With the summer season upon us, there's lots of exciting events on the horizon making their way to Southend, so let's break down the details of five of the best that you need to know about.
Leigh Folk Festival, June 26-29
For a long weekend next month, Leigh Folk Festival returns to the Leigh Library Gardens, celebrating folk music, art and culture in the quaint town.
This is the largest free folk festival in the UK, attracting thousands of visitors from near and far showcasing local and international talent.
The weekend will involve a mix of performances across multiple stages, engaging workshops and interactive activities for the whole family such as dance and storytelling sessions.
Local vendors will be in attendance, ensuring access to some of the best food the seaside town has to offer.
Waddle-on-Sea, July/August
This summer will see the arrival of a new art event to Southend, spanning for six weeks across July and August.
This is the third public art trail and cultural event from Wild in Art and Havens Hospices, who have teamed up twice before to deliver successful experiences.
This time, Southend will be brought to life by a huddle of painted penguins and baby penguins, representing the caring and compassionate nature of Havens Hospices and the work they do.
Each penguin sculpture will be uniquely designed by an artist and will be sponsored by businesses, with schools and residents able to get involved and sponsor a penguin.
The Echo is a media partner for this event, so be on the lookout for our coverage of the penguins come July.
Lazydays Festival, July 25-27
This fully independent festival returns this July to Priory Park, Southend, packed with a line up of popular artists.
The event is partnered with independent breweries, distilleries and drink producers to provide local craft drinks for attendees.
The recently revealed line up boasts the likes of Example, Katy B, Peter Doherty, Soul II Soul and a whole host of other great performers.
Music & Beer Festival at the Vulcan, August 1-2
This two day festival takes place indoors in the Vulcan Restoration Trust's hangar at Southend Airport.
The event combines local live music, street food and locally brewed beers against the backdrop of the Vulcan.
There will be seven hours of live music each day, with attendees receiving a complimentary beer glass and money off their first drink with their ticket.
South East Soul & Reggae Festival, August 24
Essex's top Soul and Reggae festival is back at Southend's Garon park this August, bringing soulful rhythms and reggae beats back to the South East.
The festival blends timeless classics with fresh sounds, with some of the UK's most beloved soul and reggae artists in attendance.
The line up is set to include big names Kenny Thomas and General Levy, alongside others such as Dawn Penn, Gentleman's Dub Club and the Bob Marley Revival.
Tickets for all these events can be found online through their websites, which provide more detail regarding the details of how to plan for and travel to each of these events.
It's fair to say the summer season is now in full swing, with some great events coming to Southend over the coming months that'll make a spectacular day out for the family.
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