With summer on the horizon, here are some of the biggest events taking place in Southend next month. 

  • Creative Open Day, Focal Point Gallery (Saturday, June 1)

Join the Focal Point Gallery for their Creative Open Day from 11am to 3pm.

The event is free to attend and will explore the ideas and methods of art displayed in their current exhibition with artist Ojoma Idegwu.

The artist will also conduct a workshop inspired by Maz Murray's 'Principal Boy' exhibition and will focus on the current exhibition's costumes.

Working in groups, as well as in pairs, you will create an item of clothing from scratch using different techniques and methods. 

The event listing says: "Get ready for a day of creativity that will inspire curiosity for art, for all ages and abilities. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary, just a willingness to get involved."

For more information, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-open-day-1st-june-tickets-890299809697

  • Southend Film Festival 2024, Park Inn, Radisson Palace (Thursday, June 6 - Sunday, June 9)

The Southend Film Festival returns this year at the Park Inn by Radisson Palace with a range of films and documentaries for all movie buffs.

This year's festival will be a poignant one with the closing gala paying tribute to late Southend actor Darren Kent, best known for his role in Game of Thrones. 

The tribute will be organised by his friend and fellow filmmaker Jane Gull.

However, the opening gala will feature a sparkling new comedy, The Broken Arrow, with members of the cast and crew expected to be at the screening.

In between the evenings, there will be a usual mix of documentaries, world cinema, new features and classic films for the public to enjoy.

For more information, visit: southendfilmfestival.com.

Echo:

  • Preview Live Music Showcase, The Plough (Friday, June 7, 8pm to 1am)

Enjoy a free evening of live music in The Function Bar at The Plough in Westcliff as Preview celebrate their 40th anniversary.

The night will have a showcase of great acts with a variety of styles including blues, pop and country folk style.

The music will start from 8pm and finish at 12am. 

Notable acts include Gary Porter and legendary blues player, Martin McNeill.

For more information, visit previewclub.co.uk.

  • Music in the Park, Priory Park (Saturday, June 8 - Sunday, June 9, 3pm to 4.30pm)

The popular Music in the Park returns to Priory Park bandstand for 2024. 

The bandstand will come alive with top local bands and musicians. The weekend's performers will be D'Ukes Ukelele Band on Saturday and the Harmonie Concert Band on Sunday.

There will be no chairs provided at the event, people are asked to bring their own or a blanket.

This free event will run every weekend and bank holiday till Sunday 29 September.

For more information, visit visitsouthend.co.uk/event/music-in-the-park-dukes-ukelele-band-harmonie-concert-band.

  • 80s Revival Night, The Naval and Military Club (Friday, June 14, 7pm to 11.30pm)

The Naval and Military will be hosting an 80s revival night which will be free to attend. 

The evening is for over 18s only and will include an evening disco with DJ Jay and Sandy D, playing all the hits from the 80s that will have you on your feet all evening.

Anyone dressed in 80s attire can also claim a free cocktail upon entry.

You can find out more on: https://www.useyourlocal.com/pubs/naval-and-military-club-southend-on-sea-105470/offers-events/8-0-s-night-437881/

  • Mystery on Sea, Royal Square (Sunday, June 16, 4pm to 6pm)

Southend's original and only 'mystorical' walking tour is back for its fifth year in the heart of the city.

The walk will begin from the Royal Square, situated between The Royal Hotel and the Park Inn Palace Hotel, at the top of Pier Hill.

It will be led by professional presenters and award winning magicians Adrian Fox and Richard Graham telling stories of the history, mystery and ghosts, laced with tales of the famous names connected with the buildings and amazing themed magic.

Each walk lasts between 90 minutes to 2 hours and is suitable for those aged over 12 and is fully accessible for those with mobility scooters, push-chairs and well behaved dogs.

You can find more information at mysteryonsea.com.

  • Island Fest, Adventure Island (Saturday, June 22, 12pm onwards)

The Island fest returns to Adventure Island, showcasing a variety of talent from in and around Southend.

The all-day arts festival will include  performances and displays from a variety of Bands, Singers, Dancers, Actors, Artists, Comedians and Fashion Designers.

All proceeds from the Island Fest will go towards the Southend Hospital Charitable Foundation and their Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal, helping to fund vital radiotherapy services.

Find out more at adventureisland.co.uk/events/island-fest.

  • Summer Fete and Craft Market, St. Margaret's Church (Sunday, June 23, 12pm to 4pm)

St Margaret’s Church in Leigh is hosting its Summer Fete and Craft Market on Sunday, June 23 from 12pm until 4pm.

The fete will include a BBQ, food and refreshments, as well as a plant stall, tombola, bouncy castle, craft stalls and much more.

There will also be more than 30 small business stalls, meaning there will be something for everyone.

Entry is free for children and adult entry will cost £1.

For more information about stalls and businesses attending, visit St. Margaret's Facebook page.

  • Ibiza Orchestra Live, Priory Park (Friday June 28 from 8pm to 11pm)

After a huge sell out in 2023, the Ibiza Orchestra Experience returns to Priory Park with a new Ibiza Sunset Tour.

The event will celebrate some of the greatest music from the white isle in the past 30 years.

It will also include a 26 piece orchestra, silent disco stage, vocal performances and a live DJ.

Tracks played will include those by Rudimental, Ian Van Dahl, Daft Punk, Robert Miles, Baby D, Tiesto, Fatboy Slim, Prodigy, Shapeshifters and many more.

The event looks on its way to another sell out. Grab your tickets here: https://www.ibizaorchestraexperience.co.uk/southend

  • Sausage and Cider Festival, Priory Park (Saturday June 29 from 2pm to 11pm)

The Sausage and Cider Festival returns to Southend with a big line up of street food vendors and 30 different ciders available on site.

There will be over 20 different types and flavours of sausages available, along with other food options available including gluten-free and vegan options.

The event has gone even bigger this year with it set to feature a new festival market and a bigger silent disco.

It will also feature some of the UK's best tribute acts performing, including tributes to Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Jamiroquai and a huge headliner act to be announced.

To get your tickets, visit: https://www.sausageandciderfest.co.uk/southend