Billericay is preparing for a major celebration of its community as the town hosts its first Your Billericay Community Parade & Celebration Day on Sunday 13 September.
Organisers are unofficially declaring the occasion ‘National Billericay Day’, with thousands of people expected to come together to celebrate the Essex town, its High Street, businesses, community groups and residents.
The free event is being organised by Your Billericay, the town’s Business Improvement District, and will begin at 11am with a community parade along Billericay High Street.
More than 500 people are expected to take part in the procession, including dancers, cheerleaders, majorettes, schools, charities, clubs and community organisations.
High Street celebration
Following the parade, Billericay High Street will host entertainment and activities throughout the day, with the road remaining closed to traffic until 8pm.
Free attractions will include face painting, balloon modelling, close-up magic, stilt walkers, roller skaters and Punch and Judy shows. A stage will also host live musicians and bands, alongside a family-friendly community trail and further activities.
Local shops, cafés, restaurants and other High Street businesses are being encouraged to organise their own activities and special offers.
Organisers say the focus is firmly on businesses already based in Billericay rather than bringing in outside traders, encouraging visitors to discover and support what the town has to offer.
‘A day for everyone’
Nikki Machin, BID Manager for Your Billericay, said the event was designed to be a celebration of the town, its High Street and community.
She said having more than 500 people already involved in the parade would create an impressive spectacle through the town centre, but stressed that activities would continue after the procession had finished.
Organisers hope people will stay in Billericay to enjoy the entertainment, visit local businesses and spend time in the town throughout the day.
The Your Billericay Community Parade & Celebration Day takes place on Sunday 13 September, with the parade starting at 11am. All activities and entertainment are free to attend.
Summary excerpt
Billericay will celebrate its community with a major parade and day of free entertainment on Sunday 13 September. More than 500 people are expected to take part in the High Street procession as organisers unofficially declare the occasion ‘National Billericay Day’. Entertainment, family activities and live music will continue throughout the town centre during the day.