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Moonlight Colourthon 2009 - VIDEO

Southend's Moonlight Colourthon - PICS

CHECK OUT LONGPIER'S FLICKR SITE FOR ALL OF THE NIGHT'S PICS

CHECK OUT LONGPIER'S FLICKR SITE FOR ALL OF THE NIGHT'S PICS

CHECK OUT LONGPIER'S FLICKR SITE FOR ALL OF THE NIGHT'S PICS

CHECK OUT LONGPIER'S FLICKR SITE FOR ALL OF THE NIGHT'S PICS

CHECK OUT LONGPIER'S FLICKR SITE FOR ALL OF THE NIGHT'S PICS

UPDATE 0034: Colourthon raises £139,000 for 236 charities.

Longpier has been at Chalkwell Park for the annual Moonlight Colourthon.

Over the course of six hours, we pounded "some" of the streets, getting some photos and video, whilst posting regular updates on Twitter.

236 charities were supported and almost 1,300 people took to the streets of Southend, Westcliff, Chalkwell and Leigh between 8pm and 12.30am.

The brightly coloured walkers completed 13.5 miles (half a marathon) raising money for their chosen charity. Organisers say over £139,000 was raised.

Hundreds of locals came onto the streets to cheer family members and friends. This was the route map and there is more about the Colourthon here

Southend's Moonlight Colourthon gears up

One of Southend's premier events takes place on Saturday (4th July) with more than 1,000 people taking to the streets of the borough for a half marathon walk.

The Moonlight Colourthon - now in its third year - encourages walkers to dress as brightly as possible, while raising money for their chosen charities.

The route takes in Chalkwell Park, Westcliff and Southend seafronts, Old Leigh and Leigh town and begins at 8pm.


So far 236 charities are nominated and just under 1,300 people have registered to take part in the event. Registration has now closed for this year's event, but walkers and staff will be pounding the streets asking for cash along the route. Since the inaugural event in 2007, it has raised over £300,000 for over 200 charities.



Although the main event is for ages 16+, there is also a Sunlight Colourthon primarily, but not exclusively, for kids which gets going at 3pm, starting from Chalkwell Park.

But it's the Moonlight Colourthon which draws the attention. This year, BBC Essex will be broadcasting from Chalkwell Park from 6pm, while former Olympic swimmer Mark Foster will be there to encourage the participants.


Longpier.com will be at the event - follow all the action here on the website, with live updates as well as on Twitter.

Find out more about the event here and check out their Facebook page here

Star Wars' Vader comes to Southend

Legendary Star Wars actor Dave Prowse M.B.E. will wrap up Southend Festival Seven with a two and a half hour chat on Tuesday (30th June) at the South East Essex College.

Prowse - who turns 74 on Wednesday - played Darth Vader in the original film, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi.



The talented actor is also widely remembered for fronting a government campaign from 1975-1990. He played the 'Green Cross Code Man' in TV ads, teaching children how to cross the road safely.

Prowse will be reminiscing about his days as an actor and recounting some of his fondest memories, before hosting a Q&A session. The show's on between 7-9.30pm and entrance is £5 a ticket. There are still some tickets left, but best to call the college on 01702 220400 to reserve a seat. All the proceeds from the night will go to the Royal Marsden Hospital - where he recently received successful treatment for prostate cancer. It's a very worthwhile cause.

Check out SEEC interview with the man himself here
Find out more about Dave Prowse and his work here

Leigh Folk Festival 2009

FULL PICTURE GALLERY CAN BE FOUND HERE

The Leigh Folk Festival reaches its climax this weekend with a packed schedule of events around the town.

Longpier.com has been at the Leigh Library event today (Saturday) sampling the atmosphere and acts on stage.

The well supported Festival is in its 18th year, but has it really come of age? Longpier.com spoke to the Festival's music manager Paul Collier (below) to find out more.

LONGPIER: I know nothing about folk or folk music. Why should I come to this year's Leigh Folk Festival?

PAUL: Because there is such an array of talent on show. Leave your preconceptions at the door and enjoy the music and atmosphere. There really is something special about the event and such a broad span of music, so there's something for everyone to enjoy. It's a real spectacle - not only featuring folk, but procession and dance, film and comedy, kids events and barn dances.

