Over the Easter holidays, young people across Thurrock took flight – quite literally – as Arts Outburst delivered two weeks of gravity-defying creative adventures in Grays, Purfleet-on-Thames, and Chadwell St. Mary as part of the national Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

Themed around defying gravity, our workshops brought a burst of energy and imagination to the break, with circus skills, dance, music, drama, science experiments, and visual art all exploring what it means to leap higher, dream bigger, and let creativity fly.

This year’s programme went above and beyond – quite literally – with some unforgettable trips! We joined the awe-inspiring Revel Puck Circus for a jaw-dropping spectacle of aerial skills and wild stunts. We belted out “Popular” and “Defying Gravity” during a magical Singalong Wicked experience at the Thameside Theatre, and we were blown away by a high-energy Science Theatre show all about the forces of flight. Every moment added to the excitement and wonder of the theme – and the kids loved every second.

From building flying contraptions to learning acrobatic moves and composing original songs, every session was packed with laughter, learning, and limitless imagination. We were thrilled to see so many young people getting involved, making new friends, and building confidence along the way.

This exciting programme was made possible thanks to funding from Essex Activate and Riverside Community Big Local, ensuring all activities were free and accessible for local families.

We’d like to send a huge thank you to our brilliant artists, facilitators, and partners who brought passion and fun to every corner of Thurrock. Special thanks also go to the wonderful teams at our local venues for their support, and of course to the families and young people who brought the projects to life with their enthusiasm and energy.

As ever, we’re proud to support Thurrock’s creative community – and we can’t wait to be back for more during the summer holidays!