Lights, Camera, Animate! – SEESMA 2026

South East Essex Schools’ Music Association (SEESMA) returns in 2026 with Lights, Camera, Animate! —a spectacular celebration of the magic of animation. Step into the world of cartoons and cinema as we journey through the history of animation, bringing to life some of your all-time favourite animated characters and soundtracks.

Join choirs and orchestras from over 60 schools across South East Essex as they sing and play their way through iconic themes and unforgettable moments from the animated world. Expect colour, creativity, and plenty of nostalgia—this is a show the whole family will love.

SEESMA was formed in 1980, continuing a proud tradition of music festivals in Southend that spans almost ninety years across a variety of venues. Each year, SEESMA organises and hosts both the Junior Music Festival—held over five nights at the Cliffs Pavilion—and the Infant Music Festival at Kings Road Church.

Each performance will support one of five chosen charities. Tickets are always in high demand and shows are likely to sell out—so be sure to book early and secure your seat for this unforgettable animated adventure.

Schools Performing:

Monday – St Marys, Earls Hall, Sacred Heart, Porters Grange, Barons Court, St Helens, Saint Pierre, Thundersley, Our Lady of Ransom, Richmond, Rochford, Milton.

Tuesday – Temple Sutton, Greenways, Holt Farm, Northwick pk, William Read, Grovewood, Rayleigh, Fariways, Westwood, Jotmans, Plumberow, Bournes Green, Westerings.

Wednesday – Friars, Holy Family, Ed Francis, Thorpe Halls, Edwards Hall, St Katherines, St Teresas, South Benfleet, St Nicholas, Canewdon, Lubbins, Ashingdon

Thursday – Leigh N S, Hadleigh, Hamstel, St Georges, West Leigh, Kents Hill, Winter Garden, Bournmouth, Robert Drake, Thorpedene, Prince Avenue, Alleyn Court, Wyburns

Friday – St Michaels, Kingsdown, Hockley, Barling, Eastwood, Hinguar, St Josephs, Canvey, Heycroft, Glebe, Riverside, Great Wakering, Darlinghurst