Autumn may be kicking in, but this weekend in Southend you can always pretend you are in Italy.

The Italian Festival is here on Saturday you see, thanks to the Southend BID, “bringing the very best of Italian fare, flair and fun to the High Street”.

A whole host of market stalls, displays and performers are promised, with the arrival of Italia in Piazza, a genuine Italian market offering a wide variety of authentic Italian food and produce, including bread, pasta, cheese and salami.

There will also be a mobile Espresso bar where you can enjoy your favourite baristamade coffee at the distinctive Piaggio Ape 3-wheeled coffee bar.

And when it comes to gelati (ice creams), don’t miss Rossi’s and Tomassi’s – Southend’s very own Italian-heritage ice cream firms who will be offering tastings.

Car cognoscenti will love the display of stunning Italian sports and super cars, including classic Alfa Romeos. One highlight for petrol heads will be an appearance by the Scuderia Ferrari team transporter, as featured in the movie Rush – about James Hunt’s thrilling fight with Niki Lauda for the 1976 Formula One World Championship title.

Could the Prancing Horse’s next superstar be found on the electric karts? Suitable for children aged between three and ten years old, mini Kimis and Sebastians can test their skills around a safe, inflatable track.

A tribute to the great Luciano Pavarotti will feature an incredible look and soundalike, recreating some of the big man’s most famous arias, including every footie fan’s favourite, Nessun Dorma.

Southend Brass Band will play traditional Italian music, while choirs Funky Voices and the Big Sing will also entertain shoppers and day-trippers with a broad repertoire of songs.

And to top off the celebrations there will be an Italian flag demonstration, including professional flag bearers wowing the crowds demonstrating the Italian flag throwing tradition.

Inside the Royals and Victoria shopping centres there will be Italian-themed craft activity workshops to keep youngsters amused. From making pasta jewellery and learning a few words and phrases of Italian to making gondolas and Venetian masks, and even designing a pizza hat, there’s “un sacco di divertimento per i bambini”.

ý For more information about Southend BID visit onsouthend.com and follow the BID’s Twitter page @onSouthend