Arts Outburst is delighted to announce the opening week of the Thurrock Get Creative Festival 2026, a month-long celebration of creativity, community and culture taking place throughout May. The festival launches with a rich mix of music, theatre, community events, youth activities and a free art exhibition — all taking place across Thurrock this week.
W E E K O N E
🎨 Get Creative Exhibition 🖼️
Thameside Gallery, Ground Floor
1st–21st May | Open Mon–Sat | FREE
A vibrant local artist exhibition showcasing the incredible breadth of creative talent across Thurrock. Featuring works by Marsha Ashley, Suzanne Staff, Hana Hodge, Sue Tucker, Amanda Clark, Sue Shaper, Rebecca Danyali and more. Free to visit throughout the first three weeks of the festival.
🎤 Music Mondays — Monday 4th May ☕️
Grays Town Park Café , 12pm–2pm | FREE
All ages and abilities welcome
A friendly and social music gathering at the beloved Grays Town Park Café. Gather with neighbours for live music and a spot of tea in a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere. No booking required.
🕺🏻Make Some Noise: Dance & Drama — Tuesday 5th May 🎭
Arts Outburst Studios (AOB) | 4pm–8pm | FREE | Booking required
Free weekly dance and drama sessions for children and young people aged 6–21, led by professional tutors. Sessions are tailored by age group and run during term time. Also at Chadwell Village Hall (Zumba®, 7:30pm) on Tuesday evenings.
🎤 A Little Light Music — Wednesday 6th May 🎸
Grays Town Park Café | 1pm–1:45pm | FREE | No booking required
A relaxed programme of live 45-minute music performances, bringing easygoing, informal sets to the heart of the community. Each week features a different artist — from acoustic sets to soulful vocals. Drop in for a coffee or stay for the full set.
🎶 Make Some Noise: Music — Wednesday 6th May 🎶
Arts Outburst Studios | 4pm–8pm | FREE | Booking required
Free music sessions for children and young people aged 6–21. Running weekly during term time at Arts Outburst Studios.
🎭 TROUPE! — Wednesday 6th May 🎭
Arts Outburst Studios | 6:30pm–9pm | FREE | Sign up at www.artsoutburst.co.uk
A creative performance space in Grays for adults (18+) to train, experiment and perform. Led by professional theatre tutors, TROUPE! offers a supportive environment to build skills and gain confidence on stage.
Together Create: Art and Making — Thursday 7th May 🎨
Welcome to the UK, Grays | 10am–12pm | FREE | Booking required | www.welcome2theuk.com
A cross-generational, cross-cultural creative group running Thursdays from 23rd April through 4th June. Participants create, connect, learn and collaborate to make change in their local area.
🎨 Urban Motion — Thursday 7th May 🎧
Arts Outburst Studios | 4:30pm–6pm | FREE
A youth-led programme for ages 11–18, blending parkour, hip hop dance, graffiti, lyric writing and physical theatre. Young people are empowered to get creative, build confidence and own their space.
🎭 Make Some Noise: Drama (14+) — Thursday 7th May 🎭
Arts Outburst Studios | 6:30pm–8pm | FREE | Booking required
Free drama sessions for young people aged 14+.
🎤 Thurrock Voices Choir — Thursday 7th May 🎶
Arts Outburst Studios | 7pm–8:30pm | FREE TRIALS AVAILABLE
Thurrock-based, fun and local choir for adults, boasting professional vocal coaches and a varied set list. No experience or auditions needed — free trials are available. Contact thurrockvoices@artsoutburst.co.uk.
🎶 Thameside Young Producers: Thank You For The Music — Saturday 9th May 🎶
Thameside Theatre | Ticketed event — book at thurrock.gov.uk/theatre or 0345 300 5264
The Thameside Young Producers present their first charity funds-raising show of 2026. A wonderful opportunity to see the next generation of Thurrock’s performers take to the stage.
⭐️ Port of Tilbury Open Day — Saturday 9th May ⭐️
London International Cruise Terminal, Tilbury | 10:30am–4:30pm | FREE
The Port of Tilbury throws open its doors for a rare chance to explore one of the UK’s busiest ports. With local community groups, charities and businesses involved, it’s a great day out for families who want to connect with the community.
🎨 Out of the Box with Start Thurrock — Saturday 9th May 🎨
Derwent Parade, Grays | 11am and 12:30pm | FREE
A fun community arts activity at Derwent Parade as part of the festival’s commitment to bringing creativity to all corners of Thurrock.
