Southend Wandering with Writer and Artist Saira Niazi

ESSEX WRITERS HOUSE 2026
Southend Wandering with Writer and Artist Saira Niazi

🗓 13 June 2026
🕐 11–1.30pm
📍 The Forum, Southend →Southchurch Park
🎟 Free

SPACES LIMITED

Discover Southend through a different lens on this social neighbourhood wandering. Beginning at Southend Forum and heading towards Southchurch Park, this guided walk invites you to explore the area’s hidden gems, from colourful street art and secret gardens to sun shelters and seaside views.

Along the route, you’ll hear stories about the local people and places that make Southend unique, while also having the opportunity to document your own journey through words and images.

The stops on the tour will be: Southend Central Library / Focal Point Gallery/ Prittlewell Gardens/ Shrubbery Gardens/ Southend Pier/ Beach/ Southchurch Park

Meeting point: Southend Forum, Elmer Ave, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 1NS

End point: South Church Park

Free, spaces limited so booking essential.

Includes a packed lunch

Saira Niazi is a writer, author and renegade guide, passionate about discovering new places, collecting stories and connecting communities. Saira has collaborated with grassroots groups across the UK on various oral history, art, film, food, environment and heritage projects.

Find out more about Saira Niazi and her work HERE

Things to consider:

· Please dress appropriately for outdoors and weather on the day. On the run up to this event we will email all attendees regarding weather.

· Sun protection (weather depending)

· The terrain will mainly be concrete paths and tarmac.

Bathrooms:

There are some bathroom facilities along the route, starting at our meeting point at Southend Forum, Three Shells Beach toilets, public toilets along Marine Parade and at Southchurch Park cafe.

Parking:

Paid parking is available near the Forum: University Square car park / South Essex College car park.

Dietary Requirements:

We will be supplying packed lunches consisting of sandwiches and snacks. Please let us know of any dietary requirements you may have.

For any questions or enquiries regarding this event, please contact [email protected]

This event is part of Metals Essex Writers House 2026, in partnership with Essex Book Festival.

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