LONGPIER: People new to this area wouldn't necessarily expect the country's biggest free Folk Festival on their doorstep - why has it grown in popularity?

PAUL: South Essex has a great musical tradition dating back from the 60s. There has always been a thriving folk, bluegrass, country and rhythm and blues scene in this area and it continues today. The area is home to one of the longest running folk clubs in the country and that helps with the organisation of such an event.

LONGPIER: Glastonbury is on the same weekend as your premiere events - do you find that a challenge?

PAUL: It is a challenge but one we relish. Many people that don't have a ticket for that Festival come here. We're attracting people from far afield areas such as Scotland, the north east of England and even the US. It also helps that we have been mentioned in national press, including the Guardian and Radio 3's Late Junction. Steadily we have built a decent following over the 18 years. It all adds to the profile of the Festival.

LONGPIER: The Festival is reaching its climax - what can people look forward to tonight and Sunday?

PAUL: There's such a fantastic programme of events over the next 48 hours. This event we're at today goes on until 5pm and attracts many families. Here at Leigh Library gardens, they can have a picnic, let the kids run around and sample some excellent folk acts. Tonight there are several bigger events at individual locations, such as St Clements Church, Leigh, where folk and jazz combines for an electric atmosphere. However, tomorrow (Sunday) is the biggest day, with most of the events located down in Old Leigh. There will be international acts, dancing, children's events and more. You can pick up a programme in many Leigh shops for full listings or log on to the official website which is www.leighfolkfestival.co.uk

FULL PICTURE GALLERY CAN BE FOUND HERE
At around 2pm there were more than 300 people in the gardens of Leigh Library and longpier.com spoke to one of the families who had spent the day at the Festival. Sam and Lee Heley and Sandra Edwards from Leigh were enjoying the hazy summer sun and a punnet of blackberries...a very English tradition:

"This is our second year here. We love this particular event as it gives the kids chance to run around in safe surroundings, while we enjoy the music. They have been enjoying the punch and judy shows and the special events in the park", Sam told me.

"We're going to tomorrow's event down at Old Leigh too - we really enjoy seeing the dancing procession - which starts at 1pm", said Lee.

"The Folk Festival has been very good at promoting itself and getting the word out. There has been a good deal of local advertising both in and around the town" Sam added.

Sandra had travelled from a town near Maccelsfield for the Festival and has enjoyed the event so far:

"I love coming here. There's something for everyone and I enjoy the music", she said.

Are you into folk? Then you'll want to pick up a copy of the official soundtrack to this year's Festival. Organisers have cut a 18-track CD featuring an array of artists appearing at this year's shindig. It's just £5 and available from information tents, venues and street vendors across the weekend, as well as the official website.

As well as the music there's some excellent food to be sampled including the fantastic organic burgers from my kitchen (above). Based on Leigh Road, they are specialists in locally sourced, fresh food and drink. Highly recommended is their chickpea and walnut burger and relish at £4.50. Enjoy.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS:

SATURDAY:

Now - 1800 - Leigh Library Gardens - various artists
Now- 1600 - Leigh North Street Junior School - Drumming Workshop with Steve Cooper

1900-2030 - St Clements Church - Trevor Watts & Peter Knight

2000-2300 - Leigh Community Centre - Ceilidh with Slow Loris
2000 - The Peter Boat, Old Leigh - Singaround with Tony Prior
2000 - Crooked Billet, Old Leigh - Lost Amigos

SUNDAY:
BILLET WHARF STAGE, OLD LEIGH - various acts from 1100
PETER BOAT STAGE, OLD LEIGH - various acts from 1100
ST CLEMENTS CHURCH, LEIGH - 0930 Folk Mass
NEW ROAD METHODIST CHURCH, LEIGH - 1100 & 1400 events
YE OLD SMACK, OLD LEIGH - 1130 & 1500 events
SARA'S TEA GARDEN, OLD LEIGH - various acts from 1330
THE SHIP HOTEL, OLD LEIGH - various acts from 1200
FOUNDRY STAGE, OLD LEIGH - various acts from 1100
CLARENDON SCOUT HUT HQ, OLD LEIGH - various acts from 1240
LEIGH SAILING CLUB, OLD LEIGH - various children's activities from 1100
STRAND WHARF, OLD LEIGH - Various from 1100
VICTORIA CAR PARK, OLD LEIGH - Various from 1100

