FOR clubbers, bank holidays are like buses. They wait ages for one, and then two come along in quick succession.

But with an impressive range of artists lined up for the second long weekend of May, revellers in Southend are unlikely to be worrying about the even longer wait until August.

Element’s weekend kicks off tonight, when Brazilian-born, British rapper Aggro Santos hosts his Summer Jam. The newcomer, whose debut single Candy, featuring ex-Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt, went to number five earlier this month, brings a host of performers with him.

Urban artists Shystie, Wretch 32, MZ Bratt, Funky Dee, Priceless, Smiler and Angel will all appear live on stage. Doors to the club, in Alexandra Street, Southend, open from 9pm to 5am. Admission is £5.

The party continues on Sunday, when Donae’o performs at the club, with DJ Luck and MC Neat on DJ duties. Doors are open from 9pm to 5am, and entry is £6 before 11pm, and £8 after.

Mayhem, in Warrior Square, Southend, also gets into the party spirit with a Shameless star tonight. Elliott Tittensor, who plays Carl Gallagher in the Channel 4 drama, pops along to the Authentic event, from 9pm to 3am.

The club’s main bank holiday event takes place on Sunday, when garage boys DJ EZ and Kofi B team up.

They will be joined on the night by Sparks and Kie, and MC Versatile. Entry is £5 before 10.30pm and £7 after.

Sunday also sees Rayleigh High Street’s Pink Tooth-brush celebrate its 26th anniversary.

Formerly called Crocs, the club launched under the new name in 1984, and has remained the venue for south Essex’s alternative clubbers ever since.

Doors open from 9pm to 2am, and entry is £6.

Storm nightclub will be inviting party people with a penchant for head wear to Elmer Approach, Southend, on Sunday. The Hat Club features the Beat Thiefs, Damien Stone and Lewi Five 0. Admission is £7 before 11.30am and £8 after, and don’t forget your hat.

Tonight, Talk, in Lucy Road, Southend, launches a brand new night, Juicy.

The urban music club night features an impressive line-up, including Heartless Crew, DJ EZ, Pied Piper and Shortee Blitz.

Doors open from 10pm to 3am. Tickets are £3 before 11pm, and £5 after.