Everything you need to know for the 2025 free fireworks displays on Southend seafront

Southend-on-Sea’s Free Firework Spectaculars are always very popular, lighting up the seafront with amazing displays. This year in 2025, the fantastic free fireworks will be lighting up the seafront every Saturday night from 27 September to 15 November.

Expect a ten-minute show each week, launched from a barge around 400 metres out to sea and visible all along Marine Parade. For the best atmosphere, head to the City Beach area in front of the arcades, pubs and takeaways.

Dates and times for the Southend seafront fireworks

Here is the full list of free fireworks on Southend seafront for 2025:

• Saturday 27 September 2025 — 8pm
• Saturday 4 October 2025 — 8pm
• Saturday 11 October 2025 — 8pm
• Saturday 18 October 2025 — 8pm
• Saturday 25 October 2025 — 8pm
• Saturday 1 November 2025 — 7.30pm
• Saturday 8 November 2025 — 7.30pm
• Saturday 15 November 2025 — 7.30pm

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: Walk behind Adventure Island where it is less crowded and you can even sit on the sea wall to watch the show.

What to expect at the Southend seafront fireworks

• A family-friendly fireworks display of running for around ten minutes
• Seafront views and a lively atmosphere
• Make a night of it with the rides at Adventure Island, fun in the arcades, a pub stop or classic fish and chips

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 charged until 9pm. Parking for 3 hours from 6pm – 9pm costs £5 in 2025.

However if you don’t mind a short walk, free car parking from 6pm is available in town centre car parks such as the Tylers Avenue or York Road car parks.

Important Note: On fireworks nights, the seafront car parks are often full up by 7:30pm, so it’s advised that you arrive in good time so that you don’t miss the show.

When do the Southend seafront fireworks start

The September and October firework displays begin at 8:00pm sharp and run for around 10 minutes until 8:10pm.

However, the November seafront fireworks begin at the earlier time of 7:30pm, also running for 10 minutes.

There is usually a ‘big bang’ grand finale towards the end of the show, followed by applause from the crowds.

Who organises and funds the Southend fireworks?

Now in its 29th year, the event is organised by the ‘Seaside Partnership’ and are funded by financial contributions from members of Seaside Partnership and other 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.”