IN PICTURES: The “SPECTACULAR” and “emotional” concert held at the Cliffs in honour of Sir David Amess.

The Southend community all came together to celebrate City Status and remember Sir David Amess with the inaugural “He Built This City” Concert at the Cliffs Pavilion on Sunday, February 13.

The line up on the night included The Music Man Project, Lee Mead, The Show Choir, Southend Vox & Chamber Choir, Leanne Jarvis, Cantare, The Leigh Orpheus Male Voice Choir, The Two Elizabeths, The Southend Boys & Girls Choirs, Joe Palmer, Digby Fairweather and his band, and Steel Here – a special coming together of members of three top amateur dramatic societies.

Echo: Credit: Phil Whalley - AvpicsCredit: Phil Whalley - Avpics

It also included special moments like Lee Mead singing “Any Dream Will Do” with one of the students, Wendy, from The Music Man Project. He even presented her with his famous Technicolour dream coat.

Echo: Performing - Lee and Wendy.Performing - Lee and Wendy.


It is yet unclear how much was raised but all proceeds went to five charities that Sir David supported and loved: The Music Man Project, Dame Vera Lynn Memorial Statue, Dogs Trust, Prost8 and Endometriosis UK.

One of the charities, The Music Man Project, performed on the night, led by CEO and founder of the project, David Stanley BEM, who was a friend of David’s for more than 25 years. 

Echo: The Music Man Project - Credit: Phil Whalley - AvpicsThe Music Man Project - Credit: Phil Whalley - Avpics

Echo: Joe Palmer - Credit: Phil Whalley - AvpicsJoe Palmer - Credit: Phil Whalley - Avpics

Echo: Digby Fairweather - Credit: Phil Whalley - AvpicsDigby Fairweather - Credit: Phil Whalley - Avpics

Echo: Leanne Jarvis - Credit: Phil Whalley - AvpicsLeanne Jarvis - Credit: Phil Whalley - Avpics

Councillor Ian Gilbert, Leader of the council, was also in attendance and said it was truly heart-warming.

He said: “It was an absolute privilege to attend the inaugural Southend City Concert in memory of the late Sir David Amess, MP.

“It was truly heart-warming to see so many of our community to come together to remember Sir David and celebrate our upcoming city status.

“I would like to thank the event organisers for the hard work they put in to produce this spectacular concert that truly reflected Sir David’s love of music. 

“I look forward to future events, so we, as a community, can continue to honour the life of Sir David Amess and celebrate becoming a city.”