BELTON FLYOVER to VICTORIA WHARF - Procession of Dance Sides from 1300
BOATYARD CAR PARK, OLD LEIGH - various from 1100

OSBOURNE'S COCKLESHEDS, OLD LEIGH - various from 1100

FULL PICTURE GALLERY CAN BE FOUND HERE

La Roux in Southend

Like electro-pop? Like seeing a massive band right on your doorstep? Get down to Chinnery's in Southend tonight for arguably, gig of the week. London-based duo La Roux will be going 'In For the Kill' in a 90-minute set at the seafront venue. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are £8.50 but very few are left, so be quick.

Leigh Art Trail 2009 - picture gallery

Leigh Art Trail 21 June 2009.
More pics at my flickr site

Goodbye Essex FM

Monday morning will be a sad day for listeners in the county, as Essex FM is wiped from the radio dial.

After 28 years, the county's main commercial station is losing its unique identity, and being rebranded 'Heart'.

Essex Radio started in 1981 in Clifftown Road, Southend, quickly building up a fantastic reputation in the industry. The Essex Radio Group was owned by local businesses, including Keddies, HW Stone, Garons and TOTS (Talk) nightclub. Sort after DJs flocked to the independent station including Keith Rogers, Roger Buxton, Peter Holmes, Adrian Fox, Graham Bannerman, John Leech and Romilly Paradine.

Essex Radio continued with several relaunches, including a split of the 96.3 and 102.6 frequencies between 7pm-10pm for a choice of Cesear the Boogeyman or John Leech. A major rebrand took place in 1994, when a huge marketing campaign helped to launch Essex FM.

LISTEN TO ESSEX THROUGH THE YEARS HERE

The group had several other radio interests in between. It launched Breeze AM in 1989 and Ten-17 in Harlow in 1993. It acquired Oasis FM in St Albans in 1997 as well as launching Vibe FM across East Anglia in the same year. In 1998 the Daily Mail Group bought a controlling interest in the growing group.

Back in Southend at Essex FM, several DJs came and went, including Emperor Rosko, Matt Mackay, James Bassam and Paul Lovett, but one remained. Martin Day.

Day - a love him or hate him character - rose to prominence in 1994 when made breakfast DJ on the station. But it was his starring role in the 1998 BBC docu-soap 'Lakesiders' which ensured national notoriety. The fractious working relationship between the mullet-haired DJ and his boss Paul Chantler was the highlight of an otherwise tedious look at Essex life and its culture, based around Thurrock's massive shopping centre.

To this...er...day, Martin Day is still at the station, and when you meet him in the flesh is actually a very nice guy, with time for everyone. He's raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity during his time there and can only be praised for getting up every morning at a godforsaken hour to present with Su. He'll continue to front the breakfast show on Heart.

Essex FM changed hands a couple more times in the 00s - the GWR group took hold for a bit, before selling to Global, who own Heart. The station upped sticks and moved to Chelmsford to cut costs in 2004. As longpier revealed in September last year, the decision to rebrand Essex was taken along with other stations in Global's portfolio. And just before that announcement, one of the country's longest running dance shows was cut from Essex's schedule. Club Essex, with DJ Kitch, was axed after 11 years and 130,000 hours of broadcasting the latest dance tunes on a Saturday night.

So why blog about Essex FM? Well, between June 1999 and July 2000 I was working for Essex FM as a journalist. It was my first job out of university and I can honestly say it was the best year of my working life to date. Being able to report on such a diverse county was a real pleasure. I met lifelong friends, and despite being paid a paltry salary (I started on £10,000, it rose to £12,000 by the time I left) I really can say I had a great time. I presented 'The Update' (Essex's nightly news programme) and regular on the hour bulletins. Despite having a great year, I was 22, and felt I should move on to London and try my hand at national news. I landed a job in Sky News, but didn't enjoy it half as much as being at Radio House in Southend. It was a great time to be there. Shortly after I left, 'The Update' was scrapped and bulletins became shorter - it was the beginning of the end for investment in news. Nowadays, hourly bulletins are no longer than 90 seconds. A real shame - and I'm sure the journalists are frustrated.

