TOP girl band the Sugababes are coming to Essex.

Annie Davidson

THEY have won a coveted Brit Award and played to tens of thousands of adoring fans at Wembley Arena.

But now top girl band the Sugababes are coming to a slightly smaller and more modest venue - the seaside town of St Osyth, near Clacton.

The bandmates - Keisha Buchanan, Heidi Range and Amelle Barrabah - will officially open new entertainment centre The Venue at Seawick Holiday Village.

They will then take to the stage for the opening night concert at the 3,000-seat venue on March 7.

The Sugababes, famous for hits including Push the Button, Round Round and Hole in the Head, have sold more than six million albums since their first single Overload was released in 2000.

And although St Osyth is best known for its historic Priory, the announcement of the band's visit was still welcome news.

St Osyth parish and Tendring district councillor Michael Talbot said: “I didn't know anything about this, it is news to me.

“The Sugababes are a well known group of quite attractive young ladies from what I have seen of them on the television.

“I have to say they are not my type of music and I have only seen them while going through the channels but I did not know they were coming to St Osyth.

He said the extra traffic in the seaside resort of some 4,000 residents would be no comparison to the summer when it is estimated the population goes up to 25,000 with all the people staying at the village's holiday parks.

Mr Talbot added: “It is obviously quite a nice new venue and we have had planning applications concerning Seawick such as converting a swimming pool area into a bar type restaurant which as far as we were concerned we did not object to.

“It is their holiday park and it is not like these things are going to take place in the middle of the village.

“The Sugababes should be a wonderful addition and no doubt will pull more people in (to the park).”

The Venue, which is owned by Park Holidays UK, is also bringing in acts including comic Ricky Tomlinson and X factor reject Austin Drage.

Tony Clish, commercial director of Park Holidays UK, said he hoped The Venue would help put Clacton firmly on the map as “a Southern mecca for professional entertainment”.

He said: “The Essex coast has traditionally played host to well-known show biz names, especially in summer, but our aim is to provide a modern, purpose-built setting for events all year.

“The Venue won't just be a big draw for holidaymakers, but also for people living locally who want to see top names performing almost literally on their doorstep.

“We asked our architects to design a very versatile building which can accommodate all sorts of events, so we are being very open-minded about what will be staged in the future.

“We're already in discussion with a number of big-name solo artists, bands, comedians and other acts who we hope will be appearing at The Venue this coming summer.”