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The London to Southend run originally call the “East End to Southend” run was started in 1994.

Recreating the days when people from London’s East End would head out for a day at the seaside.  The first run started from St Kathrine’s Dock in sight of Tower Bridge, with further starts from the Cutty Sark, Victoria Park and Billingsgate.  Over the years the run has made a few stop offs including Basildon Town Centre Square, giving owners the chance to stretch their legs and for any maintenance to take place.

The first runs finished down by the Casino.  2014 saw the run finish move to Jubilee beach due to cost prohibiting the continued closure and loss of parking spaces.  2024 will see Southend Council commence work on their 'Green Oasis' sea defences seeing the end for now at least of parking on the sea front.

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Today we start our run from Fairlop Waters in the London Borough of Redbridge.  The extension of the ULEZ zone has now placed Fairlop just inside the zone so 2024 will see some changes with an added start location safely outside the ULEZ zone.

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We take a scenic route through Essex towards Southend passing through many small towns and villages on the way. There are often people watching and waving along the route which adds to the fun to be enjoyed by all. On the journey we do get split up much to the delight of modern-day motorists who do not always appreciate the much slower speed of our older classics. on arrival at Southend-on-Sea the public can view our cars in safety and are often fascinated by the age, condition and history of our cars. The day is made even more enjoyable with music and commentary from our DJ. There are trophies for the best in category, best costumes/spirit of the show, the Fairlop trophy and the best in show.

 Apart from us having a very enjoyable day we also raise money for a local charities.  In the past we have had up to 200 vehicles on the seafront, these days however we are limited in numbers to approximately 100 vehicles due to space restrictions. We do have some very good helpers on the day and also have very generous sponsors and supporters without whose help the day would not be possible.

History of London to Southend Classic Vehicle Run.

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