Southend Festival
Every year, throughout the whole of June, Southend is transformed into a cultural Mecca as South Essex College puts on the annual Southend Festival –
showcasing the freshest talent, as well as shows by established artists and performers across art, music, film, literature and performance.
South Essex College continually produces innovative and talented learners and what better way to show off their work than by using the festival as
a platform to promote their talents to a wider audience. The festival also coincides with the Graduate Fashion Show in London’s Brick Lane.
Our event celebrates Southend as the creative hub of the Thames Gateway with dozens of events taking place at venues across town including the Cliffs Pavilion,
Palace Theatre and our very own Southend Campus which includes an art gallery, a 250-seat performance pod, and the huge atrium, which has hosted fashion shows
and live music events.
Southend Festival patrons have included indie rock star Sam Duckworth AKA ‘Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.’ and comedian Russell Kane who scooped
the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award 2010. Both patrons are from Southend-on-Sea.
Other high profile names to be associated with the event have included Essex born electronic hip-hop artist Scroobius Pip, soul singer Kenny Thomas, folk quartet Rachel
Unthank & the Winterset, author and artist Rachael Lichtenstein, and even Darth Vader himself, Dave Prowse.
For more information about the festival including events listings visit
www.southendfestival.co.uk.