21 October 2026 •
To celebrate GBR Anglia’s sponsorship of this year’s Seafront Fireworks on Saturday 7 November, it is offering two customers and their families the chance to win a night of bowling, food and a balcony-view of the Southend Seafront fireworks show.
GBR Anglia comprises c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under one unified leadership team as part of the wider journey towards Great British Railways.
Southend is served by both c2c and Greater Anglia, with Southend Central and Southend Victoria railway stations within walking distance of the seafront, making rail travel a convenient and stress-free way to enjoy the event.
The evening will be hosted by Kingpins, and winners and their families will enjoy an evening of bowling, have access to the designated balcony viewing area for the Southend Seafront fireworks display, as well as a meal. The competition closes at 12:00 on Friday 30 October and winners will be informed shortly thereafter. Customers can find our further details and enter the competition by clicking here.
Rob Mullen, Chief Customer & Commercial Officer, GBR Anglia, said:
“We are delighted to be sponsoring the Southend Seafront fireworks display this year, and offering our customers the chance to win such a great prize. The event is always an annual highlight in Southend and with two GBR Anglia stations (Southend Central and Southend Victoria) making it so easy to get to, this year’s 30th anniversary is another great community milestone.
“Over the last 30 years, it has become an institution for the local area and is another great example of our unwavering commitment and connection to our local communities.”
The fireworks display will begin at 19:30 with various attractions and events taking place before hand, so people are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy the festivities. 2026 marks the 30th year the display has taken place on Southend’s iconic seafront, with families, residents and visitors encouraged to take the train into Southend by using both c2c and Greater Anglia services.
Visitors should check their chosen rail operator’s latest timetable and service information before travelling.
Passengers travelling in groups of three can save money with GroupSave, while those that want to beat the queues are advised to buy tickets online or via the c2c and Greater Anglia apps before they travel.
ENDS
About GBR Anglia
GBR Anglia brings together c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia under one unified leadership team as part of the wider journey towards Great British Railways.
This new structure is part of wider plans to create Great British Railways (GBR), bringing track and train closer together to deliver a better, more joined-up railway for customers and communities in Anglia.
The structure is designed to support closer operational coordination across infrastructure, train services and customer delivery.
Existing ticketing and customer arrangements remain unchanged, and customers will continue to see the current company identities as the railway transitions towards GBR.
The Anglia route serves a fast-growing region, connecting commuters, leisure travellers, ports, power stations and more, as well as Stansted and Southend airports.
About DFTO
- DFTO works with train operators and Network Rail to lay the foundations for Great British Railways (GBR) – working together to deliver a better railway for everyone in Britain.
- Ahead of the establishment of GBR in 2027, DFTO is responsible for bringing privately operated passenger services into public ownership, ensuring stability, accountability and continuity for customers and taxpayers.
- The group’s current train operating companies are: c2c, Chiltern Railways, Greater Anglia, GTR, LNER, Northern, Southeastern, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express and WM Trains.
- DFTO now runs 12,000 rail services every day and delivers over one billion customer journeys across its networks each year.
Competition Terms & Conditions
- Your family will be entitled to one main meal per person, consisting of either an adult main meal or a children’s meal for children aged 12 and under, together with one soft drink per person.
- Your family will have access to the designated balcony viewing area for the fireworks display. Management will provide each guest with a wristband, which must be worn to gain access to the balcony area.
- The experience must be pre-booked with Kingpins at least 24 hours in advance. This is to ensure the bowling time can be reserved and to avoid any disappointment on the evening.
- The prize is valid for up to 5 family members.
Images
Featured Image: Stunning Fireworks Display at Southend Seafront
Second Image: GBR Anglia trains at Liverpool Street station