LAZYDAYS FESTIVAL AT PRIORY PARK, SOUTHEND-ON-SEA PHOTOGRAPHY
Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex
My Festival Photography at LazyDays
As soon as the Lazydays Festival appeared on my radar, I was immediately intrigued. Not only did it boast a fantastic lineup, but it was also happening just down the road at Priory Park in Southend. My first reaction was to buy tickets for myself and my friends; my second was to reach out and offer my event photography services to the festival team. As it turned out, I had crossed paths with Mike and the Lazy Days Festival team over the course of my career as a local photographer in Southend. They were the same team behind the Leigh Folk Festival, which has been a staple in Leigh-on-Sea for many years. For 2024, they decided to go even bigger and better with a festival right in the heart of Southend-on-Sea. Mike didn’t hesitate to take me up on my offer to photograph the event. All I needed to do now was clear it with my partner, Suzy, since a three-day event with our little boy being just two months old might take a moment to get her on board!
The Event Venue, Priory Park
While I knew that Priory Park hosted the odd event, nothing of this scale had ever taken place there before. Located just outside the heart of Southend-on-Sea, Priory Park is one of the largest parks in the area, offering plenty of space for such a festival. The park’s main gates make a huge statement, and with its central location close to Southend Victoria train station, there was a good chance the event would be bustling all weekend. It also provided a stunning backdrop for a local photographer like me.
How the Weekend Began at Lazydays
I left my home in Leigh-on-Sea nice and early on the first day of the festival, arriving at Priory Park just as the first guests were beginning to trickle in. The layout and overall feel of the festival were already head and shoulders above anything I had attended locally in the past. The experience gained from running the Leigh Folk Festival—and all the other events the team had been involved with—was clearly paying off.
The Lazy Days Festival in Southend-on-Sea was a vibrant mix of local and international artists, featuring standout performances from the likes of Greg Charles, Mystery Jets, Newton Faulkner, The Futureheads, and local favourite Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. Among the impressive line-up, one of my all-time favourites, David Rodigan, headlined the main stage, making it a weekend to remember.
My Experience As The Event Photographer
Throughout the event, I sampled a variety of delicious food from the numerous stalls on-site to keep me well fuelled for the photography (and to counteract the sleepless nights with the newborn!). Brickhouse Burger served up some tasty options, while another stall (whose name escapes me) offered some mouth-watering fried chicken. Of course, I couldn’t resist grabbing a slice (or two) of pizza from yet another vendor.
A delightful surprise for me was the performance by The Cuban Brothers. I initially expected traditional South American music but was pleasantly caught off guard by their unique blend of comedy and music. Their act was not only musically rich but also incredibly entertaining, with performers engaging the crowd, giving out hugs, and even stripping down to a playful level during their set.
Craig Charles, as expected, electrified the stage on Friday night. His performance had the crowd on their feet, dancing late into the night while enjoying the craft ales, cocktails, and the diverse array of food. His set was one of many highlights at this year’s festival, bringing a special energy to Southend-on-Sea.
David Rodigan did not disappoint, either. His set was a perfect mix of reggae and drum and bass, delivered with his signature lively style. The energy he brought to the stage was unmatched, rivalling even that of The Cuban Brothers. The photos I’ve included here capture the dynamic atmosphere he created—one that had the entire crowd bouncing in unison.
Reflecting on Southend's Biggest Music Festival
Overall, my time at the Lazy Days Festival was fantastic. From the food and drinks to the music and the welcoming locals, every element came together seamlessly. Kudos to Mike and the Lazy Days event team for doing a brilliant job of showcasing Southend and Essex in such a positive light. They’ve already put tickets for the 2025 festival on sale, and I, for one, am eager to attend. While it’s not confirmed if Priory Park will remain the venue, it seems like the ideal location, despite some murmurs from local residents about the noise levels. In my opinion, the event team managed everything well, adhering to sound restrictions and keeping the atmosphere welcoming for all.
As a photographer in Southend, I was truly grateful for the opportunity to cover this event. My photos capture a blend of action, crowd shots, and my signature reportage style, focusing on the natural, un-staged moments that define an event’s true essence. It was great to see friends, families, and generations of all ages coming together to enjoy this amazing festival. I’m excited to see what the Lazy Days team has in store for 2025, whether it returns to Priory Park or moves to a new venue. This festival is a true celebration of our community, and it brings much-needed tourism to a town that can sometimes struggle in that area. I’m proud to be part of it and look forward to what’s next.
