entertaining - enlightening - inspiring

Find out more about the region's premier venues for touring West End musicals, international classical concerts, ballet and opera, drama, jazz and alternative comedy.

For more information visit the Cliffs Pavilion website.

To find out what's on or how to hire the New Empire Theatre please visit the New Empire Theatre website.

Probably the biggest special events programme in the South East!

Air Show, Fairs, Garden Shows, Wildlife Discovery Days, Multicultural Festival, Carnival, Essex Youth Games, Art Trails, Folk Festivals, Classic Car Run, Concerts In The Park, Craft Activity Week, Reminiscence Events, Pleasure Cruises, Cricket Festival, Fishing Festival, Old Leigh Regatta, Christmas attractions and much, much more.

For more information see Visit Southend - Special Events.

Did you know that Southend boasts a large number of amateur adult choirs, orchestras, bands and ensembles, who all perform locally at a number of venues.

For further information visit Southend-on-Sea Borough Council - Music.

The aim of Southend-on-Sea Arts Council is to foster and promote the maintenance of and improvement and development of artistic taste and the knowledge, understanding and the appreciation of the arts amongst the inhabitants of the Borough of Southend on Sea.

To find out more visit the Southend-on-Sea Arts Council website.

Want to find out more about our Leisure Centres and Swimming Pools?

Visit the Creating Leisure website.

Please visit Southend-on-Sea Swimming Club to find out more.

Your guide to thousands of sporting opportunities in Essex.

For further information see sportessex.

Did you know that Southend’s pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world stretching 1.33 miles into the Thames Estuary. You can take a ride on one of the unique Pier Trains to the end and back, or enjoy an invigorating walk.

For more information see Visit Southend - Southend Pier.

Whether you're looking for action-packed water sports, somewhere for the children to play, build sandcastles and paddle, a relaxing stroll along a picturesque shoreline or a family picnic by the sea, Southend has the perfect beach to suit your needs.

For further information see Visit Southend - Beaches.

Want to find out more about our local social and human history? or view a fine collection of works of art or maybe find out more about the stars at a planetarium.

For further information visit the Southend Museums website.

Did you know that Archaeologists have discovered the burial site of a Saxon king in Southend? This find is probably the most exciting and important archaeological discovery made in this country in the last fifty years!

To find out more information see Southend Museums - Saxon King.

From the Domesday Book to current day...

For further information see Southend Museums - History.

Focal Point Gallery specialises in photography and media arts. We aim to provide an enriching and stimulating programme, creating opportunities to experience the best of contemporary art in these fields.

For more information visit the Focal Point Gallery website.

Did you know that the Southend Libraries is one of the busiest library services in the UK, lending more books per head of population than any other library service? There's something for everyone from babies to retired people: we cater for all ages, abilities, interests and needs!

For further information visit the Southend Library website.

Find your local library...

Visit Southend-on-Sea Borough Council - Libraries.

Search or request a book to borrow...

Visit Essex County Council Libraries - ELAN Catalogue.

For lots of information to search on-line.

Visit Southend-on-Sea Borough Council - Reference for further information.