Southend is set for a weekend packed with thrills, food, and family fun as Halloween fever takes over the city.
From dazzling fireworks and parades to markets and tasty treats, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained.
The celebrations begin on Saturday evening with the Southend Halloween Parade, returning bigger and bolder than ever.
From 6.30pm, the seafront will transform into a spooky carnival filled with street performers, live music, and creepy characters.
Southend Halloween Parade(Image: Newsquest)
Families are encouraged to dress up, join the crowds, and enjoy the eerie yet festive atmosphere as the parade winds along the promenade.
Hot on its heels, the Southend City Fireworks will light up the night sky at 8pm.
Organised by the Seaside Partnership, the free ten-minute display adds an explosive finale to the evening.
Visitors can soak up the lively seaside buzz, complete with the sounds of Adventure Island, the glow of arcades and the scent of chips in the air.
The Southend City Fireworks(Image: Angus Browne)
For those looking for daytime fun, Big Up Southend returns to the Victoria Centre on Saturday from 11am to 4pm.
The vibrant monthly makers' market celebrates local creativity, showcasing handmade crafts, gifts and unique designs.
It's the perfect opportunity to shop local, meet small business owners and discover one-of-a-kind treasures from Southend's talented makers.
Meanwhile, foodies can indulge in the Southend Food and Drink Festival, running across the city centre from Friday, October 24, to Sunday, November 2.
With 18 venues and more than two dozen special offers, the event highlights the best of Southend's restaurants, cafés and bars.
Visitors can enjoy meal deals, discounts, freebies and prizes worth more than £700, all while sampling the city's culinary delights.
And for those craving thrills, Fright Fantastic returns to Adventure Island from Saturday through to Halloween.
Fright Fantastic returns to Adventure Island (Image: Adventure Island)
The week-long event promises spine-tingling fun, with trick-or-treating, free face painting, costume competitions and the chance to enjoy rides in the dark.
With spooky spectacles, markets, fireworks and flavour-filled fun, Southend is set for a Halloween weekend bursting with excitement and community spirit.