Refuse Collection this Christmas but no Green Bin Collections
Garden waste collections will pause from Monday 22 December and resume on Tuesday 13 January 2026, so residents who want their real Christmas tree recycled before then have three options
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Leigh on Sea News
The Snow Queen Review by Nina Jervis-Green
If you’re looking for an alternative to the big-budget, big-name pantomimes that flood the Christmas schedules every year, The Snow Queen is it. This is a captivating show full of heart and magic, with a story that will resonate long after you’ve left the theatre.
REVIEW OF CINDERELLA BY LYNN CARROLL
I didn’t think Rylan could better his previous year’s performance but he totally smashed it and the audience made sure he knew it. The laughter, cheers and comebacks came thick and fast with joke after joke
We’ve Given It Time: The Wheelie Bin Project is Failing by Enzo Harrison
Waste collection isn’t a pleasant subject. But it’s perhaps one of the many matters that come to mind when you think about local government. It’s something we all take for granted. Or did take for granted, at least.
Uber granted licence to operate in Southend after unanimous Licensing Sub-Committee approval
Southend-on-Sea City Council’s independent, quasi-judicial Licensing Sub-Committee has unanimously approved Uber Britannia Limited’s application for a Private Hire Vehicle Operator’s Licence.
Council to crack down on Southend and Leigh's derelict and neglected sites with launch of “Dirty Dozen” list
Southend-on-Sea City Council is cracking down on the blight of derelict and neglected sites by naming and shaming the city’s top 12 offenders through a new initiative called the “Dirty Dozen” list.
5 Top Christmas Styling Tips by Zoe from Beautiful Healthy Home
Hi, I’m Zoë from Beautiful Healthy Home, your local interior design studio that puts health at the heart of design. In this month’s blog I pick out my favourite Christmas accents to help you bring joy and connection within your own beautiful and healthy home.
£8.5m boost set to improve bus services for Southend passengers
This multi-year allocation allows the council to plan improvements across the network with confidence. It also enables Southend to build on recent successes, including the new 23A/B bus service from Leigh-on-Sea Railway Station to London Southend Airport route and Airport Business Park and the extension of late-night bus services, which are already giving passengers more choice and flexibility when travelling.
The Palace Theatre Summer Youth Project: Shrek The Musical Auditions
The Palace Theatre is pleased to reveal that 2026’s Summer Youth Project (SYP) will be Shrek The Musical. Open to young people aged between 9 and 19 with a passion for performing, cast auditions will be held in April.
Southend launches Culture Small Grants Scheme to support community-led creativity
New grants from £250–£1,500 available now. Open to people, groups and organisations connected to Southend
Lady McAdden Raises Over £5,000 at Festive Fundraiser
Leigh-on-Sea–based breast cancer charity Lady McAdden brought together 120 local women last week to kick off the festive season in style, raising over £5,000 in funds.
£90m partnership to tackle flooding and wastewater using smart technology and dry gardens
Residents will see tangible improvements to streets and neighbourhoods, with rain gardens installed across the city. These will be designed with Beth Chatto’s award-winning team, maximising plantlife and be cheaper to maintain the ‘dry gardens’.
Festive Sundays Bring Christmas Magic to Southend’s High Street
Running on Sunday 7 th , 14 th and 21 st December from 12-3pm, the series forms part of Southend City BID’s much loved Christmas in the City festive program. Each Sunday will feature a unique theme packed with free activities, performances and interactive experiences for all ages.
2025 Christmas Events
Our list of Christmas events taking place this December in Leigh and Southend.
Youth-led event empowers young people to stand against violence towards women and girls
Working with Essex Police and specialist local organisations, the group explored consent, healthy relationships, sexual offences, personal safety and how to seek support when needed.
One month on: new recycling and waste service hits major milestone
Initial data shows food waste recycling has doubled, black bin waste is falling, and the overall recycling rate is now expected to exceed 50%
Why Light Up Leigh will be a success, but do we deserve more by Enzo Harrison
For many businesses in our Broadway, Leigh Lights is their biggest earner of the year. Without it, many would have to make tough decisions when the new year rolls around.
Fawlty Towers Review by Lynn Carroll
Fawlty Towers came to Southend Cliffs Pavilion last night straight from the West End and what a fabulous show it was. The world needs laughter and we got it in good measure with this comedy play, the audience applause proved it beyond doubt.
Essex residents given their say on keeping their council services delivered locally
Speaking shortly after the announcement from the Government that they will consult with residents and stakeholders across Essex on the four different proposals to re-organise local government.
