We've decided to take a trip down memory lane and delve into our archives to remember just a few of the nightclubs and discos of south Essex in the 80s and 90s.

The south of the county was once widely regarded as the place to be when it came to clubbing in the run-up to the turn of the century.

Sadly, many of our iconic nightclubs have since closed their doors for a variety of different reasons.

But the memories remain for all those who savoured a night out in Southend, Basildon and our other south Essex nightspots, and in the form of these photographs.

From a foam party at the Kings Club on Canvey to the opening of Hats disco in Basildon, we were there to capture the party atmosphere.

Echo: Scamps nightclub (now Mansion) in Southend 1976

Echo: A foam party at Kings Club on Canvey in 1995

Echo: Tots 2000 (pictured in 1997) in Southend. Previously known as Talk Of The South and Talk, before it was transformed into a bowling alley

Echo: Sam Elgawad, owner of Hats disco in Basildon, celebrates the opening with staff in 1990

Echo: Revellers at Raquels disco in Basildon

Echo:

George Michael, Cher, Madonna and Michael Jackson lookalikes at Raquel’s, in Basildon

Another long-standing clubbing spot in south Essex has recently shut its doors for a rebrand before it is set to re-open in March.

Rhythm Room, which was formerly Dick De Vigne's before it was sold, in Warrior Square is being transformed into a Popworld nightclub.

In September 2021, it was announced Dick De Vigne’s was sold by estate agents Dedman Gray after it was run by the club owner of the same name for 17 years.

The much-loved club was formerly Chicago Rock, which Mr De Vigne then converted to Seymours, and then some years later to the iconic nightclub.