SOUTHEND Pier looks set to welcome the summer with a host of activities set to take place at the seafront in the coming months.

With the weather finally starting to warm up and the sun shining bright, many of us will be looking to head to the pier for some much needed summer enjoyment.

So, here are all the events set to take place at the world's longest pleasure pier this summer.

Summer Party (Saturday, 29 Jun 2024, 12:00 – Sunday, 30 Jun 2024, 19:00)

The pier kicks off its summer celebrations with a weekend of fantastic live music, vibrant DJs, and a lively atmosphere.

The summer party taking place at western esplanade is the perfect way to start the summer with family and friends and will run over two days.

Visitors will be able to grab a variety of drinks from the pier bar serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for all taste preferences.

Saturday, 29 June, will see an all female DJ collective, Valley of the Dolls, take the stage. Following them will be Throwback to the Future Band, playing music from the 50s all the way up to the 00s.

The second day will feature acoustic vibes from The Chris Robson Band, blues and folk band - The Long Run and The Ondines, an all girl 60's pop band.

Standard pier admissions will apply for the event. 

To find out more, visit: https://www.southendpier.co.uk/event-details/summer-party

Puppet Festival (Friday, 9 Aug, 12:30 – Sunday, 11 Aug, 18:30)

The captivating puppet festival returns to the pier this summer.

The three day event promises to whisk audiences away into a world of imagination and delight with a variety of performances throughout the weekend.

Visitors will be treated to the traditional Punch and Judy shows that captivate both young and old with their timeless humour and antics.

Alongside these classic performances, there will be face painting to transform little ones into their favourite characters, adding to the day's magic and fun. 

The performance schedule for the festival will be :

Friday - Paul Jackson, Joe Peek, Miraiker Battey

Saturday - Paul Jackson, Miraiker Battey, Chris Gasper, Martin Battey 

Sunday - Denise Pettitt, Martin Battey, Paul Jackson

The face painting stall will be run by Julie Judrops Selfiesnapsevents and will cost £4.50 per face and £3 for glitter tattoos.

The festival is free but usual pier admission prices will apply.

For more information, visit: https://www.southendpier.co.uk/event-details/puppet-festival

Galeón Andalucia (Thursday, 22 Aug - Wednesday, 28 Aug)

The historic Spanish galleon will be docked at the pier for six days this summer and give visitors an exciting glimpse into the past.

Visitors can step into history as they explore the six decks of the ship packed with fascinating exhibits and displays. 

With a whopping 320 m2 of open deck space, there's plenty to see and do on this floating museum.

The ship is a replica of a 17th century working vessel and is not accessible for wheelchair users/pushchairs. It is accessed by a gangway and has many stairs and uneven floors onboard, making unsuitable for those with reduced mobility.

Ticket prices range from £8 to £49 and include entry onto the pier and the Galeón Andalucía. Visiting times differ for each day.

For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.southendpier.co.uk/whats-on