ALL the family is invited to get creative at Coalhouse Fort during the summer holidays, with unique activities inspired by the fort and its surroundings.

Children and families can help create a giant artwork and living soundscapes, as well as enjoy theatre and puppetry, organised by Start Thurrock.

The free events are part of the Reanimating Coalhouse Fort project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.

As well as the creative fun, the days are a chance to go inside the fort and learn about one of Thurrock's most important historical sites.

Cllr George Monk, Cabinet Member for Deregulation, Efficiency and Civic Pride, said: "It is wonderful to see family activities taking place at the fort again. This important historic building is so well-loved by the local community and is at its best when visited by families, spending quality time together and having fun."

Book your Fort family adventure:

Collaborative Artwork with Kinetika, Thursday 20 August

Come together to create a large-scale artwork in the fort's parade ground using locally sourced objects and recycled materials found around the Fort. Ten creative sessions held throughout the day will result in a 'mandala' artwork being created. Traditionally a symbol of resilience and hope, the mandala will remain at the fort throughout the summer.

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Fort Explorers - The Coalhouse Living Soundscape Orchestra, Monday 24 August

Artist Kelly Buckley will lead five family workshops throughout the day exploring the sounds of Coalhouse Fort, past and present. Families can experience a 'sound walk' and create a map of all the sounds they hear - footsteps, river sounds, voices, weather, boats – and then come together to create a live "Fort Orchestra", layering sounds inspired by the wind, river, walls and re-imagined moments from the fort's history.

Upstream Outdoor Theatre and Puppetry show by Smoking Apples, Thursday 27 August

This magical, interactive outdoor show has themes around rivers and the environment and will be performed with the dramatic backdrop of the River Thames. Follow the story of Lyra, the little marsh girl, who has noticed the river is getting cloudier and otters don't play there anymore. Lyra meets Old Mother River, a spectacular 3-metre-tall puppet, with willow hair and a beautiful face, and together they dive into her memory pool to discover what has happened to the river and why everyone must do something to help. There will be two performances on the day.

All activities are free. Booking essential for some activities.

Visit Coming to Coalhouse Fort in August - Start Thurrock for more info and to book your space.