A SOUTHEND festival which was set to draw in more than 10,000 people has been delayed until next year as organisers vow to make it bigger and better.

The Southend City Festival has taken the difficult decision to postpone the upcoming event until next year as they need time to overcome “logistical challenges”.

The event was due to take place on September 2 to 4 this year, with the line-ups recently released.

However, in a statement from the organisers, they have had to take the necessary decision to postpone the event.

They said: “The Southend City Festival organising partnership has had to take the difficult but necessary decision to postpone the upcoming event on 2-4 September.

“The festival organisers are currently working with the artists on a rescheduled date for next year.

“Further details will be released as soon as possible, but nonetheless current ticketholders will be offered a full refund.

“With time to overcome the logistical challenges, market supply issues and visa related complications, this festival will continue to be the ambitious showcase for the City of Southend that we all intended.

“We appreciate that this outcome is disappointing and apologise for any inconvenience but appreciate your patience and understanding in the forthcoming days and weeks, as we share with you more information regarding next year’s event.”

It was due to be held at inside an aircraft hangar at Southend Airport, with the line-up including a max of international and upcoming local artists.

Including being headlined by Africa Express, Fabio and Grooverider and the Outlook Orchestra, and the Music Man Project.

The new date for the festival is yet to be revealed but all artists previously announced are working hard to make the rescheduled date.  

Carole Mulroney, councillor responsible for tourism and culture, and also the deputy leader of the council, said they will be working hard to ensure it will be bigger and better next year.

She said: “As an event partner we are now firmly focussed on helping to make this happen next year and ensuring that we continue to work hard to get some of the world’s most exciting and forward-thinking musicians to collectively shine a light on our newly recognised City.

“I want thank everyone involved for their efforts so far and I look forward to further details on a rescheduling being released in due course.”