Southend Music Scene

Southend has an interesting history of music and some raw but exciting talent has come out of Southend. Southend had a thriving punk following in the decade between 1977 and 1987. Then the international band Dr Feelgood, and fellow Southender, rock and roll legend Steve Hooker came to fame.

The music vibe continues to prosper in Southend’s various pubs and clubs. The Railway Hotel in Clifftown Road Southend, with its newly opened beer garden, encourages bands to play. The Royal hotel, just opposite The Royals Shopping centre in Southend high Street, and The Sun Rooms down Market Place off Alexandra Road, Southend, all host live music sets by of local bands. All are just a few minutes walk from the Gleneagles Hotel.

Leigh on Sea & Southend Music

Central train station, just off Southend High Street, can take you in a few minutes to Leigh on Sea where the live music scene is very much alive and kicking.
On Leigh on Sea’s impressive Leigh Broadway, the Sandbar hosts live music on a Friday evening. Acts are mainly soul and jazz solos, generating a chilling vibe where you can sit and eat, enjoying the music. The Vie Bar has band nights on Tuesday and Sunday. By contrast these are very up beat, where you can boogie along to the music. Further along the Broadway, on Friday night, Louis XIV has an interesting line up of very stylish singers, completing a wide choice of music in the Southend area.

Concert in the Park – Victoria Park, Southend

Southend also has different music festivals during the summer.
Concert in the Park on June 26th 2010, is held in Priory Park, Victoria Avenue Southend. Set in the grounds of a Cluniac monastery, dating back 1000 yrs, this is one of the largest parks in Southend.

Gates open at 4pm, concert starts at 6pm. The main event is at 8pm. For those who like some classical music The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, conducted by David Arnold, charms its audience with haunting tunes and dramatic classics.
Within the back drop of this historical park, this is a picnic style concert, so bring your own food including drinks. People enjoy eating alfresco and taking in the night air, with their camp chairs and blankets and the glow of the lanterns, (no naked flame), making this an evening to remember.

Village Green Festival, Southend, September 25th 2010

Last year twenty thousand people flocked to Southend’s Village Green Festival in Chalkwell Park, London Road. In 2009 the line up included The Blockheads and Phil Jupitus and there was a late night screening of The Beatles Yellow Submarine. Full details of this years exciting line up has not yet been released but for more details see chalkwell@metalculture.com or ring for information on 01702 470700.

This wonderful event includes a host of different stalls including vintage clothes, art from local artists and crafts to suit all tastes. Food is also available in rich variety from hot and spicy to more classic British food to suit all taste buds.

The Village Green Festival encourages families to attend and entertainment facilities are provided for all ages, including Yoga displays, play areas and picnic areas.

Summer is a wonderful time to come to Southend, and not just to take in the sea air, because with its summer events geared up for all the family, you can enjoy all that this charming resort has to offer you.

Southend & Leigh on Sea Music Scene. Concert in The Park, Victoria Park Southend. Village Green Festival, Chalkwell Park, Southend, September 2010.