GREEN Light – a two-week programme of free creative activities – is returning to Thurrock for the third year running during February 9 to 22. And this year, it's bigger than ever.  

Organised by Start Thurrock, each activity, workshop or show in the Green Light programme has been booked as a direct response to feedback from residents on the types of fun activities they would like access to locally. 

Started in 2024, the event was an instant hit with residents, with more than 300 people of all ages participating in at least one activity and close to 400 watching a show. 

2025 saw Green Light sessions take place again in Purfleet-on-Thames, Chadwell St. Mary and South Ockendon, with even more people coming along to try their hand at something new, and a total of 775 attendances.  

For 2026, Start Thurrock are expanding the programme to include four more towns: Aveley, East Tilbury, Corringham and Stanford-le-Hope, giving more people the chance to try a creative session close to home.  

Start Thurrock's Creative Director, Katie Beadle, said the team were excited to provide even more opportunities for people to get creative in this year's programme.

A total of 21 events will happen between February 9 and 22 in a selection of accessible venues across the borough, with the second week taking place during school half term. 

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Katie said: "We are very much looking forward to bringing Green Light back to Thurrock for 2026, and expanding into more locations across the region. It means more local residents of all ages will be able to give something new a go. 

"Last year's programme expanded on the first, adding more weekend workshops, evening entertainment and activities exclusively for adults, which was a big success. 

"We've brought that back again this year, along with favourites from previous years like family-friendly shows and have made sure to include activities that allow participants to develop a new skill. We're also reaching more locations this year, which helps people who don't have easy or convenient travel options." 

The venues for this year's programme are:  

• Corringham Corringham Library 
• Stanford-le-Hope East Thurrock Community Association and St. Margaret's 
• Aveley Aveley Christian Centre and Aveley Community Hub 
• South Ockendon 1st Ockendon Scout Hut and Belhus Village Hall 
• Chadwell St. Mary Chadwell Village Hall and Marisco Hall 
• East Tilbury East Tilbury Village Hall, East Tilbury Primary School and Parish Church of St. Catherine 
• Purfleet–on-Thames Mulberry Drive Complex and St. Stephen's Church 

Katie added: "We love working in partnership with the people and communities of Thurrock to help them choose, produce and take part in brilliant creative and cultural experiences on their doorstep." 

The varied programme of activities this year includes something for all ages and all abilities: from ever-popular kids' theatre shows to Brazilian drumming, make your own kaleidoscopes, a pop-up choir and even a session for programming (and racing!) robots. 

Creative crafts also feature strongly, with sessions for basket weaving, acrylic paint workshops, needlecraft, clay modelling and building with recycled cardboard! 

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Start Thurrock is a Creative People and Place Programme supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. 

To see the full programme and reserve free tickets visit:  https://www.startthurrock.org/whats-on/