LISTEN TO ESSEX THROUGH THE YEARS HERE

Of course, come Monday morning, many listeners won't notice a difference. Few offices, factories or cafes will retune their radios just because of a name change. And it's unlikely audience figures will drop off significantly. Martin Day will still be on air, as usual, at 6am. There will still be a local "drivetime" show - ironically Matt Mackay is coming back after a nine year absence to present it (this is good news btw - a very talented guy). But almost everything else around these shows will be networked from London. You'll have those local news headlines at the top and local ads, but no local references on air - just "This is Heart". Of course the decision to rebrand is an effort to save money, and boost advertising revenue using a well known brand. It'll probably work, but for those who really like their radio to be local, well I'm afraid you've just attended the funeral and buried the dead.

RIP Essex FM.

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More at southendnews.co.uk

Credits: Thanks to Radio&Telly/Pete Sipple/Wikipedia/Paul Kitchener. If you don't like a pic or audio being here, email me and I'll remove

Yachting record attempt passes Southend

British yachtswoman Dee Caffari and her all female crew onboard their Aviva boat have had a successful first night in their attempt to break the record for sailing around Britain and Ireland.

They passed Southend just after 9am this morning - an incredible 10 hours ahead of the pace required to beat the time set in May 2004.

The crew left Gosport harbour last night, before crossing the official start line off Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight, at 9.09pm.

Dee Caffari told longpier.com:

"It's been wicked. We are really on the pace and have worked hard overnight dodging shipping in the English Channel with lots of manoeuvres and sail changes already. We are about to enter an area of variable weather which will keep us pretty busy for the rest of today."

The crew are hoping to making good progress today, despite a dying low pressure system, before picking up a new breeze that will set them on their way again and continue to increase as a cold front comes in.

The route takes in 2500 miles of coastline, and the current outright record stands at 7 days 4 hours, set by the crew of Solune back in 2004.

So far the weather has been kind to the yachtswomen. Southend and the south-east of England experienced some truly awful conditions last night up until 10pm. A severe thunderstorm caused havoc for drivers, while train services on the National Express line to Southend were delayed by up to 50 minutes. At least three houses were struck by lightning in south Essex, while Essex County Fire and Rescue Service responded to around two hundred emergencies last night.

Pics credit: Lloyd images

Leigh Art Trail 2009

The Leigh Art Trail gets underway on Saturday 13th June, with 36 

venues taking part in the annual event.

Almost 50 artists are displaying their works across the week-long festival.

It was established in 1997 by a group of local contemporary artists as a showcase for artistic talents at work in the town and around.

It's been the benchmark for other art trails such as its younger sibling in Westcliff, and like its neighbour, is an organisation run entirely by artists and supporters of the arts whose time and expertise is given freely to ensure a successful event.

Click here for a full list of artists and a map of the event.

You can also check out Longpier's coverage of the event from 2008.

Southend Music Festival 2009 - picture gallery

Location: Southend High Street north

Date: 6th June 2009
Artists: Sam Duckworth aka Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly & Caleb

Southend's Fringe Festival kicks off

The inaugural Southend Fringe Festival has begun with a varied craft fair at Chalkwell Park.

Around 20 exhibitors pitched up, selling a number of paintings, hand-made cards, funky wellies and cool plush toys.

Emma Reed has organised the entire month-long fringe, which aims to complement Southend's main festival happening at the same time.  A full interview with Emma is here:

Perhaps the most outstanding work at the fair was Angela Szczypka's fantastic handmade textile items.  These cute, quirky and contemporary plush toys were really appealing

to young parents or cool students, but I couldn't help but love them myself.   Angela's studying in Norwich for a Fine Arts degree, but grew up in Southend.  

At just 22, she is already running a successful business, making and selling these textile items.  My particular faves were these angry carrots and friendly-looking eggs.   Check out her website.


Another impressive designer exhibiting at the chilly west side of Chalkwell Park was Frances Redding, 29, from Shoeburyness.  Frances already has a top job at a design company but in her spare time likes to show off her talents by creating canvas prints and card designs.

"Although it's a small gathering today, I like being involved with something like this.  It's nice to meet others and gather inspiration.  I'll probably buy more stuff than I sell, but that's ok. 

