ORGANISERS behind the return of the Southend Shakedown say more than 3,000 motorbikers are set to descend upon the seafront.

The Devitt Southend Shakedown will return for Easter Bank Holiday Monday, April 22, from 10am.

The family-friendly event, backed by Oilheads Motorcycle Group, will feature live music on City Beach from Pure DC, The Post Floyd and The Poachers.

There will also be fun and games for the kids and organisers expect thousands of bikers on the day.

Tony Lovegrove, founder of The Oilheads and vice chairman of The Southend Shakedown Resurrection Committee, said: “The event is going to be smaller this year as it’s our first year.

“We want to make sure that the event is delivered safely, however provisions are in place to provide parking for 3,500 bikes - which we are really thrilled about. We would like to thank Southend Council for its support and assistance and to Devitt Insurance for their financial backing allowing us to bring this event back to Southend’s glorious Victorian seaside venue.”

Adam Ball, Oilhead member and chairman of The Southend Shakedown Committee, admitted it has been hard work to get the event back, adding: “It’s not been without its sweat and tears.

“It’s been ten months in the making and we are doing this all in our spare time.

“It’s a non profit event - but we are passionate about bringing this historic event back to Southend. Let’s hope it’s the first of many. This year, our nominated charity will be Cancer Research UK and we are also welcoming Essex Air Ambulance - which, if there are not any emergencies, will be staging a fly past at the event.”

Joan Tiney, Southend Seafront Traders Association chairman, said the traders are in full support of the committee and their dedication to bring the hugely popular event back.

She said: “Many venues will be putting on live entertainment on the day. We’ve got The Dekkertones at The Borough Hotel and will provide facilities for all of the event team on the day. We wish the committee the very best of luck for the event.”

The annual event, originally organised by Ace Cafe, was a popular fixture until 2016, when the cafe said it could no longer keep police and council demands.

An unofficial event ran last year and police were forced to act after reports of antisocial behaviour