As we step into 2026, we’re delighted to share Arts Outburst’s Winter–Spring programme, running from January to April, packed with opportunities for people of all ages to get creative, connect with others and be part of something meaningful across Thurrock.
This season reflects what Arts Outburst does best: placing creativity at the heart of community life. From weekly youth programmes and creative wellbeing projects to artist development, volunteering and large-scale public events, our Winter–Spring programme is about opening doors, amplifying local voices and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Creativity for Young People, Families and Communities
Our core youth programmes return for the new year, including Make Some Noise, Urban Motion, Youth Club, Express, and the NSC Film & Screen Club. These free weekly sessions support young people to build confidence, explore their creativity and develop skills in a safe, supportive environment.
We’re also proud to be launching Tilbury Together: Living Voices, Lasting Change, a new community-led project working with residents to better understand everyday life in Tilbury. Through conversations led by local Peer Researchers, the project will explore lived experience, community strengths and local challenges, ensuring that local voices help shape future change.
Alongside this, our creative health offer continues to grow. Bloom & Bond supports expectant parents and families with children aged 0–2 through gentle creative activity that nurtures connection and wellbeing. Breathe Easy uses creativity to support adults exploring smoke-free lifestyles, while Feel Good & Move, funded by Sport England, brings free creative movement and fitness activities to communities across Thurrock throughout the year.
Supporting Artists and Creative Adults
For adults and creatives, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Troupe! offers free creative development opportunities, while Squad, our volunteer programme, gives local people the chance to play an active role in delivering events and supporting the cultural life of the borough.
Our artist development work continues through Thurrock CAN, Arts Outburst’s Creative and Artists Network, delivering workshops, networking events, creative coffee mornings and peer-led skill shares. Creative Clicks also returns, offering a free digital skills programme for workless and under-employed creatives looking to build confidence, portfolios and pathways into work.
Lighting Up Thurrock – Five Years of Light
As winter turns to spring, we build towards one of the biggest moments in our year: Light Up Thurrock 2026, celebrating five years of the festival. Over the coming months, communities will take part in workshops, lantern-making and creative activity, all leading to a spectacular finale on 20 March 2026 at Coalhouse Fort.
The finale will transform the historic fort with glowing installations, projections, lanterns and live performance, bringing together artists, families, schools and residents for a shared celebration of creativity and place.
Calling Local Dance Teachers
As part of Light Up Thurrock 2026, we are recruiting dance teachers from local groups and schools to join a large-scale mass participation dance piece, created by CoDa Dance Company. This exciting opportunity invites local dancers to come together in a powerful collective performance at the festival’s finale, celebrating movement, connection and community pride.
Join Us This Season
There’s always something happening at Arts Outburst, and Winter–Spring 2026 is no exception. Whether you’re looking to try something new, meet new people, develop your creative practice or be part of a major community event, we’d love you to get involved.
For full programme details, updates and opportunities, visit www.artsoutburst.co.uk, follow us on social media and sign up to our mailing list to stay in the loop.
Let’s make 2026 a year of creativity, connection and shared celebration — together.
