When I looked out of the window early this morning it did not inspire me much given the driving rain. It was Southend’s turn to welcome the Olympic flame and it looked a bit bleak. By mid-morning though, everything calmed down just enough to go and watch the flame come along Southend seafront. Living so close to the estuary has its rewards on days like these. It’s a short walk to the sea and not much further to the esplanade.
Clearly there had been some massive organization overnight with barriers and flags galore along Marine Parade and down Pier Hill. Getting a vantage point was not that easy given that, in my estimation only, over 50,000 people had turned out for the same reason!
One of the highlights of the day was the 2000 strong childrens’ choir which sang a specially composed Southend Anthem: Let Your Light Shine. Made up of children from 34 local Southend and district schools, they gave a very impressive show. Well two shows actually, since after the flame had left the esplanade the choir gave a second rendition. The song was composed by Tolga Kashif, who previously helped produce a 1997 version of Perfect Dayfor BBC’s Children in Need.
There’s no denying the sponsorship with Coca-cola splashed all over the place and even the local Tesco Express had window to window displays of coke cans! Advertising aside, a thoroughly good day out.
We’re Luvin You Mo!
