Never Say Never to Never Never Land!

The magical attraction from the 1950s set to return to Southend Seafront!

Author

Tom McCloud
November 29, 2024

Good morning, Southend. It’s been a while since we’ve sent one of these spotlights out.

Thanks to everyone that stuck around while we took a break. I’m happy to announce that the Southend Spotlight is now back and will be in your inbox every Friday morning!

In today’s Southend Spotlight:

  • Southend New Years Eve celebrations announced 🎆

  • Local Christmas activities begin 🎅🏻

  • Bigger, better burgers at Roots Hall 🍔

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.

There are a tonne of events this weekend (pretty much all Christmas related.)

— Tom McCloud

HIGHLIGHTS
Southend’s First Ever NYE Seafront Fireworks

Southend will shine bright this New Year’s Eve with its first-ever seafront fireworks! On Tuesday, 31st December 2024, two free displays will light up the sky, creating a memorable way to ring in 2025.

There will be two firework displays launched from a barge near Southend Pier (similar to the recent Saturday firework displays).

The first display will be at 6pm and the second at midnight — one display for those that want to ring in the year year with a bang, and another for those that would rather be tucked up in bed by then.

"Southend is a city that loves to celebrate, and this exciting addition to our events calendar is another way we're making Southend a premier destination for residents and visitors alike. The fireworks displays promise to be a great experience, and I encourage everyone to come along and help us ring in the New Year in spectacular fashion!"

Councillor Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism, and Business

🏰 Never Never Land Could Return

Southend Council plans to revive the beloved Never Never Land attraction as a modernised version, paying tribute to its 1950s heyday.

Originally located on the Southend Cliffs and known for its castles, dragons, and enchanted gardens, the attraction was dismantled in 1972 after falling into disrepair.

Never Never Land in its heyday

The updated version, part of the council’s “civic pride action plan,” aims to bring fresh excitement to the seafront while honoring the original’s legacy. Local residents and businesses have welcomed the proposal as a positive step for the area.

“We’re now working on plans for a modernised version of Never Never Land that honours the original while making it more relevant and exciting for today’s generation. This is all part of our efforts to create a city we can all be proud of.”

Lydia Hyde, Labour councillor responsible for climate, environment and waste

THIS WEEKEND
Local Christmas Events in Full Swing

This weekend we see the amount of local Christmas events really start to tick up. One of the biggest being Adventure Island’s Wonderland, a magical Christmas experience for the family.

Adventure Island Christmas Experience

But that’s not all… scroll to the bottom of this email to find 15 other Christmas markets, events and more taking place this weekend and next.

Big Up Southend  

Big Up Southend is a creative day held on the last Saturday of every month in the Victoria Shopping Centre.

Big Up Southend! is all about celebrating the talent that Southend has to offer - from small business owners, to creatives and performers. Whether you’re looking to buy some homemade gifts for Christmas or just want to see some unique performances, head down to Victoria Shopping Centre this Saturday.

Big Up Southend

If you take any photos or purchase anything from Big Su Southend, write in and let us know!

LOCAL HISTORY
Leigh Broadway, 1930

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 94 years of change.

Many of the buildings have retained their structure and style. However gone are the tramlines and uniform canopies atop the local business.

THE BLUES
⚽️ Shrimpers’ Fan Engagement Strategy

Southend United have release their 2024/2025 Fan Engagement Strategy which lays out how the club plan to give supporters a voice and keep us informed.

Southend Utd fans

These are the goals that the club have set out in their plan:

  1. Give supporters a voice in setting the direction of their club, providing them with regular opportunities for input and feedback.

  2. Communicate with our fans in an open and transparent manner by formalising the frequency of interaction from the Club’s ownership and management.

  3. Protect the Club’s heritage and history, honouring past heroes and supporting the work of the Southend United Ex-Players Association.

  4. Build stronger bonds with our fans through shared experiences and meaningful engagement opportunities, both online, on match days and at club events.

🍔 Bigger Burgers!

Now onto the more important news.

Southend United have confirmed that fans in the Gilbert & Rose Stand will now be able to purchase upgraded 6oz burgers, replacing the previous 4oz option at the West kiosk.

I don’t have a photo of the burgers unfortunately

Although be aware, as expected, the bigger burgers do come with a price increase. It’s unclear how expensive these new burgers will be. If you attend Roots Hall next home game (14th Dec), write in and let us know!

Latest Results

  • Saturday 23rd Nov

    • Southend Utd 2-2 Forest Green Rovers

  • Tuesday 26th Nov

    • Woking 0-0 Southend Utd

Next Games

  • Saturday 30th Nov — 15:00

    • Halifax Town vs. Southend Utd

  • Saturday 7th Dec — 15:00 (FA Trophy - 3rd Round)

    • Brentwood Town vs. Southend Utd

Current Position

Southend are currently 16th in the National League

EVENTS
🗓️ Upcoming Events

Brace yourself for A LOT of Christmas events and activities!

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!

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

— Tom McCloud