A GIG promoter is hoping to get “Southend back on the map” with his new two-day music event.

Joe White, 32, is part of a large community of music fans in the city who feel frustrated with the “number of places that have been lost, the quality and the bookings”.

With such renowned venues as the Railway and Sunrooms closing over the past decade, Southend’s live music scene has been battling for survival against the cost-of-living crisis and rising costs.

So Joe decided to take matters into his own hands and launch his Summer Slam event.

He hopes it will go some way to reviving what the city once had, platforming grassroots musicians in Twenty One.

Mr White said: “Since lockdown, I have asked people what they feel they are missing, and it has been mostly focused on a lack of actual events.

“People talk about the amount of places that have gone, the quality which has declined as well as the bookings. I am guilty of thinking this way as well, I have become negative about my own city.”

Mr White’s Summer Slam event is taking place on Saturday June 8 and Sunday June 9, from 7pm to 11.30pm, costing £16.75 for both nights.

He added: “I want to change this situation, I want to put on events that inspire people, especially younger people, getting Southend back on the map will require starting small though and venues are really struggling.

“If you want to do music or make music or have nowhere to play, you can stick on your own nights and I want to get some eyes on these musicians, get them some support and put us back in the light.

“There will be around seven bands and acoustic acts each night, 50 per cent of the profits will be going to the music venue trust as well.

“I also invite anyone in the area interested In events to come down and speak to me, we really are looking to inspire others with this event.”

More information can be found at: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Southend-on-Sea/Twenty-One/Southends-Summer-Slam-2024-Weekender/38136853/#tickets