KELLY BUCKLEY picks his top five events for the week ahead.

1.

WHAT? The Statins’ last local gig of the year

WHO? Southend’s favourite new-wave covers band never fail to get the audience on their feet and regularly play to packed out crowds. This is their last gig of a busy year, where they’ve done all sorts, including headlining two festivals.

WHERE? The Cricketers, London Road, Westcliff

WHEN? Tonight, 9pm

DAMAGE? Free

2.

WHAT? Classical Christmas Concert

WHO? Local classical talent, including the South Essex Youth Symphony Orchestra, opera singer Anton Van der Mere, classical pianist and composer Lorna Stevens, the Choir, classical pianist Taylor Higgs and guests perform a night of seasonal classical music in support of the Alzhiemers Society and the Southend Vineyard's building fund.

WHERE? The Plaza Centre, Southchurch Road, Southend

WHEN? Tomorrow, 7.30pm

DAMAGE? Tickets cost £8.50 and £6.50 for concessions from eventbrite.uk or by contacting Southend Vineyard on 01702 612900 or organiser Rick Higgs on 07532 191814.

3. 

WHAT? A night of Eurovision-tastic fun

WHO? A plethora of local musical faces and voices performing an array of Eurovision hits (and maybe misses) from across the years.

WHERE? The Railway Hotel, Clifftown Road, Southend

WHEN? Tomorrow, from 8pm

DAMAGE? Free

4.

WHAT? Kiss Me Quick open art show

WHO? Presented by Estuary Fringe and curated by artist Becky Walker, this showwill exhibit the work of a mix of local celebrated artists.

WHERE? The Victoria shopping centre, Southend Centre

WHEN? Opens on Monday, daily for two weeks, with a special evening viewing next Thursday from 6pm until 9pm

DAMAGE? Free

5.

WHAT? Dr Feelgood and the M25s Christmas party

WHO? These stalwart local RnB legends are back to the Touchline bringing what’s becoming something of a party tradition.

WHERE? The Touchline Live Music club, Hockley Community Centre, Westminster Drive, Hockley

WHEN? Tomorrow, 8pm

DAMAGE? Advance tickets £18 from wegottickets.com, or £20 on door