HMS Leigh - Bravest Pier in the World

HMS Leigh - Bravest Pier in the World Cultural Event

Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th September 2021

We would like to send a huge thank you to everyone who attended the HMS Leigh Bravest Pier in the World Cultural Event on Southend Pier, as everyone - our guests, visitors from far afield, volunteers, actors, project team, local charities and VIPs played a role in making this event the success it was. 

This unique cultural event aimed to connect Southend-on-Sea to the hidden history of WW2, which was so secret no one talked about it after the war and this amazing heritage was misplaced in the collective consciousness. It showed how important HMS Leigh was to the war effort, the dedication of the men and women who worked tirelessly for 6 long years, and bought the people who made it all happen back to us.

Our thanks to all the schools who, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, ventured out for a school trip that was local, safe, educational and entertaining. Thanks also to the local organisations who supported the event and bought the community together - they prepared for rain and were shined upon instead.

The HMS Leigh actors bought the stories of Captain J.P. Champion, Mona Budd, Irene Hart and Jack Lacey (to name just a few) to life for both children and adults over the 4 days the event ran.

Below are just some of the image of the event: