Thousands of people flocked to Southend High Street and seafront on Saturday (17 November 2018) for a whole host of free, live entertainment spread across eight hours at this year’s Christmas Lights switch-on, all organised by the Southend BID.
X Factor finalist and heartthrob, Matt Linnen, topped the bill and helped Heart Essex stars Martin and Su press the plunger to illuminate Southend.
Southend BID Chair Dennis Baldry said “It was a fantastic event and great to see so many people who braved the cold to see the lights come on. The build up to the switch on was a great mix of acts that really entertained the crowds and the reaction to the new lights that the Southend BID has funded has been very positive. The evening ended with another amazing firework display that captivated the thousands of people who crowded the seafront to watch them. It was certainly a very positive and welcome boost to the town to really show the best of Southend.”
He added “I would thank Essex Police who kept everyone safe for their hard work during the day – it was great to see them, I would also thank the event team who put together the whole event and the BID manager, Alison Dewey, for heading it all up and making it such a success.”
