Cultural sector leaders in Southend are campaigning for a UK City of Culture 2025 bid after applications for the competition opened last week.
Adam Ball, Chair of biker festival Southend Shakedown, told the Southend Echo he believed the town had a good chance of winning.
"Of course we should put Southend forward for this honour, there’s no doubt about it."
Colette Bailey, CEO of leading arts group Metal, which runs the Estuary Festival and the Village Green Festival, said: “It’s exciting to think about how we can build on the region’s culture through the questions this competition throws up – whether Southend decides to formally compete or even if it doesn’t.”
Southend Pride Chair Sam Adams agreed the title would benefit the town: "It's something we'd certainly agree to be part of."
While a formal bid has not been submitted, Southend Council Deputy Leader Ron Woodley supported the possibility of a joint bid with places like Rochford and Castle Point.
"It could help add to visitor numbers, I don't see why not. What have we got to lose?"