To enhance the town’s festivities this Christmas, Southend BID are thrilled to announce a series of exciting events. Southend BID’s ’12 events of Christmas’ will be merry and uplifting, positioning Southend-on-Sea as Essex’s festive hub.
Following a challenging year amid the Coronavirus pandemic, Southend BID recognised the need to bring magic back to Southend-on-Sea. This year’s series of events will emphasise the town’s warmth and creativity, with their wholesome ’12 events of Christmas’ boasting something for the entire family.
Southend BID’s ‘12 events of Christmas’ are as follows:
1. Southend’s ‘Shining Star’ (20th November).
2. ‘Come as yourself, leave as an elf’ (20th November).
3. ‘Light up Southend’ Art Trail (20th November – 24th December).
4. Digital interactive window (20th November - 24th December).
5. ‘Walkabout Character Day’ (21st November).
6. An exciting youth festival (27th November).
7. Christmas carols sing-a-long (27th November).
8. Vintage Christmas flea and crafts market (28th November).
9. Christmas animatronics (4th and 11th December).
10. Christmas crafts (4th and 11th December).
11. Street theatre performances (5th December).
12. Christmas adult crafting (19th December).
These ’12 events of Christmas’ will begin with Southend BID’s ‘Shining Star’ campaign on the 20th November, whereby Southend locals who have done something incredible and admirable over the course of past year will be celebrated and one winner will be announced. This will set an important tone for the holiday season, emphasising all that makes Christmas important – love and gratitude.
Meanwhile, ‘Come as Yourself, Leave as an Elf’ will also take place on the 20th November. ‘Elfie’ stations will be set up throughout the BID Zone; at each station, children will gradually be turned into elves. This will be an engaging and fun trail for the entire family.
Alongside this, ‘Light up Southend’, Southend BID’s art trail, will be active from the 20th November. Local artists are being invited to showcase their creations, with every piece mirroring the theme of ‘light’ in some way. This will help to make Southend a beautiful Christmas setting, whilst highlighting the exceptional talent within Southend-on-Sea.
From the 20th November – 24th December, there will also be a digital festive window be installed on a decorative shop front in Southend High Street. Passers-by can subsequently feature in their own Christmas ‘show’ as seasonal filters will make this a light-hearted source of festive fun.
On the 21st November, ‘Walkabout Character Day’ will provide magical, seasonal entertainment for children. Then, on the 27th November, an exciting youth festival and Christmas sing-a-long will be held, with Southend’s community groups, choirs, schools and performance clubs being invited to join the fun. Throughout the day a varied performance schedule will therefore be available for visitors to enjoy.
On the 28th November, a vintage Christmas flea and crafts market will fill the town. Following this, on the 4th December, an incredible animatronic character and free kids Christmas crafting will provide children’s entertainment. This will also be repeated on the 11th December.
Sunday 5th December will mark the arrival of exceptional street theatre performances in Southend-on-Sea, whilst an adult Christmas wreath and bauble creation event will end Southend BID’s Christmas events on the 19th December.
Discussing Southend BID’s ’12 events of Christmas’, Suzanne Gloyne, BID Manager, says:
‘Christmas is a magical, inspiring time for the entire family; it brings us together, reminds us of what’s most important and with beautiful decorations, performances and music, Southend becomes truly mesmerizing. We wanted to put on great events to give residents, visitors and businesses a Christmas they deserve, especially after the disappointment that surrounded Christmas 2020. Most importantly, we’re organising events that are suited to everyone – we’re hoping to create widespread joy this Christmas.
Meanwhile, we are confident these events will support local businesses by attracting lots of excited visitors, something which continues to be a top priority for Southend BID.’
Alan Dadswell, Owner of Toys n Tuck on Queen’s Road, has also shared their delight surrounding these events:
‘I am incredibly excited to see these events unfold, they really will bring Southend-on-Sea to life throughout the festive period. There’s nothing quite like that Christmas feeling and Southend BID’s offerings will ensure this magic is sprinkled throughout the town. As a business, this is invaluable; we hope to not only be busy at Christmas but to serve happy, enthusiastic customers. We have no doubt this will be the case as they’re surrounded by these fun, joyful celebrations.’
For more information about these events, head to www.VisitSouthend.co.uk. Meanwhile, if you’re a business interested in sponsorship opportunities please contact hello@southendbid.com.