Southend Arts Council (SOSAC) is hosting its annual Open Day to encourage residents and visitors to take up new hobbies and activities. 

The event, supported by Southend Council, offers visitors the chance to sign up to new activities that they may not have even considered before.

Activities include treading the boards, painting a picture that isn’t by numbers and singing songs from musicals. 

All the different groups have their own table with information on how you can get involved.

Councillor Ann Holland, councillor for Culture, Tourism and the Economy, said: “The Southend Arts Council Open Day has been running successfully for the past seven years now, with various different groups using it as platform to share their artistic work.

“In addition, we are celebrating 125 years as a borough, so we are very hopeful this year’s event particularly will be one to remember. With such a wide variety of activities to take part in for free, it really promises to be a day packed with fun for the whole family.”

Visitors can also see live performances throughout the day in the Cliffs bar area, with leading musical societies offering visitors a chance to catch a glimpse from their upcoming autumn shows, including Gypsy, Whistle Down the Wind, Curtains and Singing in the Rain.

Southend Mayor, Councillor Fay Evans, will also attend the Open Day.

The event will be held at the Cliffs Pavilion on Sunday September 10 from 10.30am until 4pm.