film festivals
The White Bus organises two annual film festivals featuring a wide variety of feature and short films by independent filmmakers worldwide, but especially locally.
The festivals are run entirely by a team of volunteers passionate about film and the festivals. Together with the generosity of sponsors, both festivals have grown to be the largest festivals of their kind in Essex.
Horror-on-Sea Film Festival includes something for all horror fans and takes place over two full weekends in January.
Southend-on-Sea Film Festival, takes place over a Friday, Saturday and Sunday in June. This festival launches on the preceding Thursday with a black tie Opening Gala held at the Odeon cinema at the top of Southend High Street.
venue
The venue for both festivals is the Park Inn by Radisson Palace Hotel, Southend-on-Sea. Situated on Pier Hill the hotel offers spectacular views over the estuary and the pier.
Park Inn by Radisson Palace Hotel
Church Road
Southend-on-Sea
SS1 2AL
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getting to the venue
Southend Central station, on the C2C line from London Fenchurch Street, is closest, being halfway down Southend High Street. Southend Victoria station, on the Greater Anglia line from London Liverpool Street, is at the top of Southend High Street.
London Southend Airport lies a mere 4 kilometres from the accommodation. In addition, bus connections to London Stansted Airport (78.3 kilometres) and London City Airport (59 kilometres) are available. It takes approximately 90 minutes to access the hotel from either airport.
DIRECTIONS TO THE HOTEL From the north via A1, M11, M25 and A127: Take the M25 Junction 29 for 32 kilometres, then follow signs for Southend. From the south via M25, Dartford Tunnel and A13: Take the M25 Junction 30 for 40 kilometres, then follow signs for Southend.
parking
The closest parking is in The Royals shopping centre just opposite the hotel. The only free on street parking is a 10-minute walk away. The following link will give up to date information on all Council car parks. Council Car Parks.
Alternatively, if you're staying over or on a budget, bargains can be found through Your Parking Space.
Are you a Director or Producer and would like to submit a film for either of the festivals?
Or perhaps you would like to sponsor one of the Festivals?
Or would you like to sell goods at a festival?
festival team
PAUL COTGROVE
Managing Director: The White Bus Ltd
Festival Director: Southend-on-Sea Film Festival and Horror-on-Sea Film Festival
FESTIVAL TEAM
Festival Director's PA Southend Film Festival Gala Night: Heather Vine
Front of House Manager Southend Film Festival Opening Gala: David Simpson
VIP Assistants SFF: Claudia Brown & Fran Brown
Front of House Managers: Vanda Moyse & Jan Wallis
Financial Director: Stephen Podgorney
Programming: Paul Cotgrove
Public Relations: Tracy Jones, Brera
Brochure Editor & Programme Notes: David Simpson
Website Design & Development: Vanda Moyse
Brochure Design & Development Southend Film Festival: Lucy Player
Brochure Design & Development Horror-on-Sea: Leah Laverick
Social Media Manager: Lou Dobson
Photography: Gaz De Vere
Technical Manager: Kevin Faulkner
Projection Team: Chris Izod, Mark Joseph, Heather Vine
Festival Technical Support: Brian Warrens
Festival Assistants: Mandi Adams, Dee Clark, Tina Cotgrove, Gaile McDonald, Peter Moorhouse, Charlie Navarro, Chris Roberts, Helen Robertson and Roger Robinson
Special Thanks: Celtic Marches, Daryl Easlea, Ed Findlay, Neil Harding, Phil Morrison, Philip Rogers and Haydn Watkins
Please email filmfestival@thewhitebus.org.uk if you wish to contact any member of the team
Learn more about our festivals
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