SHOPPERS and staff at Lakeside were treated to an afternoon of entertainment by a community organisation that brings talented performers from across the borough together to showcase their skills.

The performances under the umbrella of 'We are Creatives Thurrock UK' at the regional shopping centre were widely acclaimed.

WeAreCreativesThurrock.UK is an online creative hub for Thurrock promoting and improving the art and culture in the borough.

A spokesperson for the group said: "We are a social enterprise increasing public engagement in the arts, boosting community connectedness and using art as a tool to enhance well-being. Through art we are breaking down community divisions, decreasing social isolation and highlighting mental health matters.

"We are bringing together creative people into one community. We are determined to raise the profile of art and culture in Thurrock. We welcome everyone and appreciate submitted features, messages and use of the forum. There are so many amazing artists and creatives in Thurrock and through appreciation, collaboration and engagement we will build a stronger community."

You can find out more about WeAreCreativesThurrock.UK and view videos pf performances via this link.

A social media post from We are Creative said: "Many performers like Anna-Marie Child's took to the stage for the first time after the initial lockdown and yet gave an excellent performance.

"This illustrates the confidence and resilience that the performing arts nurtures. There were happy outbursts of emotion from performers and audiences alike. As event organisers we lost count of the number of requests from people to sing, dance and join groups on the day!

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"We had phenomenal success at our Inclusion Infusion event at Lakeside Shopping Centre. We reached (a conservative estimate) of around 14k people engaging people in the arts, uplifting spirits and triggering people to join local groups. The performances including dance, live music and vocals enthralled the crowds. There was more cheering, clapping and support from the ever changing audience than one could imagine.

"The Music Man Project received a 'sizeable' donation after their stunning performance and The Big Sing were given fragrance gift sets from a business at Lakeside after an uplifting and inspirational show. Local dance groups wowed audiences with a superb array of performances.

"Many young talented artists took an opportunity to show Thurrock how on form they were and completely nailed their songs. This stands as testament to the worth and wonderful work that Thameside Theatre does.

"If any of the Thurrock councillors had troubled themselves enough to be at the event they would have seen first hand exactly why we must save the Thameside theatre!"