With
the removal of the football ground in 1934, the way was open for
the introduction of the Kursaal’s largest ride, the Cyclone
roller coaster. It came to Southend direct from the Brussels
exhibition.
During
the Second World War the Kursaal was closed to the public. The
Water Chute basin was tarred to ensure it was watertight, and was
to be used as a reserve water supply.
Howard
Baker was the resident band leader in the Kursaal ballroom from
shortly before the Second World War until 1967. His “Old Time
Band” played on Monday evenings, while modern dance music was
played on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
A
new ride for the opening of the Kursaal after the war was the
enormous Stratosphere Rocket ride. This photograph is dated 1945.
