JOIN THE PARADE
The Southend Halloween Parade wouldn't be complete without the involvement of our local community, which is why we want the whole city to get involved!
Everyone is welcome to join the parade for FREE! So whether your company wants to decorate a float, your dance troupe want to strut their stuff, or your ghoulish gang want to entertain the crowd, as long as you're fully illuminated and positively Halloweeny the more the merrier!
If you’d like to be part of the parade, please fill out the form below with as much detail as possible so we know who to expect!
NB - Only those who register and arrive in costumes and lights will be allowed to join the parade!
Registration for all entries will close on 5th October 2025.
Every entrant must...
Be illuminated | The parade is at night so it's a must that all entrants are fully illuminated.
Be in family-friendly Halloween costumes | It’s Halloween, so be spooky, but remember there’ll be children present, so please keep your costume family friendly. Only those in costume will be able to join the parade.
Entertain the crowd | This is a fun, family parade with a spooky carnival atmosphere, so all entrants must entertain and interact with the crowds.
Be weather resistant | The parade takes place along Southend seafront during all weather conditions. Every entrant should be weather resistant to a certain extent, and any constructed elements should be able to withstand strong gusts of wind.
Terms and Conditions
All Entries
All entrants must be in costume and illuminated.
Person in charge of entry is responsible for their group’s safety.
All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
No children under 7 for safety reasons.
No animals allowed in the parade.
If any group has vulnerable adults/children, at least one person in the group must have a DBS check.
All participants must be at the parade muster point by 4:45pm. A designated representative must then attend a safety briefing at the parade muster point at 5pm.
All entrants should interact with the crowd and help create a carnival atmosphere.
No alcohol/drugs are allowed to be carried or consumed during the event. Any participants found to be doing so will be removed from the parade.
You can carry banners to promote your group or event, but you may not give out anything out to the crowd, including leaflets.
No smoking/e-cigarettes/vaping whilst in the parade.
The organisers reserve the right to refuse entry to any participants not meeting the rules listed.
Additional Terms for Vehicle Entries
All vehicle entries must be decorated, only one vehicle per entry, and driver's view must not be restricted.
No vehicle over 20ft (6.096 metres) total in length.
All entries must be able to pass under the pier (16ft).
All floats must have a safety rail on all open sides.
All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and if under 10 and onboard float/lorry they must be seated for their safety.
All cables for power or decoration must be secured.
If you have power on your entry you must have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit on board.
All drivers of a vehicle must be insured to drive, and may be asked to show a copy of their insurance certificate and driving licence on the day.
If your vehicle is being rented, 2 people must be insured to drive it.
No alcohol/drugs are allowed to be carried on the vehicle or consumed during the event. Any participants found to be doing so will be removed from the parade. Random searches will be done by designated stewards/police/security and all items will be confiscated if found.
No one is permitted to jump on or off a vehicle while it is in motion.
You may not throw anything from the vehicle or encourage the crowd to approach the vehicle.