SOUTHEND’S much-loved Halloween Parade returned to the city for its fourth year, delighting residents and visitors alike.

The city’s seafront was packed on Saturday evening as hundreds of performers, floats and dancers from across the country dazzled spectators in one of Southend’s most popular events.


Tim Davies Design delivered a breath-taking performanceCreatures from Tim Davies Design delivered a breath-taking performance (Image: George Pizani) The parade began at 6pm at the Eastern Esplanade car park and snaked along the seafront, attracting huge crowds and creating a buzzing atmosphere.

While many of the attendees were Southend residents, this year’s parade also attracted visitors from across the UK.

Pamela Keen, 53, from Cambridge, had travelled down with her family to enjoy the events after hearing about the parade.

Pamela made the journey from CambridgePamela made the journey from Cambridge (Image: George Pizani)

“I used to come down to Essex in my little Mini Cooper so it’s lovely to be back for the parade,” she said.

“The atmosphere is lovely and apart from the parking, it’s all been great.

The Sayer sisters, Bonnie, 7, and Scarlett, 11The Sayer sisters, Bonnie, 7, and Scarlett, 11 (Image: George Pizani)

Over the last four years, the Halloween Parade has confirmed its status as one of the area’s most popular spooky spectacles.

The Sayer family live in Southend and had enjoyed the last three parades.

They had made the most of Saturday’s events, including the daytime zombie walk. 


“I’m dressed as a spooky pumpkin and Mum is a devil,” said seven-year-old Bonnie.

“We did the zombie walk earlier on and will definitely be staying to watch the fireworks later,” added mum, Lisa, 37.

The Halloween Parade has also proved popular with Southend’s business community.

Many seafront traders say the annual event is one of their busiest evenings outside of the summer holidays.

Sandy Van Deventer is one of the owners of the Seafood Shack, a popular seafront restaurant, which was jam-packed on Saturday night.

“It’s always such a fantastic event and this year has been even busier and enjoyable,” she said.

“We’ve gone all out this year, putting on a range of spooky cocktails and have had a real mix of regulars and new faces.”