Community

The Arts

Supporting

Performing Arts

Christine Nichols has a love of visual and performing arts which she supports by championing community events showcasing these art forms.

She believes in the philosophy that the arts have a major part to play in creating a sense of identity and pride, and in making an effective contribution to creating or regenerating strong, cohesive and vibrant communities.

Community
Events

Lazy Days Festival (2025)

Unity In Community sponsor the Lazydays Festival, a live music weekend which is regular held at Southend’s stunning Priory Park venue.

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Waddle On Sea (2025)

Logistics partners and sponsors of ‘Waddle On Sea’, a fantastic fundraising event for Havens Hospices in Southend On Sea during summer 2025.

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Leigh Folk Festival (2023-26)

Sponsors of the UK’s largest FREE folk festival, taking place within the walls of picturesque Leigh Library Gardens and in other nearby venues.

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Voluntary Awards (2023-26)

The Basildon Council Voluntary Awards were sponsored by Unity and Christine presented the Project of the Year award to the winner.

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Chalkwell Lifeguards (2014-26)

Chrissy and husband Ashley are ‘Honorary Club Supporters’ of Chalkwell Lifeguards after supporting the volunteer beach rescue organisation since 2014.

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Halloween Parade (2025)

Spooky fundraising via the Southend-on-Sea Halloween Parade. Chrissy joined the parade to raise funds for Lady McAdden Breast Cancer Trust.

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Waddle On Sea (2025)

Logistics partners and sponsors of ‘Waddle On Sea’, a fantastic fundraising event for Havens Hospices in Summer 2025.

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Herd In The City (2023)

Herd In The City will see 50 large elephant sculptures displayed throughout Southend in 2023, raising funds for Havens Hospices.

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Hares About Town (2021)

Hares About Town was a spectacular ‘Wild-In-Art’ public event that weaved its way across Southend on Sea raising over £500,000 for Havens Hospices.

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Gratitude Art Display (2021)

Gratitude was a national public art display, celebrating the extrordinary stories of covid-19, rasing over £200,000 for the NHS.

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Lumino City Southend (2023)

A Fantastic Light Festival brightening up Southend in February 2023, allowing visitors to experience the city in a whole new light.

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Global Village (2014-2022)

Held anually at Hadleigh Country Park, Southend-on-Sea, the event includes interactive workshops, demonstrations and a wide range of artists.

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SAVS Volunteer Awards

Christine Nichols is the founder of the SAVS Volunteer Awards, established to recognise the vital contribution volunteers make across Southend.

The awards, now in their second year and held successfully last month, celebrate the city’s voluntarysector, which includes more than 400 charities and community organisations supported by around 9,000 volunteers.

Delivered in partnership with SAVS (Southend Association of Voluntary Services), the awards are led and sponsored by Atlantic Pacific. As part of this, Atlantic Pacific also sponsors the Young Volunteer Award, highlighting and encouraging thenext generation of community leadership in Southend.

The annual ceremony brings together organisations from across health, heritage, culture, youth and community support, acknowledging the individuals and groups who help strengthen and connect the city.