AS Southend's Priory Park prepares to welcome thousands of revellers for music, food and drink festivals this year, find out which famous faces are coming and when.
June 28: Ibiza Orchestra Experience - starring Professor Green
The Ibiza Orchestra Experience will perform on a large outdoor stage, planned to create "the perfect festival environment".
With an even bigger show in 2024, punters can expect a silent disco, stilt walkers, fire
breathers, a laser show, pyrotechnics, a huge festival market and more.
Chart-topping rapper Professor Green will headline the event. Established as one of the crossover superstars of British music, Professor Green has notched up two top-three albums since starting out as a revered rap battle MC.
June 29: Sausage and Cider Festival - starring Eastenders' Shaun Williamson
The hit festival, which saw 80,000 revellers heading to its events across more than 40 locations in the UK last year, will return with a huge outdoor stage for an array of live entertainment.
Tribute bands already confirmed include tributes to Chic, Take That, Arctic Monkeys and Oasis, with a huge headliner set to be announced.
Special guest Shaun Williamson, who played Barry in EastEnders from 1994 to 2004, will also host his unique take on karaoke - Barrioke - with his trademark banter, accompanying participants on stage.
Ticket prices range from £19.50 to £39.95.
July 26 to 28: Lazydays Festival - starring Red Dwarf's Craig Charles, the Hoosiers and more
Billed as "a celebration of all things craft", the traditional beer festival will return for four days of live music, entertainment, and cocktail masterclasses.
Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of craft beers and lagers, cocktails, and gin from independent Essex makers.
Headliners include BBC 6music funk and soul DJ Craig Charles, indie rock band The Futureheads, BBC Radio 1xtra legend David Rodigan, The Hoosiers, and 1990s album charting band Sleeper.
Weekend passes range from £91 to £125, with single-session tickets available from £32.
October 18 and 19: Oktoberfest Southend
The world famous event is returning to Priory Park after a huge sell-out event in 2023.
Oktoberfest is a highly anticipated annual festival, which offers a wide selection of traditional German beer - which can be served in up to two-pint steins - food including bratwurst and pretzels, plus a range of other drinks including cider, prosecco, spirits and wine.
In addition to the diverse selection of beer and food, the event also features entertainment from Oompah bands performing their very own blend of ‘oompop’, as well as support bands and DJs across all sessions.
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