THOUSANDS of people are expected to turn out for Southend Carnival tonight.

The procession will leave Southchurch Park, at 7.45pm, and travel along the seafront past the pier at 8.30pm and finish at Chalkwell Park, Westcliff, at 10.30pm.

The Echo has a float in the carnival, and we will be joined by dozens of other attractions, including dancers, characters and musicians, during the parade.

Representatives from the floats will be collecting charity cash for their chosen good causes.

James Harrison, marketing and media trustee at Southend Carnival, said: “This year we are allowing each entry into the procession to independently collect money for their own chosen charity. Many of the entries are excited about this as it means they can directly raise money for a charity they support.

“So, if you like a float, act or entry, please put some change in their buckets, as it all goes to great worthy causes.”

Road closures will be in place across Southend’s seafront area between 4pm and 9pm tomorrow to allow the carnival to take place.

This will include some seafront car parks.

  • Tweet your carnival news and pictures using #SouthendCarnival.