Join us at the end of the world's longest pleasure pier for a truly unforgettable evening as we witness a rare solar eclipse over the Thames Estuary.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to experience the eclipse from one of the UK's most unique viewing locations with uninterrupted views. The next eclipse of this significance visible from Southend won't occur until 2081, making this a moment not to be missed.

As the eclipse unfolds, enjoy a soundtrack of space-themed tunes from our live DJ, while food and drink is available from Offshore Restaurant.

6:15pm | On the Decks at the Pier Head

Talk from local astrophysicist Rob Clemenson

Join Southend’s resident theoretical physicist to hear about the science of the solar eclipse, right before the event itself!

Why do eclipses happen? What makes eclipses on the Earth so special? Why did the 1919 solar eclipse make Einstein so happy?

Come along at 6:15pm to find out!

Rob Clemenson is a Southend based science communicator, and physics lecturer at the University of London. He has given many public science talks across Southend and the surrounding areas, and leads a fortnightly community science drop-in at the Beecroft Gallery called 'Spacetime Sundays'.

The next Spacetime Sunday is this coming Sunday at 11am in the foyer of the Beecroft Gallery, all are welcome! You can join the Spacetime Sunday mailing list here: https://www.spacetime-sundays.com/

Eclipse Timings

Eclipse begins: 6:17pm

Maximum eclipse: 7:13pm

Eclipse glasses will be available to purchase for pier customers while stocks last.*

Visitor Information

Pier open until 8:00pm

Last entry at 7:00pm

Usual pier admission prices apply

*You must use genuine solar viewers meeting ISO12312-2 standards to view the eclipse. Ordinary sunglasses aren’t safe for looking at the sun and can cause serious eye damage.