We’ve made it to 30!

The Southend Pier Puppet Festival started in 1988 and this year will be held on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August.

The end of the Pier, in and around the Royal Pavilion will sing to the sound of Mr Punch, marionettes, and muppets from 11.00 AM to 5.00 PM each day.

Equity Puppeteers and Punch and Judy Fellowship members, Denise Pettitt, from Kent, Chippy Wood and Paul Jackson from Surrey, Joe Peek and Chris Gasper from Southend will perform this year.

There will also be an exhibition showing the history of Mr Punch, photos of the first 29 years of Pier performances and an exhibition of Punch memorabilia.

A colouring workshop, accordionist, face painter will be round the Pavilion and a 1980’s barrel organ at the shore end on Sunday, completes the entertainment.

6,800 visitors came to visit us in 2017.