The City of Southend Firework Spectaculars are always very popular, lighting up the seafront with an amazing display. This year in 2024, the fantastic free fireworks will be taking place every week from 28th September until 16th November!
Here is the full list of free fireworks on Southend seafront:
Saturday 28th September – 8pm
Saturday 5th October – 8pm
Saturday 12th October – 8pm
Saturday 19th October – 8pm
Saturday 26th October – 8pm
Saturday 2nd November – 8pm
Saturday 9th November – 8pm
Saturday 16th November – 7.30pm
The fireworks are funded by financial contributions from members of ‘The Seaside Partnership’ and sponsors, including Southend City Council, Southend City BID, Kingpins, Adventure Island, c2c Rail and the Essex Chambers of Commerce.
Matt Dent, Labour councillor responsible for culture, tourism, and business, said: “These events really do bring people into the city and it brings business to the seafront. I am massively looking forward to eight weeks of events bringing people down to Southend which all leads up to the big switch-on.”
The best places to watch the Southend seafront fireworks
The fireworks are all launched from a temporary barge moored in the Estuary, to the East of Southend Pier. This launching location for the display means you can get a great view from most areas along the central seafront area – from the Sea-Life Adventure all the way to the Westcliff Genting Casino, you’ll get a good view of the display.
However, for the best atmosphere, the City beach area in front of the arcades is always popular. With hot donuts and chips near by too!
Top Tip: Go behind Adventure Island where it is less crowded and you can even sit on the sea wall to watch the show.
Where to park your car for the Southend fireworks
If you want to park close to the seafront, there are 658 spaces at Seaway car park. Parking is now charged until 9pm, at £3 per hour. So parking from 6pm – 9pm costs £9, or from 7pm – 9pm costs £6.
However if you don’t mind a short walk, free car parking from 6pm is available in town centre car parks.
Note: Seafront car parks are often full up by 7:30pm, so we advise arriving in good time so that you don’t miss the show.
When do the Southend fireworks start
The firework displays begin at 8:00pm sharp and run for around 15 minutes until 8:15 pm. There is always a grand finale towards the end of the show.