A “WEALTH of talent” ranging from the world-renowned girls and boys’ choirs to the outstanding Music Man project means Southend deserves to become UK City of Culture, according to city bosses.

Councillors, artists and business leaders all support the plans to bid for the title, which is granted every four years.

Fresh from becoming the UK’s newest city, confidence and vigour are in abundance as Southend seeks another national platform to celebrate its arts, drama and music scene.

The winning city hosts cultural festivities throughout the year, which Southend would aim to hold in 2029.

David Stanley, founder of the Music Man Project which showcases the talents of people with learning difficulties, said: “We’ve got so much behind us now with the city status.

“We are now a beacon for musicians with learning difficulties and it will be so fantastic. I look forward to joining the many others pushing and hoping it comes to us.

“We have the girls and boys’ choir, Jazz Centre and so many other performers.”

As part of Southend securing city status a variety of cultural events have been taking place in recent weeks, including the LuminoCity illuminations with giant and stunning displays, and a series of concerts and art events.

There are also regular attractions including the Village Green Festival and Southend Shakedown, which both see huge crowds gather for music or to show their motorbikes and scooters.

A spokesman for Metal, which organises the Village Green Festival, described the City of Culture bid as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.

They said: “City of Culture will be an incredible opportunity to celebrate the rich vein of creativity that runs through Southend. To highlight to the world, the diverse talent that is here and put ambitious art at the heart of our new city. “It will enable us to build our cultural infrastructure positioning Southend as major cultural leader in the region – bringing increased opportunity, prosperity and most importantly wellbeing.

“Lockdown has shown how important creativity is for our happiness and fulfilment - this is especially true for our children and young people.

“Southend City of Culture is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to ensure there is a sustainable cultural legacy for future generations.”

Carole Mulroney, Lib Dem councillor responsible for culture and tourism at Southend Council, said there was widespread support for a bid but there was still a long way to go.

She said: “We haven’t agreed this officially at any council meeting but we are pushing for it.

“We will need a whole team and budget behind this to get a bid together to showcase what we have to offer here in Southend.

“We need to submit this to the Government by 2026 but it’s going to take such a lot of work.

“There’s such a wealth of culture from heritage to arts and more and I think lots of groups will want to be involved in this.”