SOUTHEND High Street came to life with a huge party to help welcome in the King, with a huge range of entertainment and activities.

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The Iron Works hosted the event with a huge food spread, lots of fizz and cocktails while the High Street was full of artists, musicians and entertainers.

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The event continued the huge celebrations across the weekend for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Sir James Duddridge, Tory MP for Southend East and Rochford, Anna Firth, Tory MP for Southend West, and Kevin Robinson, mayor of Southend were among the dignitaries.

Sir James said: "The weekend was absolutely fantastic. I went up to London to see the coronation on Saturday and Sunday was all about street parties.

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"Sunday saw the sun out and everyone was really letting their hair down and enjoying themselves. It's great to celebrate the new King and everything that's good about Great Britain."

Mr Robinson said: "The sunshine made a real difference on Sunday and the city was alive with parties and everything that's going on to celebrate the coronation."

Families were out enjoying the entertainment from children's activities to stilt walkers and much more.

There were artists and stalls selling a range of items and goods which are perfect as gifts.

A live band put on a great show and artists created amazing patriotic works in the High Street and the summer sun.

Kevin Backster, 65, from Southend, said: "The High Street looked absolutely great and was just brimming with people, and it was fantastic to see it.

"It really helped to bring the High Street to life and I haven't seen it like that for a while.

"We had a really good day and enjoyed all the fun and activates. The food was fantastic and so was the entertainment.

"We love the Royals and were so keen to celebrate it - you just can't not do so. The Royals make up so much of what it means to be British.

"I am sure we've all done him very proud and ourselves, too, by going to all this effort."