I'm half Japanese so I get a lot of my influences from there.  I like patterns, shapes and bright colours and this is reflected in my work".

Frances is also a fantastic trumpet player and will be linking up with her old schoolfriend and now big time artist, Theoretical Gurl, at the Fringe's Cobham Lodge venue on 19th June.

"I've been close friends with Amy Turnnidge (Theoretical Gurl) since school and it's great to see her hitting the big time now, with her music being played on Radio 1.  It'll be great to play with her in Southend in a couple of weeks' time".


Also at the fair, Dave and Michelle Panter from Southend.  This couple have set up a brilliantly designed website - Future Day Dreams that sells a variety of festival-wear, from liquorice allsorts wellies to dome-umbrellas to tibetan hats to can coolers.  They set up the business, just as the recession was beginning to bite, so how has it affected them?

"Luckily we're doing quite well.  We've realised that people are going to festivals now, and not only are they there for the music but they're also there to 'be seen'.  Last year, our wellies sold out - we couldn't stock them fast enough.  We have other jobs that maintains our income, but we'd like to do this full time", Dave told me.

"Live music is back.  Festivals are big business, corporate entertainment for everyone.  It's not just indie bands now, there are dance acts, pop acts...it's become very commercial so we wanted to tap into that", Michelle said.

The Fringe Festival continues for a month. A list of all of the events can be found here.

Southend's Free Festival weekend Fun

Southend's Fringe Festival kicks off on Saturday with a craft fair at Chalkwell Park.  It gets going from 10am.  The Fringe is "uncurated", which gives artists/groups the freedom to showcase their talents without being restricted.  Check out their full month's schedule right here.

And one of the borough's biggest exports, Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly, is hosting a free outdoor concert in Southend High Street on Saturday.  Lead singer Sam Duckworth will introduce local bands, before performing with his group around 3pm.

And if novels or poetry are your thing, then get down to the South East Essex College's Southend Book Fair from 10am - loads of great local authors to talk to.

Southend Festival Fashion Show

The South East Essex College played host to Southend's very own fashion show last night, showcasing the talents of eleven degree students.

Around 250 people packed into the atrium of the college to see the 45-minute catwalk show which featured smart, sexy, classy, formal and informal wear.

The students have worked for three years towards the BA Honours degree and were clearly delighted to show off their talent.

Course leader Jenny Sinton, from Westcliff told longpier.com:

"In the ten years I've been working at the college, there has never been a better collection.  The design and quality is fantastic and I'm really proud of them". 

For each of the designers, there was a story behind their collections.  Caron Brandajs, 43, from Shoeburyness told me a remarkable tale:

"20 years ago I was at the London School of Fashion, but for one reason or another I decided not to pursue the career.  Then when my daughter was around seven or eight, she wrote an essay that said her mother was a "boring old housewife".  The words stuck in my head and it spurred me on.  When the college opened in Southend it seemed like the ideal opportunity to get back into fashion.  I have loved the course and haven't looked back", she said.

Caron's classy and sexy range certainly caught the eye:

"Being that little bit older, I know what women want.  This collection aims to make them feel beautiful.  It was very expensive to make them, but all the materials can be made from cheaper fabrics", she told me.

Scarlett Scanlan, 23, from Southend showed off her excellent floral, almost psychedelic dresses to the crowd, who were certainly impressed:

"My collection's based on childhood memories.  I really wanted to use youthful imagery, bright colours and vibrancy in my designs.  The fabric is flowing and can fit any size.  Ultimately I think I'd like to design children's clothes".

Other designers exhibiting their work were Lysette Impey, Laura Jane Chatt, Sarah Lewin, Steff Wakeling, Genilia Logan, Cherish Hill, Adalet Andic, Holly Walker and Hannah Messent.  

And it's Hannah Messent who the course leader believes could sell her designs immediately:

"I think Hannah's designs are commercially viable right now.  I could see her selling those outfits in the High Street with no problem whatsoever", said Jenny Sinton.

Of course the world of fashion is notoriously bitchy, but Jenny says there's been no problem in that area:

"All of the girls get on really well and enjoy working in a team.  They give each other ideas and are really supportive".