Southend Halloween Parade returns for the sixth year

April 22, 2026

Southend’s much‑loved Halloween Parade will return in 2026 for its sixth year, and for the first time ever it will take place on Halloween night itself - Saturday 31 October.

Promising a fun‑filled, family‑friendly celebration packed with creativity and community spirit, this year’s event is set to be a truly unforgettable after‑dark celebration.

Now firmly established as a highlight of Southend’s annual events calendar, the Halloween Parade brings the seafront to life each year with a spectacular showcase of costumes, creativity and community spirit.

Thousands of residents and visitors are expected once again to gather along the route to enjoy the illuminated nighttime procession and soak up the electric atmosphere.

The parade is renowned for its vibrant mix of giant puppets, energetic dance troupes, and mesmerising performers, all coming together to celebrate Halloween in style.

Previous years have seen over 50 ghoulish acts take part, and 2026 aims to raise the bar even higher with an unforgettable Halloween night spectacular.

Aida Esposito, Director of Culture, Leisure, Music and Tourism at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: “The Southend Halloween Parade has become one of our most popular and loved events.

"Holding it on Halloween night this year will make it even more special, creating an unforgettable experience for families, residents and visitors while continuing to support our local economy and cultural scene.”

Taking part in the parade is free and open to everyone, as long as participants are illuminated and in costume. Local dance groups, theatre companies, schools, clubs and creative communities are all encouraged to take part and bring their spellbinding ideas to life.

From bone‑chilling dance routines and eerie musical performances to spine‑tingling theatrical creations, all types of creative acts are welcome to help make the 2026 parade the most spooktacular yet.

To register your group or find out more, visit www.southendhalloween.org. Spaces are expected to fill quickly, and early registration is strongly encouraged to secure a place in the parade line‑up.

Join us on Halloween night, Saturday 31 October 2026, for a frightfully fun celebration and help make this year’s Southend Halloween Parade the most magical and memorable yet.