Southend City Day on Saturday 1 March will celebrate community, culture, and the charities and organisations that make the city special.
The Royals Shopping Centre will welcome local organisations such as Show Up! Southend, Southend Creatives, Southend YMCA, All In Music, Music On Sea, Havens Hospice, SAVS, and more. Wellbeing and Food For Life will also offer hands-on yoga and meditation sessions.
The Victoria Shopping Centre will provide residents with information, support, and free workshops from groups including Brook Southend, Southend Fostering Service, Leigh Heritage Centre, British Legion, Essex Family History, St Vincent's Centre Southend, Southend Pride, and The One Love Project. A special performance by the Southend Boys' and Girls' Choirs will also take place from 2pm to 2:30pm, adding to the celebrations.
The day will also see a special performance by the internationally acclaimed Music Man Project. Founded in Southend, the Music Man Project provides music education and performance opportunities for people with learning disabilities. The late Sir David Amess, its president, was a passionate supporter and campaigned tirelessly for Southend's city status.
The Music Man Project will perform at The Royals Shopping Centre from 12pm to 1pm, honouring Sir David's legacy through the power of music.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "City Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the organisations, charities, and volunteers who do so much for Southend. It's especially fitting that the Music Man Project is performing, as Sir David Amess was one of its greatest champions. His passion for our city still inspires us, and this day is a wonderful way to honour his legacy while showcasing everything that makes Southend special.
"This year, City Day will also mark the launch of our refreshed City Vision, a plan shaped by residents, businesses, and stakeholders to set out our long-term priorities. Southend is a city with ambition and this inspiring vision will guide us as we work together to create a thriving coastal city we can all be proud of."
City Vision will be discussed by Cabinet on 3 March and Full Council on 20 March 2025.
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