Hot off the heels of our spectacular Light Up Thurrock festival, we’re thrilled to bring you something just as bold, joyful, and inspiring — Thurrock Get Creative Festival 2025.
Throughout the whole of May, we’ll be celebrating the incredible creativity that lives and thrives across our borough. With over 30 events and activities, the festival is a call to action: to make, to share, to celebrate, and to be seen. Whether you’re a painter or poet, dancer or DJ, crafter or community organiser — there’s a space for you.This year’s festival is packed with a vibrant and diverse line-up of events, from live performances and exhibitions to hands-on workshops, open mics, and family-friendly fun. And it’s all happening right here in Thurrock.
Why Get Creative?
Because the arts aren’t just about what happens on a stage or in a gallery — they’re about expression, identity, and connection. And that’s exactly what this festival is here to champion.
“Get Creative Festival is a celebration of who we are in Thurrock – bold, brilliant, and bursting with talent,” says Daryl Branch, Artistic Director of Arts Outburst. “We want every resident – whether they’re painting in their kitchen, rapping in their bedroom, or dancing on stage – to feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger. It’s about putting creativity at the heart of everyday life.”
What’s On?
There’s something for everyone — and we mean everyone. A few highlights include:
- Beach of Dreams Launch | Sat 3 May | Tilbury Cruise Terminal
A national launch event by Kinetika featuring Threads for Tomorrow – beautiful silk artworks and performances exploring environment, community, and creativity. - Fresh Air by Vickie Donoghue | Tues 6 May | Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch
Our Make Some Noise Young Actors Company take on a thrilling new play as part of the National Theatre’s Connections Festival. - A Little Light Music | Every Wednesday in May | Thameside Complex Foyer
Take a midday pause with gentle acoustic sets from local musicians in this free lunchtime series. - Words + Music – 2nd Birthday Edition | Arts Outburst Studios
Our intimate open mic night returns to mark two years of creativity and community. Come to perform or simply enjoy the show. - Youth Club Half Term Open Day | Wed 28 May | Arts Outburst Studios
Try creative taster sessions in theatre, music, dance and film – perfect for young people curious to explore their talents. - Get Creative in the Park | Sat 31 May | Grays Town Park
Our grand finale! Join us for a joyful day of live music, walkabout performances, circus fun, crafts, and community celebration.
And that’s just the beginning. With Devilled Eggs street theatre, Fun Palace workshops, the Take a Pulse digital art ideas session, and the Creativity & Health roundtable, there are dozens of opportunities to connect and create.
The Get Creative Newspaper Is Back
One of our favourite features returns this year: the Get Creative Newspaper! This beautifully designed print and digital guide is your go-to for everything happening throughout the festival. It’s packed with listings, interviews, features, and behind-the-scenes stories that celebrate Thurrock’s artistic spirit.
Pick up a copy at local cafés, libraries, and venues – or read it online HERE
Got a Creative Event Happening in May?
We’d love to help you shout about it! If you’re hosting an event in Thurrock during May, let us know. We’ll help spread the word through our social media channels.
Just send your event name, date, location, short description, and any images or links to hello@artsoutburst.co.uk.
Let’s make May 2025 the most creatively connected month Thurrock has ever seen.
Whether you’re performing, participating, or just soaking it all in — Get Creative Festival 2025 is your invitation to be part of something special.
Join us this May. Be bold. Be brilliant. Be part of it.
Let’s Get Creative – together.
