Once again the stunning setting for this weekend of music will be Priory Park in Victoria Avenue, Southend.   Saturday sees the return of the Classical Concert in the Park with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. 

Then Sunday welcomes back that icon of all musicians, Jools Holland. Jools first appearance at the concert in 2006 was a sell out and this year’s performance will be no different.    

The concert is open air picnic style.  Bring your own chairs or a blanket, bring food and drink (or buy on-site).  Umbrellas / parasols allowed but not big umbrellas or gazebos as this can obscure the view of others.  Also no naked flames (torches, camp stoves, BBQ’s, etc) are allowed.

Jools Holland will take to the stage at approx 8pm and will host his usual mix of music, including his special guest Marc Almond of the 80’s band Soft Cell (famous for hits such as Tainted Love).  There will be a support programme including local rising star Jodie Lenton and her band with some stunning vocal arrangements (visit Jodie’s website – click here) and an amazing show by The Chicago Blues Brothers to really get the park up and rocking (visit The Chicago Blues Brothers website).   Gates open at 4pm.  Make sure you don’t miss out on a fun packed day.

There is FREE parking onsite subject to weather conditions (as the car park is one field of the park the council reserve the right to refuse use if the conditions are such that excessive damage may occur to the ground.  This has never yet been the case in 13 years but in this instance parking is available on surrounding streets.