🥇 Local Business Wins First Place

Good morning, Southend. How was your first week of autumn? We have a lot of news this week so make sure you have a look at the bottom of this email for any headlines you may have missed.

In today’s Southend Spotlight:

• Two gold medals for local tourist hotspot 🥇

• Two local pubs re-opening 🍻

• Two nominations for The Shrimpers’ media team 🎥

Don’t forget to check out the upcoming events list at the end of this email and to forward this email to anyone you know that may be interested.

— Tom McCloud

HIGHLIGHTS
It Really Is One of the Best

Adventure Island was awarded first place in two categories at this year’s UK Theme Park Awards. The categories in which Adventure Island won were ‘Best Seaside Park’ and ‘Best Value Theme Park’.

Over 367,000 public votes were cast and combined with the judges’ scores to decide the overall winners. Adventure Island in Southend, owned by local businessman Phillip Miller MBE, snagged two awards at the prestigious national event.

Adventure Island has recently seen some changes in its selection of amusements, adding its tallest ever ride, Vertigo. This 38m vertical drop ride took the place of the iconic Helter Skelter, which was removed back in April after 40 years of service.

Pubs Rescued From Ruin

The Ship in Leigh has been closed down and boarded up since 2017, standing out as an eyesore in an otherwise thriving location. It’s been an ongoing battle between the developers and councillors as to what happens with the building.

The details aren’t clear, but according to The Echo work is set to start, converting the building into a 15-room luxury hotel with restaurant and bar.

The beloved Shoebury Hotel is set to reopen after financial struggles led to its closure. With major refurbishments underway, the historic venue will maintain its role as a community hub, offering a fresh, family-friendly atmosphere and exciting plans for future events.

THIS WEEKEND
Big Up Southend

Big Up Southend is a vibrant monthly market at the Victoria Centre, showcasing local small businesses, live music, and creative activities for kids. Running from 11am-4pm Saturday 28th Sept, it’s a family-friendly event that celebrates Southend’s talent and community spirit, with a fresh lineup of traders each month.

If you would like to sign up to take a stall, host an activity or perform, you can sign up here. 

Fireworks Spectacular 

Southend’s Fireworks Spectacular returns for another year and begins tomorrow (Sat 28th Sept). The weekly fireworks display was a massive success last year, bringing a significant amount of business to the seafront for the 8 weeks.

The weekly fireworks were funded mostly by local businesses as well as the council.

The fireworks are set off from a barge in the estuary, so you’ll get a good view anywhere from Sea Life to Genting Casino.

Are you a fan of the firework displays; or are they a nuisance? Reply to this email and let me know your thoughts.

LOCAL HISTORY
The Plough and Palace Theatre, 1922

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.

This before and after photo shows 102 years of change. It’s a shame domes atop The Palace towers have not survived.

THE BLUES
⚽️ Blues Nominated for Football Content Awards

Southend United have been nominated for two Football Content Awards, celebrating excellence in football media. The Club is up for Best Football Club (Non-League) and Best Branded Content for the 24/25 kit reveal, “Every Journey Needs Its Threads,” in partnership with c2c.

The winners will be decided by both judge and fan votes, so don’t forget to cast your vote and support the team!

Latest Results

• Saturday 21st Sept

  • Solihull Moors 2-4 Southend Utd

• Tuesday 24th Sept

  • Wealdstone 1-1 Southend Utd

Next Game

• Saturday 28th Sept — 15:00

  • Southend Utd vs. Gateshead

• Saturday 5th Oct — 19:45

  • Southend Utd vs. Maidenhead Utd

Current Position

NEWS
📰 You May Have Missed…

• Korean-Japanese restaurant plans to open on Southend High Street

• Free pizza giveaway at new Westcliff Domino’s

• Renovation starts on closed down Leigh pub

• Shoebury Hotel and Bar re-opening with new managers 

• Southend office block set to become 102 new flats

• Adventure Island wins 2x Gold at the UK Theme Park Awards

• Southend United nominated for Football Content Awards 

• Flights to popular destination continue

• Mother and son open pilates studio in Leigh

• Princess Essex - Southend features in play at Shakespeare’s Globe

EVENTS
🗓️ Upcoming Events

• Celebration of Rock and Roll TODAY Fri 27th Sept

• Blank Slate - Teenage Workshop TODAY Fri 27th Sept

• Big Up Southend Sat 28th Sept

• Fireworks Spectacular Sat 28th Sept

• Run, Dip, Pub Sun 29th Sept

• Southend Jazz Festival Mon 30th Sept - Sun 6th Oct

• Southend Creatives Networking Event Sun 4th Oct

• National League Darts hosted by Southend Utd Tue 8th Oct

• Pink Pier Walk Sat 12th Oct

• 1940s and 50s Hanger Dance Sat 12th Oct

• Prittlewell Pumpkin Patch Sat 26th & Sun 27th Oct

• Southend Pier Monster Hunt Sat 26th Oct - Sun 3rd Nov

If you enjoy hearing about the latest events in and around Southend, please share the newsletter with your friends and family. The more people that subscribe the more events we get to hear about and share with you all!

This newsletter is completely free and always will be!