Southend City BID are delighted to celebrate the success of their Christmas switch-on event last Saturday (19th November). Fantastic performances were held throughout the day and crowds gathered to enjoy brilliant festivities in the City centre; it made for a wonderful start to Southend’s Christmas calendar.
A variety of activities and shows were enjoyed by audiences from midday onwards, including Southend City BID’s popular ‘Come as Yourself, Leave as an Elf’ trail, a fun sing-along with The Music Man Project, and amazing performances by musicians, singers, and dancers on their main stage hosted by BBC Essex.
Throughout the day children turned into elves, met Santa, , and enjoyed the magical experience created by our virtual Christmas trail (which also launched on Saturday). By finding presents located in business windows throughout the High Street, players can watch as they come to life through digital QR codes on their phones until December 31st.
Furthermore, Jordan Gray, a renowned actress and performer, and local singer Sam Duckworth, switched on Southend’s iconic lights whilst providing great entertainment for onlookers.
This Christmas celebration came to an end with Southend City BID’s final firework display of the season, which made for a perfect showstopper. Now, in the run-up to Christmas, Southend locals and visitors alike can continue to enjoy Southend City BID’s art and Christmas trails throughout the City. Over coming weeks, Southend High Street will be filled with festive decorations, family-friendly activities, and fun seasonal offerings from BID businesses which certainly aren’t to be missed.
Celebrating the success of their spectacular switch-on extravaganza, Southend City BID Manager Suzanne Gloyne says:
‘Our switch-on event is renowned, and for good reason; it’s always an unforgettable day that makes for life-long memories and this year was certainly no different. We are thrilled to have hosted such an uplifting, joyous day, filled with brilliant performances and a sensational final firework display.
We take great pride in organising a wonderful variety of family-friendly activities throughout December, including our virtual character trail. I hope people will continue to soak up all that Southend has to offer next month; our City will be a festive hub with activities and amenities for the entire family to enjoy!’
To find out more about Southend City BID’s Christmas events, visit their website: www.southendbid.com.