Southend

Southend is one of the most happening towns outside of London and is the artistic and cultural hub of the South East. As a key centre of the Thames Gateway, it is a town alive with opportunity and potential.

Art

There’s a strong community of artists and regular art shows and exhibitions in the town. Leigh Art Trail, the Beecroft and the Focal Point Gallery offer a diverse range of photographic and art exhibitions with regular visits from international artists.

Theatre

Southend’s major theatres, the Cliffs Pavilion and the Palace Theatre, attract West End touring productions, international classical concerts, ballet and opera, drama, jazz and the biggest names in comedy. You can also catch theatrical productions at the newly renovated Clifftown theatre in Southend, which offers productions by students of the East 15 Acting School, part of the University of Essex.

Music

Southend is host to a thriving alternative music scene bursting with home-grown talent (Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, The Horrors, These New Puritans) as well as attracting the likes of Oasis, Pearl Jam, Charlatans and the Manic Street Preachers. A variety of venues in the town ensures a selection of live music for all tastes.

Festivals

The College’s very own Southend Festival spans the whole of June and provides culture vultures with plenty to get their teeth into. The Leigh Folk Festival now attracts world-renowned artists and Rochford’s Shoplands Music Festival provides a stage for the crème de la crème of local musicians. In September, Chalkwell Park plays host to the Village Green festival, which offers a variety of music, comedy and arts events.

Comedy

Southend has proven itself to be a fertile breeding ground for comedy with the likes of Phill Jupitus, Russell Kane and Lee Evans all hailing from the area. Fans of live comedy can expect belly laughs every month at the Comedy Club Southend in Chalkwell Park; and the biggest names always include Southend on their tours including Jimmy Carr, Alan Carr and The Mighty Boosh.