IT'S the weekend again and we've put together a few things to keep you busy.

1. FIREWORKS are set to return to Southend seafront.

The pyrotechnics will light up the seafront every Saturday night from October 3 at 7.30pm.

The last show will follow the Christmas Light Switch on in the High Street on Saturday, November 14.

2. ST John Ambulance will celebrate 85 years of first aid in Basildon this weekend.

A special open day will take place on Saturday October, 3, and will feature a number of first aid demonstrations by cadets and volunteers.

There will also be photos from the service archive on display at the Basildon All Services Unit in Sandon Road, Pitsea, between 11am and 4pm.

3. A HUGE array of live bands will take to the stage at an outdoor festival in Southend.

This year's Purple Festival, to celebrate the town being awarded Purple Flag status for safety, is on October 3.

More than 20 acts will play over two stages on Pier Hill and Marine Parade. The free event takes place from 3pm until 9pm.

4. Southend Children's Book Festival will be held from 11am till 12.30pm on Saturday. 

Celebrated children's book illustrator, Chris Wormell will be staging a George & The Dragon drawing challenge.

The task will be to help Chris draw a fabulous picture for the new library in the Youth Centre, Delaware Road, Shoebury.

5. A QUIZ including a buffet meal is being held by a residents’ association.

Chalkwell Residents’ Association’s annual quiz night will be taking place at St George’s Church, Crowstone Road, Westcliff, on Saturday. Tickets are £9, including a buffet meal, and are available by emailing treasurer@chalkwell.org.uk

6. FARMERS MARKET: Local produce, refreshments available. 9.30am.

Rochford WI Hall, West Street, Rochford. 01702 540722

7. THE ELEPHANT MAN: Presented by amateur theatre group Cast and Crew. £5-£7. 2.45pm and 7.45pm. Cornelius Vermuyden School, Dinant Avenue, Canvey. 07544 273535

8. QUIZ NIGHT: Teams up to eight people. £4. 7pm. Winter Gardens Baptist Church, Hilton Road, Canvey. 07751 690033

9. RAT BOY: Live music with support from Zibra. £8. 7pm. Mill Arts and Events Centre, Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh. 07891 083143

10. VOLUNTEERS are invited to join a clean-up on the Wickford Memorial Park’s river bank this weekend.

The River Crouch Conservation Trust is aiming to improve the area for plants and wildlife with the clean-up, on Sunday, October 4.

Volunteers should meet at 9am at the park’s main gates.

For more information, call 01268 768282, or email contact @rivercrouchconservation trust.org.uk