SOUTHEND Pier’s glass entrance has been given a new look ahead of the city’s inaugural Window Wanderland festival.

In preparation for the festival, set for March 22 to March 24, the main glass entrance of the popular landmark now proudly displays murals featuring aquatic designs.

The murals - sporting seals, fish and other marine beings - were created by the Visit Southend team.

They used craft materials, such as coloured cellophane to simulate the aquatic effect, and silhouettes made from black sugar paper.

David Garston, deputy cabinet member for arts, culture, heritage, and leisure, said: “With our inaugural Window Wanderland set to take place between March 22 and March 24, 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.”

The council is encouraging all people from residents in private homes to workers in offices and stores to show off their creativity by transforming their windows into unique displays.

The chosen materials can vary from tissue paper, tracing paper, fabrics to simple paints and pens.

Participants are required to register, after which their properties will be marked on a map, enabling visitors to devise a unique walking tour of Southend to admire the creativity displayed.

It will see Southend transformed into a city-wide gallery, as residents and businesses alike prepare to host the unique art festival.

For further information about the festival and signing up, visit southendculture.co.uk.