The Kursaal, one of Southend's most famous landmarks, is the subject of a major exhibition.

Visitors will be able to find out all about the building, constructed in the 1890s and famed for its dome, at Southend Library.

The display, which runs until the end of August, traces the rise of the Kursaal, taking a nostalgic look back at some of the attractions which have graced the seafront landmark.

These include the Wall of Death, Al Capone's bulletproof car and the many ballroom and big band evenings which regularly pulled in the crowds.

And if you fancy your chances at testing your Southend knowledge, why not enter a testing competition, sponsored by Vidia Productions, which is being held in conjunction with the exhibition with local history videos and audio tapes up for grabs as prizes.

A spokesman for Southend Council said: "The Kursaal story is brought to life through a fascinating display of photographs and large print information, which celebrates the centenary opening of the premier amusement park in the south of England through to the present day."

The exhibition and a selection of books about old Southend and Essex will be on the second floor at the library in Victoria Avenue. It will be open on weekdays from 9am to 7pm.

Published Wednesday August 28, 2002

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