CELEBRATE the wheel in all its forms at a festival in Southend today (Sunday).

Festival of Wheels will feature a variety of displays and activities from high adrenalin BMX biking to group spinning classes.

The event, which has been organised by Southend Bid, in conjunction with the Echo, will start at 11am to 5pm at different locations along the seafront and town centre.

There will be Team Extreme stunt displays, coaching for inline skating, skateboard, BMX and scooters, a military vehicle display, live music from Northern Soul and Rockabilly bands, plus more.

Local cycling clubs will be on hand to advise visitors about how they can get more from riding their bike, either by riding as part of a group of friends, or with expert advice about how to start racing.

Alison Dewey, manager of Southend Bid, said: "This is the first Festival of Wheels in Southend and there will be something for everyone. The event is a way of enhancing the trading environment and increasing footfall to the town."

The event will be held in conjunction with Safer Essex Road Partnership and it coincides with National Drive It Day so it would be a great opportunity for clubs and enthusiasts to drive to Southend for the day enjoy all of the highlights of the event and also display their vehicles.

Don't miss the chance to win a Bobbin bike worth £400. To enter, pick up a leaflet at the event, collect all eight letters from posters around the event site and work out the car related word they spell. There's a letter in each zone except for Zone 9, the Royals Shopping Centre, which is where you post your solved form.

For more information visit www.visitsouthend.co.uk.

The Echo will be in attendance at the event selling the paper and giving away free goodie bags, plus chocolate brownies provided by The Mad Hatter’s Tea Room. 

ZONE 1 - HIGH STREET - VICTORIA CIRCUS

Team Extreme Stunt Arena

Inline, scooter, BMX & Skateboard shows

Show Times - 12pm, 1.30pm, 3.00pm & 4.30pm

Free coaching sessions 11am-5pm in between each show, bring your own equipment or borrow some from the team.

Rolla City DJ Area

Arts & Crafts

Free Face Painting

Vehicle Displays

Ford, MR2, Honda & Vintage fire engines

ZONE 2 TOP OF HIGH STREET

Trade Stands

Sporting Escorts

Triumph Roadsters

ZONE 3 - HIGH STREET - BRIDGE

BMW Display

Main 'One You' Stage

Safer Essex Roads Partnership Classroom

Fairfield BMW and Mini Dealership

ZONE 4 - HIGH STREET - MIDDLE

Space Monkeys Mountain Bike Trials

TVR Car Display

Kit Car Display

ZONE 5 - HIGH STREET - BOTTOM

Classic Car Displays

Live Music - choir performance in the Debenhams alcove

Military Vehicle Display and Equipment Demo

Mod Art on the Railings by David Quinlan

ZONE 6 - WESTERN ESPLANADE

Bike Clubs

Comfy Saddle Bike Safety Checks

Cycle Southend Cycling Proficiency Bike Rides

Trade Stands

ZONE 7 - MARINE PARADE

Two Brothers Racing Stunt Arena

Amazing motorbike stunts

Show Times - 12pm, 1.30pm, 3.00pm & 4.30pm

Live Music at - Chinnery's, Papillion, The Borough Hotel, The Foresters Arms and City Beach

Steam Loco by the foresters arms

PT Cruisers and Chevrolets

ZONE 8 - ADVENTURE ISLAND

Granny Turismo walk-about comedy act

Rollercoasters, the big wheel, go carts and dodgems

ZONE 9 - THE ROYALS SHOPPING CENTRE

Vintage Bicycle Display

Free arts and crafts

Free face-painting

Pottery Wheel