THE holidays are coming with preparations underway for the return of Southend’s iconic Christmas switch-on event... as the city swelters in a summer heatwave. 

It may only be August but Southend BID has announced the festive event is back on Saturday, November 16.

While hundreds descend on Southend's beaches behind the scenes in the city work is underway to spread a bit of Christmas cheer. 

Following on from the success last year, Southend High Street is expected to come alive again with a day-long extravaganza of festive activities.

Southend BID chairman, George Bejko-Cowlbeck, said: "Christmas is the BID’s biggest event of the year and planning has already started.

“Last year’s fun packed day brought thousands to the city centre with a brilliant atmosphere, and we are building on that for 2024”.

Opportunities for businesses to sponsor the event have been announced with details available on Southend BID's website.

Southend BID Manager, Scott Dolling, added: "We have already confirmed some sponsors with this being such a high-profile period, so businesses wanting to get their brand involved in the switch-on and related Christmas activity should get in touch soon."

Specifics on what people can see on the day are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks. 

Reinstating their commitment as the headline sponsors, Southend Theatres is on board for another year.

Nick Parr, theatre director at the Cliffs Pavilion and Palace Theatre, said: "The Southend Theatres’ team were blown away by last year’s brilliant Christmas in the City event and we were determined to be involved again in 2024.

"Christmas is a busy time for both the Cliffs and the Palace with festive parties, Christmas movies including The Holiday, Home Alone and The Muppets’ Christmas Carol, Christmas shows including Santa’s Wish, The Owl Who Came for Christmas and of course Rylan in our spectacular panto Jack and the Beanstalk.

"Our Festive celebrations start with Christmas in the City and we plan to make this year the best yet."