Another chance to light up the borough. Festival of Light will take place with parade through Grays and celebration at Thameside Theatre
A SPECTACULAR festival of light is promised for Grays later this year, in the wake of the borough's fourth Light Up Thurrock festival.
Light Up Thurrock began in March 2022 when locally-based community organisation Arts Outburst produced five Light Up Festivals across Thurrock, with events in Stanford-le-Hope, Corringham, Tilbury, South Ockendon and Grays.
In 2023 they took Light Up Purfleet-on-Thames and lit up High House Production Park.
Light Up Thurrock 2024 concluded with a festival in Grays Town Park after a parade through the town.
This year's event will take place on Friday, 28 March, starting at 6pm with a gathering at Falcon Wood on Bridge Street, adjacent to the junction with argent Street.
Residents are invited to attend to see light installations from festival favourites Same Sky and a dance performance by LED Dance Artist, Ed Grimoldby. Lanterns will be available for people to collect to take part in a Light Up Parade.
A parade to the Thameside theatre will be led by Flash Bang Brass who will be performing their Time Tunnel playlist, chosen by local residents, as they lead residents along Argent Street, up the High Street and on to the Thameside complex via Orsett Road.
Puppets with Guts will be back for the parade with The Lips and on the way you will be able to see window displays and buildings lit up along the route.
On arrival at the Thameside there will be performances from The Lips, Ed Grimoldby, Coda Dance Company and interactive light installations by Connor Turansky who will be working with local people to create a piece based on the past, present and future of Thurrock. CMPM will once again light up the area and there will also be a makers market and a visit from the Essex Gaming Bus.
Arts Outburst will be presenting an exhibition of photographs, installations and videos entitled FLASHback at the Thameside Gallery from 22 March to 3 April where you can come and reminisce about Light Up Thurrock from recent years.
Arts Outburst Director, Daryl Branch said: "This is our fourth year of Light Up Thurrock and we are excited to welcome back Same Sky, Connor Turansky and Puppets with Guts in a venue that is close to our hearts.
"The Thameside complex has been our home for many years and we hope that this festival will help people to see the Thameside in a different light. Arts Outburst believe that everyone should have access to high quality arts and thanks to funding from Arts Council England, START Thurrock, Riverside Community Big Local and UKSPF we are able to ensure these events are free of charge for all".
Follow the road to Light Up Thurrock: https://www.facebook.com/lightupthurrock/
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are a bunch of ways to get involved with Light Up this year.
Parade & Event stewards - help keep things on track!
Leafleting volunteers - fancy a walk with us to spread the word?
Volunteer briefings will be given ahead of the event so you'll have all the know-how you need to feel comfortable ahead of the event.
Interested? Reach out to [email protected] call her on 01375 386247 to find out more
WORKSHOPS
IMAGINING THE PAST | 19 March, 10am at AOB Studios
How did Grays look in different eras? This session explores the town's history through images, maps, and documents from local archives. Participants will be invited to bring in historical photos, artefacts, or personal items that help paint a picture of the area's past, anything from family photos to locally made objects. The group can photograph, 3D scan, and sketch their items whilst recording their associated stories and memories.
** Key Themes: Historic industries, local legends, memorable events, and architecture.
CAPTURING THE PRESENT | 19 March, 2pm at AOB Studios
What defines Grays today?
This session invites participants to reflect on modern landmarks, community spaces, and daily life. Participants will document what matters to them through sketching, photography, and digital tools, from favourite gathering spots to local traditions.
** Key Themes: Local businesses, social spaces, events, and public art.
LANTERN MAKING
Come and make your very own light up lantern, guided by a member of the AOB team.
Drop-in between 12pm – 2:30pm on 22 of March.
The event will be on the ground floor foyer of the Thameside Complex.
All materials are provided, so you can enjoy a fun 'making & crafting' session with your little one.
Come and make your very own light up lantern ready for our Light Up Thurrock, Lantern Parade.
There will be afterschool Drop-in sessions between 3pm and 5pm on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday 24-26th March
All materials are provided.
**NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP!**
Light Up Thurrock Friday 28 March. 6-7pm Falcon Wood, Manor Road, Grays RM17 6RN.
7-7.45pm Light Up Parade, Argent Street, High Street, Orsett Road
7.45-10.30pm Thameside Theatre Complex, Orsett Road, Grays.
Previous Light Up Thurrock stories featured on Nub News:-
https://thurrock.nub.news/whats-on/community-events/light-up-thurrock-2023-purfleet-on-thames-49673
https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/lighting-up-the-borough
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