SOUTHEND’S annual multi-cultural festival, Out of the Box, is kicking off on Saturday, October 3, with a display of Cuban music and dance in the High Street.

The dancers will perform at 11.30am, before the festival is officially opened at noon.

The event is set to coincide with Black History Month, and a number of the events relate specifically to the theme of cultural activities and histories of black people in Britain.

After the opening ceremony, there will be a number of events throughout the month, many of them free.

These include an exhibition, called Pioneers, from September 29 until October 21, at the Central Library, in Victoria Avenue, celebrating the achievements of pioneering sporting heroes.

The library is also the venue, during the same dates, for an exhibition by anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card, exploring issues of diversity and racism through football.

On Saturday, October 24, St Saviour’s Church, in Westcliff, is holding a gospel concert exploring black history through gospel music.

There will be a performance of African songs and music for all ages, at the Palace Theatre, in Westcliff, on Monday, October 26, from 7.30pm.

Derek Jarvis, councillor responsible for culture, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to learn something about a different culture you may not have known, and have fun at the same time.”