The popular Sausage and Cider Festival is returning to Southend next year after its successful summer event was expanded due to high demand.

The hit festival, which saw 80,000 revellers heading to its events across more than 40 locations in the UK this year, returns to Priory Park in 2024 with a huge outdoor stage for an array of live entertainment.

This includes already announced tribute bands for Chic, Take That, Arctic Monkeys and Oasis, with a huge headliner set to be announced.

Special guest Shaun Williamson, who played Barry in EastEnders from 1994 to 2004, will also host his unique take on karaoke - Barrioke - with his trademark banter, accompanying participants on stage.

Lee Fudge, marketing manager of Sausage and Cider Festival, said: “Sausage and Cider Festival outdoors is a feel-good event with great music, a huge variety of cider flavours and great independent food operators.

“We are excited to be able to host our outside event in Southend again in 2024.”

This year festival-goers can expect more than 30 cider flavours, craft beer, spirits, wine, cocktails alongside more than 20 sausage flavours ranging from maple and chilli, vegetarian and cheese.

There will also be a huge festival market, on-stage sausage eating contests, six-round chilli eating competitions, and fan-favourite silent disco.

On the children's stage, families will enjoy a children's disco, face painting, live entertainers and character dress-up.

The event returns to the park on Saturday, June 29, running from 2pm until 11pm. 

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult above the age of 21. No more than three under 18s can be accompanied by the same 21-year-old.