A delicious new festival is coming to Southend!

The Southend Food and Drink Festival is launching this autumn, proudly brought to you by Southend City BID.

The ten day event is set to be a flavour packed celebration of everything Southend’s vibrant food and drink scene had to offer.

Running from Friday 24th October - Sunday 2nd November 2025, the festival will spotlight some of the city’s most loved venues, with exclusive offers, special menus, and over £700 in prizes up for grabs!

With Southend Theatres on board as sponsors, Nick Parr, Theatre Director, shared:

“Southend Theatres is delighted to sponsor an event which celebrates our city’s fantastic hospitality scene - it’s a brilliant way to get people out, enjoying what Southend has to offer ahead of the festive season. Southend Theatres is the home of Christmas every year, with our Festive Party Nights in the Maritime Room, the Cliffs’ panto Cinderella, The Snow Queen at the Palace Theatre and Santa’s On His Sleigh in the Dixon Studio.”

How does it work? Festival goers can pick up a trail map and postcard from any participating venue, enjoy their exclusive offer, and collect a sticker for each visit. Collect three stickers on your postcard by the end of the festival for your chance to win from a selection of exciting prizes.

Suzanne Gloyne, Southend City BID Manager, said:

“We’re so excited to bring this new event to Southend, with 18 venues signed up and 26 great deals available. It’s a brilliant way to explore the city and support our businesses in Southend – with the added bonus of potentially winning one of our £700 in prizes!”

Prizes to be won include a meal for two at Molo Lounge, a ‘best of both’ box from Wilma’s, a VIP booth at Popworld, afternoon tea at The Royal Hotel, and much more!

David Garrett, owner of The Royal Hotel, added:

“There’s a lot of great venues in Southend, and we’re proud to be a part of something that celebrates us all. A new festival is exciting, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to The Royal Hotel to enjoy our special set menu and events.”

Discover venues, deals, and events at www.SouthendBID.com/SouthendFDF