SOUTHEND'S annual Halloween Parade returns to the seafront later today and promises fantastically spooky experience.

Whereas previous Halloween Parades have been evening-focused, this year’s celebration will kick off at midday with a Zombie Walk from the city’s Victoria Circus.

The main parade will begin at 6pm at Eastern Esplanade car park.

Tim Davies Design will return with their inflatable ArachnobotTim Davies Design will return with their inflatable Arachnobot (Image: Jennifer Spittle) Parade organisers have advised attendees to plan their visit ahead of time and consider using public transport to reach the seafront - last year’s parade attracted more than 45,000 spectators.

Eastern Esplanade car park, formally known as the Gasworks will be closed all day. Western Esplanade parking bays will be suspended from 7am until midnight from Southend Pier to Roberto’s.

Fairhead’s Green car park will have access suspended between 3.30pm and 8pm.

Road closures come into effect at 4pm and Marine Parade and the surrounding roads will be closed for all traffic.

The parade timings are as follows:

6pm - Parade leaves Eastern Esplanade car park

6:30pm-6:45pm - Parade reaches Southend Pier & Railway

7:00pm-7:30pm - Parade reaches the end

8pm - Fireworks finale courtesy of the Southend Seaside Partnership

2024's Halloween Parade map2024's Halloween Parade map (Image: VisitSouthend) Previous Southend Halloween Parades have attracted performers from around the UK and featured an array of breath-taking floats and decorations.

This year’s parade will see performances from groups such as Rampage, Valerian and Tim Davies Design, who will dazzle attendees with their Arachnobot puppet.

The parade has emerged as a highlight of the city’s public calendar and is one of Southend’s most successful family events.

For more information visit southendhalloween.org