Beatlemania returns to Southend.

I can vaguely remember when the idea came about to do a Beatles Convention at The Railway Hotel. Must have been, oooh let me think, back in 2010. We had just come back from the Small Faces Convention in Islington. Sublime event - especially the addition of a vintage stall. Always feel a night out mixed with shopping is a genius idea! Clothes amongst the cocktails. It's like having booze goggles on, but rather 'shoes goggles!' The more you drink, the more you buy - or is that just me?! (Flash back to a drunken evening buying a 70mm projector on eBay! A 'little' present I thought Dave would appreciate!.. Least it wasn't a boat!

And if there are any buyers out there who would like to purchase said 70mm projector - DM me! 😬)

The Small Faces event itself was superb - HOWEVER - after hearing Tin Solder being played for the 20th time, I did want to rip my ears off by the end of the night! Why don't they have a limit of how many times a song can be sung, I thought!

This is what kick-started the tradition of choose your own Beatles song to play for our conventions.

Not one song is repeated, so for that year and that year alone, in Southend, you can be the temporary owner of a Beatles number. For me, this year, I've bagged Woman, Maybe I'm Amazed, Honey Pie and Blackbird.

Next year they'll be free to fly into the light of a dark, black night.

We always choose the Sunday before Christmas. A festive tradition, and as it's such a family orientated season, the event itself lends itself to the warmth of a family gathering. Families come together to perform. Little ones have their first attempt on the stage with a cheering audience. Friends challenge themselves to songs they would never normally go near. New instruments are played. Pros come out of the woodwork and show us all how it's done. It's a beautiful event with a real mix of ages, style and ability. The underlining motto - All Are Welcome.

A huge thanks to the marvellous Twenty One for allowing us to continue our tradition. 14 years later, The Southend Beatles Convention is still going strong.

Come along and twist & shout!

Dec 22nd

Twenty One

Roughly 1pm-10pm (specific times will be confirmed nearer the time.)