THE city of Southend will be filled with "life and colour" when a new street art event arrives later this year.

Southend City Jam will be held on the streets across Southend in September in celebration of some of the area's best artists.

Plans include epic large-scale street-art paintings on buildings throughout the city, as well as workshops, live art and music.

Sarah Boundy, 47, from Eastwood, said her two daughters, nine and 14, will love the event, and hopes it will bring energise Southend.

She said: "I think this will be amazing.

"The event will bring life and colour to Southend.

 

Making Waves - Created by Scotty Brave in Southend

Making Waves - Created by Scotty Brave in Southend

 

"I love street-art and it's mainly something you'd associate with seeing in London, or other large cities so having this in Southend is very exciting.

"I will definitely be checking this out, and my children will absolutely love it too!

"It is a step in the right direction for Southend in lifting the city and getting people back into the high-street.

"Hopefully with the street-art aspect it will also attract a lot of younger people, show them what Southend is about, and really benefit the businesses."

The festival is due to run between September 2 and 4 and will see the seafront play host to a number of artists putting on live displays which will show visitors how they produce their work.

Southend-based Pigs Bay Distillery, which produces high end spirits and liqueurs, has been announced as a new sponsor for the big three-day festival.

Owner Dale Smith said: "We are so excited to be a part of Southend City Jam.

"Street art is a fantastic art form, and this free event is set to attract thousands of visitors to the City Centre providing businesses with a much-needed boost.

"As a company we are proud of our city and delighted to be involved in such an awesome ground-breaking event."

Southend City Jam aims to build on last year's 'Making Waves' event.

 

Making Waves - In the process of creation by Dan Kitchener

Making Waves - In the process of creation by Dan Kitchener

 

Southend councillor responsible for tourism, Carole Mulroney added: "I can't wait to see what artwork is created during the festival.

"It is wonderful to see businesses coming on board to support being such a popular and innovative event to the city."