‘Spectacular’ Halloween parade to haunt Southend Seafront
A 15-foot witch, giant puppets, and a fire bird will follow the procession.
Last updated 30th Oct 2021
A massive Halloween parade featuring known artists and local groups will snake along the Southend seafront on the 30th of October.
About 700 people are expected to attend the procession which will start from the Old Gas Works on Eastern esplanade 5 o’clock and finish at 7 o’clock at the Gentings Casino on Western Esplanade.
The parade will incorporate spooky carnival elements to replace the carnival parade which was cancelled this year due to uncertainty over covid-19 restrictions.
The event is being organised by Southend Community Events, Southend Council, and Southend Tourism Partnership.
Councillor Carole Mulroney of Southend Council said: ‘It’s going to be a really spectacular parade. We think that everybody really does need a cheering up. It’s been a pretty dismal time. Stay safe - we would encourage the wearing of masks in a crowd, and keeping covid safe. But on the other hand, don’t let it spoil the enjoyment!’
Among the entries will be a magnificent fire bird, giant metal puppets over 5m, and illuminated walk-about puppets provided by Emergency Exit Arts, one of Britain’s pioneering outdoor arts companies.
Spark! street theatre drummers will perform, and carnival and outdoor arts group Mandinga Arts will come in elaborate makeup and colourful costumes for interactive routines.
A 15-foot lit-up Halloween witch will be built by local sculptor Dave Taylor along with local artists.
Other community groups will join to showcase their talent with a spooky twist. There will be the opportunity for parade entrants to collect for their chosen charities.
A fireworks show will complete the evening, hosted by Southend Business Improvement District (BID).
Councillor Mulroney said: ‘In Southend we’ve had a really tragic time with the loss of Sir David Amess. Sir Davis was always incredibly supportive of all events that go on in the area. He was always first in the queue, everybody knew him and saw him. I bet my bottom dollar that if what happened hadn’t happened, he would have been at the front of the bus on the way down the city front.
"It’s a great loss to us of somebody that was so supportive of all the arts and culture down in Southend, but let’s make it a day in his memory.’