Following a successful launch Southend's popular lights festival is set to return next year.

Still in the early planning stages, Southend Council and Southend Tourism Partnership are working together to bring back the hugely successful light festival.

The event this year saw more than 200,000 visitors attend.

For Southend LuminoCity 2023, the tourism partnership is looking to work with emerging light artists to produce new and unique installations which will wow festivalgoers and showcase the city’s creative talent.

Echo: One of last year's incredible installations. Photo: Southend CouncilOne of last year's incredible installations. Photo: Southend Council

Artists will be asked to submit proposals for bold and innovative designs to be produced to compliment the City’s architecture and infrastructure.

Further details on this call for artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

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Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture and tourism, said: “I am thrilled to announce the return of Southend LuminoCity. Despite the worst storm to hit Southend in thirty years, this year’s festival was fantastic and was a much-needed boost to the City’s economy.

Echo: Last year's LuminoCity. Pic: Southend CouncilLast year's LuminoCity. Pic: Southend Council

“We are keen to showcase the incredible artistic talent we have locally, and I’m looking forward to seeing the High Street alive with installations and happy families enjoying an evening out.”

Jacqui Dallimore, chair of the Southend Tourism Partnership, said: “Southend LuminoCity brought thousands of visitors to our City and we can’t wait to replicate the success next year. Working with local artists to design an installation will show Southend’s flourishing creative talent whilst instilling a sense of civic pride.”

LuminoCity will be brightening up February half term next year from February 16 to 18 2023.