EAST Beach is set to “finally fulfil its potential” as a go to spot for events with plans developing for a Caribbean Festival, the return of fireworks and an open air cinema.
Organisers behind the popular East Beach Festival, in Shoebury, have submitted plans to Southend Council for a licence that will see the event return with music, food, and dancing.
It comes after it was announced a new outdoor cinema is set to be placed on the beach next month for three days for “a unique and immersive movie-watching experience under the stars”.
While later this year, the Big Beach Bang will see fireworks light up the sky for a bonfire night event.
Peter Lovett, vice-chair of Shoebury Residents’ Association is confident the beach is being turned into a “fantastic community area”.
He also backs the East Beach Festival to be a success despite previous concerns about noise.
He said: “This festival is very popular, with well over 95 per cent of our members in favour.
“The previous two years we tried to mitigate all the concerns of residents, especially those that live on the Park Homes site.
“Last year, organisers turned the speakers to face the sea, to reduce the noise aggravation. They turned the big wheel 180 degrees, so children would not look into residents’ gardens.
“They also increased security and moved the food stalls onto the seaside to stop smells drifting into residents’ homes.
“I am sure that having 5,000 residents let their hair down will be good for the city and our businesses.
“With the firework display, open air cinema and this festival it brings East Beach into focus, and our council may at last be encouraged to complete the upgrades promised in 2021.”
The Echo understands the festival is planned to take place on August 17 and 18, and bosses will work with Shoebury Residents Association again this year to ensure residents’ views are considered.
Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend Council, said: “I think if everything with the application goes well, it would be fantastic for our city.
“East Beach Festival is very welcome in Southend, and we look forward to it.”
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