Ciao bella! Italian Festival in Southend

Sunday August 23 2009 - Last Updated at 11:00

Sophisticated. Passionate. Cultured. Delicious food.

Italians are known for being a cut above the rest of Europe – and now Southend’s set to benefit as a liitle Italian magic descends on the town over the Bank Holiday Weekend. It’s all part of Southend’s Bank Holiday Bonanza of events.

The Italian Festival, which is jointly sponsored by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, The Royals Shopping Centre, Renaissance Southend and Café Tomassi’s, will begin on Friday 28th August with the market in the High Street, selling authentic Italian produce including olives, cheeses, pasta, sweets and cured meats.

Then on Saturday 29th, there’s an Italian car and bike display at Victoria Circus from 10am-4pm to include Classic Alfa Romeos, Ferraris and Ducati bikes.

There’s a Vespa display in The Royals Shopping Centre from 10am – 4pm and a pizza tossing competition outside Café’ Tomassi’s from 2.30pm-3.30pm with host Tracie Young from Southend Radio.

There will also be roaming entertainment from comedy chefs and opera singers throughout the day along the High Street.

It’s the third year the festival has been held in the town.

Second pic courtesy: Julieanne Savage on Flickr