The Halloween parade will be returning to Southend seafront again this year.

Organisers have announced the popular event is coming back after last year's successful launch, which saw thousands head to the seafront.

The free event will return to the city on Saturday, October 29.

It will run from 6pm to 7.30pm with music, dancing, amazing costumes and huge light up puppets.

Crowds will also enjoy the spectacular fireworks finale.

Southend City Council and the Southend Tourism Partnership, which are organising the event, want the community to get involved and join the parade again.

Jacqui Dallimore, chair of Southend Tourism Partnership, said the popular parade will also be a "fitting celebration" of Southend’s city status.

Read more >>> Halloween parade to return to Southend 'bigger and better'

Councillor Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture, tourism and planning, has expressed she wants the event to be bigger and better each year.

She said: “I am delighted that the Southend Halloween Parade has become a permanent fixture on the Southend City calendar, and we want it to be bigger and better each year.

“Involvement from local businesses and community groups will bring us together and put the parade on the map and become vital for our economic recovery.

“We are aiming to attract visitors from far and wide to jump on the train and arrive early to enjoy everything Southend has to offer before they join with us in a magical evening of spookiness and an amazing Halloween Parade.”

For details on how to apply and take part in the parade, visit the website www.southendhalloween.org.

There's a £50 deposit for all entries, which is payable once the application has been checked and accepted by organisers.