Southend is bracing for a week filled with fun for all the family as the bank holiday and half-term approaches.
The city's festivities will be headlined by the Springtime Festival at Southend Pier, running daily from 11am to 5pm, from Saturday, May 25 to Sunday, June 2.
For £5, visitors of all ages can purchase a wristband granting them unlimited access to classic games such as Hook-a-Duck and Coconut Shy, as well as face painting, bungee trampolines and mini bumper cars for children.
The bank holiday weekend further amps up the fun with the band Middle Age Spread and DJ Greg Barker providing live music.
Matt Dent, councillor responsible for culture, tourism, and business, said: "There's so much to see and do in the city of Southend this half term, including arts and culture, shopping, food and drink, walks and trails, and our award-winning beaches and parks.
"We are committed to attracting more visitors to Southend and offer real value to residents.
"The Springtime Festival at Southend Pier is just one of many exciting upcoming events we have planned for the pier this year - (there'll be) more exciting announcements to come."
The fun doesn't end at the pier, however as Southend Central Museum is hosting the 'Romans: Settling in Southend' exhibition, curated by Southend Museums.
This immersive showcase provides insights into the lives of individuals during the Roman Britain era.
Spanning the breadth of south Essex, a collection of Roman artefacts, some displayed publicly for the first time, promising to engage visitors.
Additionally, Southend Museums welcome families to participate in the Roman Day on Friday, May 31.
Attendees can engage with history hands-on in an artefact handling session, learn about the myths and legends inscribed in the stars in a planetarium show, and explore further the new 'Romans' exhibition with a fun family-friendly activity trail.
On Saturday, June 1, the Focal Point Gallery hosts a Creative Open Day.
This provides an opportunity to delve into the ideas and methodologies of art displayed in the current exhibition featuring artist Ojoma Idegwu.
The Beecroft Art Gallery also showcases 'Streetlarking and 23 Boxes,' an exhibition by Southend-based artist Simon Hollands.
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