THERE is a busy week of community events ahead in Thurrock, including the latest in a series of Thurrock Council-supported big lunches.

On Wednesday, 7 August the Chadwell St Mary Big Lunch hosted by Thurrock Play Network with support from Start Thurrock, Thurrock Council, Thurrock CVS, Impulse Leisure and Active Essex, will take place from noon to 4pm at the Pyramid Resource Centre, Heath Road, Chadwell St Mary.

The event is free and among those performing will be Autin Dance Theatre who will bring their unique blend of contemporary storytelling and

Parade. Parade features a moving performance inspired by the beauty, power, and impact of people from different walks of life coming together, featuring a 12-foot tall giant wheel powered by six street artists and accompanied by music and a large community cast.

The cast from Thameside Theatre's Christmas pantomime, Snow White, will also be joining in the fun  and there will be a live DJ set, sports workshops, games from Happy Go Lucky Family's and stalls from Thurrock Play Network.

On Thursday (8 August) Tilbury Picnic in the Park takes place from noon to 4pm Anchor Field Park, Tilbury, RM18 8AH, another free event, hosted by Tilbury Riverside Project supported by Start Thurrock and Active Essex.

This community event features an interactive dance game with a giant revolving beach parasol and a beach-based show!

Arcade is a new interactive performance with dance games that animate public spaces and encourages people to connect, delivered by Casson & Friends.

Hikapee will be performing Everywhere's a Beach a show which is dynamic, dizzying and downright daft!

Plus there's another live DJ set, face painting and a host of other family entertainment including more performances from local groups.

On Saturday Alexandra Lake at Lakeside, West Thurrock, will play host from noon to 5.30pm to 'Music of the Spheres'.

Start Thurrock are hosting the spectacle alongside the Lakeside team, Eye Music Trust and Continental Drifts.

As well as these performances, there will be plenty of other acts to keep you entertained on the day.

Britain's Got Talent star Titan the Robot – an 8ft tall wise-cracking android who has performed all over the world – will be there. Plus, there will be comedy from East End wide boys Ron and Don and Speedo-clad warriors The Lifeguards.

There will be live music from the highly energetic New Orleans style group – Babel Brass Band – spectacular displays from bubble artists and your chance to get involved in creative workshops and much more - all for free.

The cast from Snow White will also be joining in the fun again.