SALVO the clown has been selected to switch on Southend’s Christmas lights as his final farewell to the High Street.

After announcing his retirement Salvo, who has been entertaining children and families for 27 years by handing out balloons and performing, will leave the High Street following the October half-term.

However as his final act as Southend’s most famous clown, Salvo will be turning on the Christmas lights on November 16.

He has been selected by Southend’s Business Improvement District as a thank you for the years he has spent dedicated to Southend.

Salvo said: “They can’t make my retirement more special, I have the opportunity to switch on the Christmas lights.

“This is a real honour, all I did was enjoy myself for 27 years.

“It is nerve-wracking, I don’t know about exciting, and I have never tried to entertain a crown that big, having been there when they do the lights switch on, I haven’t seen a stage like that in years.

“I am nobody special, all I have done for 27 years is enjoy myself.”

The switch on event will see entertainment throughout the city centre on November 27 and will coincide with the finale of Southend’s seafront fireworks.

Southend BID chairman George Bejko-Cowlbeck said: “We are thrilled that Southend legend, Salvo, will be switching on the Christmas lights for this year.

“The big switch on is a hugely nostalgic event for our city- we were very excited when Salvo agreed - he most definitely deserves this accolade, so many. of us have treasured memories growing up, looking forward to our weekend shopping trips with our Salvo balloon creations in hand.

“There will be ‘huge shoes’ to fill for the position next year that’s for sure.’”

Salvo’s retirement came after Qualatex Balloons, an American company where he sourced his balloons, closed its factories and ceased production of latex balloons.

Salvo has been honoured numerous times in the past decade including artwork at the City Jam and a ribbon cutting to mark his 25th anniversary.