamlet Court Road in Westcliff is booming right now with new bars and restaurants popping up on a regular basis. The heart of this street has to be THE HAVEN COMMUNITY HUB with a diverse activity timetable, cute café and treatment rooms for local businesses. Keep fit, try a craft, practise your circus skills – there’s literally a class for everyone this summer. View the May/June timetable here – https://www.acsos.co.uk/the-haven-community-hub/