AN OFFICIAL date has been set for the return of the popular Southend Shakedown.

The biker event is set to take place on Easter Monday, April 22 on Southend seafront from about 10am to 5pm.

The return of the popular free family fun day has been widely welcomed.

Adam Ball, chairman of the Southend Shakedown Resurrection Committee said: “We have got all our health and safety and risk assessments sorted out for the event.

“Southend Council has been really good and the seafront traders are also on board.

“I’ve had positive chats with traders and residents about the event returning for this year.

“It’s all coming together very well and I am very pleased.

“We’ve been getting sponsors for the event but are still looking for a headline sponsor.

“I think it’s good that as a committee, we are based in Southend as we can have more of a hand and focus on the event.

“Residents are pleased too, there have been a few concerns but I have spoken with people and hopefully have sorted that.

“There were concerns about bikers using footpaths but I’ve reassured residents we are doing things differently and will have a designated route.”

More information on how bikers can book a parking space and the traders and stands taking part is expected to be announced very soon.

The annual event, originally organised by Ace Cafe, was a popular fixture until 2016, when the cafe said it could no longer keep up with the police and council demands.

It has continued in an unofficial capacity on Easter Monday since, with hundreds of bikers still arriving in the town and thousands of people turning out to watch them.

Last year railings were installed and a large police presence put in place.

Police were forced into action after a host of reports of antisocial riding and they were forced to use a stinger road traps on some riders however these problems are not expected to be repeated.

The committee has had various meeting with resident, traders and councillors in the lead up to make sure things run smoothly.