A HUGE party is being planned to celebrate Southend securing a coveted Purple Flag award recognising town centre safety for the third year running.

The flag, a national award recognising a town or city’s lively and safe night-time economy, was handed to the town for a rise in people using pubs, clubs and restaurants while also seeing a drop in crime.

Town centre traders are delighted with the award and are organising a party to mark the succes.

A diverse line-up of artists, playing on two outdoor stages and other venues around Southend’s High Street and seafront, will provide six hours of free music and entertainment on Saturday, October 3.

Glyn Morgan, co-owner of popular seafront venue Chinnery’s and Southend’s famous Maple Studios, said: “It’s great Southend has been awarded another Purple Flag and I’m excited to be part of the team giving some great bands the chance to play to big, enthusiastic crowds.

“Our goal was to try and offer a little something for everyone and I believe this has been accomplished with this year’s exciting and eclectic line-up of fresh talent.”

From AC/DC tribute act Pure DC to alt rockers the Scarletts, self-styled gospel trash rockers Longy and the folk-breeziness of Kiss Me Quick, the bill will offer something for all tastes.

At 7.30pm, a spectacular firework display will take place, opening Southend’s now famous season of pyrotechnic spectacles which are funded by the Southend Business Improvement District.

Judges said Southend had achieved a consistent rise in the number of people using the pubs, restaurants and other entertainment venues in the town centre and seafront in the evenings, while at the same time enjoying a steady drop in crimes committed in the area.

Southend Bid chairman Dawn Jeakings said “The Purple Flag shows everyone that Southend town centre and seafront are safe, clean and fun places to be.”