Southend pier’s glass entrance gets makeover for upcoming Window Wanderland

March 7, 2024

With Southend’s inaugural Window Wanderland festival just a fortnight away (22-24 March), residents and businesses across the city are getting creative including our beloved Southend Pier.

Visitors to Southend’s iconic landmark pier will notice some fantastic window murals created at the main glass entrance featuring aquatic designs including seals and fish. The windows were created by the Visit Southend team using easily accessible craft materials such as coloured cellophane to create the watery effects, and black sugar paper for the silhouettes.

Window Wanderland invites participation from all corners of our city, from individual residences to shops and offices. Participants are encouraged to unleash their imagination, illuminating their windows with unique displays during the festival, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary showcases.

Like the pier entrance designs, simple materials such as tissue paper, tracing paper, fabrics or paints and pens can be used to create displays. From intricate designs to playful silhouettes cut from black paper or even colourful arrangements of clothing, the possibilities for creativity are endless.

Councillor David Garston, deputy cabinet member for arts, culture, heritage, and leisure, said: “With our inaugural Window Wanderland set to take place between 22 and 24 March, our pier team wanted to lead by example and hopefully inspire residents to create their own window designs.

“There is no right or wrong way to do this and it’s certainly not a competition, it’s about fostering community spirit, encouraging neighbourhoods to come together, celebrate creativity, and brighten our city's streets.

"Almost 100 households have signed up so far and it's an opportunity for everyone to participate, connect, and revel in the artistic expressions that will hopefully adorn many windows across the city. For that weekend, our city is our canvas!”

Window Wanderland takes place between 22-24 March. For full details, some creative inspiration, and to sign-up to join this artistic movement, visit the official website.