A STEAM-powered vintage fun fair and the famous Wall of Death show are gearing up to wow the crowds in Southend over Easter.

Southend Carnival in association with Southend Mayors Charity are bringing the World’s largest travelling vintage funfair, powered by steam, to Chalkwell Park this Easter weekend.

For the first time in Southend, the Carters Steam Fair will be in town for four days only with a line up of beautifully restored rides that promise an unforgettable family day out for all ages.

Rides and attractions include the High Flying Swingboats, the Railway Train ride, the Lightning Skid and the Jungle Thrillers.

An extra attraction will be the Wall of Death motorcycle riders who will perform amazing tricks, challenging the laws of gravity on 1920s Indian Scout motorcycles.

Garry Lowen, chairman of Southend Carnival, said: “This will be the first time a Wall of Death attraction has visited Southend since the one that was based at the Kursaal Amusement Park closed down.”

A spokesperson for Carters Steam Fair said: “Carters is really excited to be bringing the fair to Southend this weekend for the first time. It has been made possible by the involvement of Southend Carnival and the entrance fees will be donated to the Southend Mayor's charities.”

The vintage fun fair is being run as part of the Mayor of Southend’s ongoing charity fundraising efforts, with half of the funds raised from entry fees going to Muscular Dystrophy UK and the Southend Community Fund. The other half of funds raised will be shared with Southend Carnival to help continue to put on the great community events including the carnival procession and a children’s fun day, which also raise money for local charities.

Mayor of Southend, Chris Walker, will be fundraising further by doing a sponsored motorcycle ride on the Wall of Death himself!

The vintage fun fair will be open Friday, April 3 and Saturday 4 from 12pm to 10.30pm and Sunday, April 5 and Monday 6 from 12pm to 8pm. There will be a free fireworks display at the steam fair on Saturday starting at 9pm.

Tokens for the vintage rides can be bought on the day at the fun fair or online in advance. The Wall of Death stunt shows will be taking place throughout the day.

Southend Carnival supporters, SummerCare, are hosting an Accessible Open Morning at the steam fair for children and adults who have a disability to enjoy the rides free with a parent and/or carer.

SummerCare is a Southend based provider of community support, supported living, residential care and day opportunity services for adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems, physical and sensory impairment and older people.

If you would like to attend the Accessible Open Morning, you should email info@southendcarnival.org.uk to register by Thursday, April 2, with the subject “Accessible Open Morning”.

For all the latest information on the event, search “Southend Carnival” on Facebook or visit www.facebook.com/SouthendCarnival