Wrap up warm and enjoy the sounds of the annual Christmas Concert in the Park on Sunday, at the bandstand in Priory Park.

The Southend Band – a 20-piece traditional brass band – will perform an hour of favourite Christmas carols and festive music at the park in Victoria Avenue.

Some seating will be provided, but to be extra sure of comfort it’s advisable to bring your own if you’re able.

This year too, for the first time, there will also be a special event at Southend Bandstand on New Year’s Day, at the same time.

From 2pm until 3pm, brass players from throughout Essex will join together in a band called Priory Brass to perform a special New Year concert.

They will be playing “vibrant music from across Europe” while also raising funds for Essex Air Ambulance.

Deputy Council Leader, Councillor Ian Gilbert said: “These two events are a terrific way for people of all ages to celebrate Christmas and the New Year in the lovely surroundings of Priory Park.

“Southend Band’s Christmas carol concert is a hugely popular annual event so we hope as many people as possible come to share in this rousing performance.

“It is great to be able to follow this up for the first time with the fund-raising New Year Concert in aid of Essex Air Ambulance.

“This will give families an ideal excuse to explore the outdoors together after the Christmas festivities, and revel in a unique live music event.

“Southend Bandstand continues to be a major attraction for residents and visitors as it hosts a wide variety of free concerts every weekend from May until September.”