Wednesday 1 May marked the launch of Get Creative Festival 2024 produced by local arts organisation Arts Outburst starting a month of events celebrating all the wonderful creativity that is happening throughout Thurrock.

The Festival commenced with the first of many acoustic music sessions A Little Light Music on the ground floor of the Thameside Complex.

Local artist Harry Westerman performed a 30-minute set of pop classics which had the audience calling for more!

A Little Light Music will continue every Wednesday throughout May from 1 to1.45pm featuring a selection of local artists and is free of charge to attend.

The Gallery saw the opening of the Get Creative Exhibition featuring a collection of art from local residents of all ages.

The exhibition highlights the amount of talent and creativity happening in the borough and will grow throughout the month as more pieces are added.

Also Read: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/getting-creative-in-thurrock-again-228258

The exhibition will be open from 9am to 5pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 7pm Monday and Thursday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. There is no charge to attend.

There are still lots of opportunities for people to get involved – both as audiences and artists including the return of Sounds Like Thurrock – a showcase for local professional musicians, at Casco Lounge, Get Creative Live! at the Thameside Theatre and T100 Garden Party at High House Production Park.

The festival finale brings Applause Rural Touring's show 366 Days of Kindness to Arts Outburst studio on 31 May.

Daryl Branch, CEO and Artistic Director of Arts Outburst said: "What a great start to the Festival – Harry is a regular at the Thameside Theatre as part of Thurrock Young Producers and it's great to have him back as a local, professional artist.

"I am astounded at the quality of art in the exhibition and it's important that we continue to celebrate arts and culture in Thurrock.

"We are really excited to have produced the first Get Creative newspaper with full information on the Festival and where and when events are happening – you can pick up a copy from Arts Outburst at the Thameside Theatre or get in touch with us to find out more!

You can also read it via this Thurrock Nub News link: https://thurrock.nub.news/uploads/GCF24_Newspaper_DIGITAL.pdf

Daryl added: "We are pleased to share information of any groups or organisations who are running cultural or creative events throughout May, such as the Polish Heritage Event on Saturday, 4 May on Grays High Street, please get in touch so that we can promote your event as part of the Festival.

"There are still opportunities for local artists and groups to get involved – if you would like to take part in the exhibition or performances, get in touch.

"For more information and to find out what's happening when and where, look out for Festival booklets across the Borough, visit https://www.artsoutburst.co.uk/ or call us on 01375 386247."