💡 Illumination News and Pressure on The Blues

Could the Southend Illuminations return this year? Will The Shrimpers get a deal in time? Can you have too many bank holiday events?

Author

Tom McCloud
May 24, 2024

Good morning, Southend. Have you made plans for this bank holiday weekend? I’m personally looking forward to fish & chips in the sun ☀️ (sunshine not guaranteed).

In today’s Southend Spotlight:

  • Return of the Southend Illuminations

  • Bank Holiday event bonanza

  • The Shrimpers are running out of time

Don’t forget to check out the bank holiday events list at the end of this email.

— Tom McCloud

HIGHLIGHTS
Iconic Hotel Celebrates 120th Anniversary

Southend’s iconic Park Inn by Radisson Palace Hotel has sat atop Pier Hill for 120 years and will be celebrating this milestone with a week of events, starting with a Family Fun Day this Saturday

Originally opened as The Metropole in 1904, it was the only five star establishment on the Southeast coast. The residence served as Queen Mary’s Royal Naval Hospital during the First World War. After falling into disrepair in the 1990’s the hotel underwent a £25m refurbishment in 2010, bringing life back to the seafront.

Seafront Illuminations Could Return

The iconic Southend Illuminations lit the seafront throughout the autumn and winter months from the 1930’s until 2007 when plans were scrapped. However councillors have revealed talks of a possible return.

Southend Illuminations

Last year we saw the LuminoCity Festival of Light brighten the streets during the February half term break. However, according to The Echo the council is looking to “make the city sparkle again” and turn it into an events hotspot.

THIS WEEK
Time Running Out for The Blues

New Southend-on-Sea City Council leader Daniel Cowan has emphasised the urgency of finalising the takeover deal for Southend United, stating that the deal may not happen.

Outgoing owner Ron Martin agreed to sell the club to a consortium led by Australian millionaire Justin Rees late last year, but due diligence is still ongoing. Daniel Cowan noted that if due diligence reveals any red flags, the deal may not proceed. The club faces a High Court appearance next month over unpaid legal fees and a new transfer embargo from the National League. Cowan aims to complete due diligence before the court date and assures transparency and support for the club and its fans.

LOCAL HISTORY
Southend High Street, 1942

Southend is rich with interesting pieces of history and every week we dedicate a section of this newsletter to sharing that history with you. If you have suggestions for the next piece, reply to this email.

Southend High Street has been a hot spot for retail since the late 1800’s and it was in 1902 that electric trams were introduced. The trams were removed in 1942, during the Second World War. It was in 1974 that the High Street was pedestrianised as it became a region shopping centre for Essex.

NEWS
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Thanks for reading this week’s Southend Spotlight. If you have any thoughts please reply to this email and let me know!

— Tom McCloud