AN ART festival which brough colour and life back into the city of Southend is set to return for a second year after it’s overwhelming success.

Southend City Jam is an event to celebrate street art and saw more than a hundred local, national, and international artists take part in the debut festival last year.

Southend Council has today announced it will return for a second year between September 1 and 3 following the “overwhelming success”.

The event is a three-day celebration where walls across the city of Southend are transformed both permanently and temporarily will street art.

Carole Mulroney, Liberal Democrats councillor responsible for environment, culture, and tourism, said: “I am thrilled that Southend City Jam is returning this year.

Get more great stories like this delivered to your inbox every day by signing up to our morning newsletter - don't miss out!

“Wonderful artwork was produced last year and can still be viewed today.

“The painted walls add such a different dynamic and helps change the perception of our city – yes, we are cool.

“I can’t wait to see what the artists will create this year.”

It is organised by Southend Council and Southend Tourism Partnership, alongside artists Karl Sims and Steve Hart, who have championed street art in Southend for decades.

Applications for artists are already open too with people from across the world already queuing up to be involved.

Jacqui Dallimore, chair of the Southend Tourism Partnership, added: “I am excited to see such an amazing event return to our city.

“Street art is an artform that absolutely everyone can enjoy.

“We are confident City Jam will boost the economy as well as create a vibrant and buzzing atmosphere, leaving behind a lasting legacy of artwork that improves the street scene for all residents and visitors.

“Sponsorship is a brilliant way for businesses to get involved and promote their brand to a new audience.”

The City Jam team is also on the lookout for publicly accessible walls in and around the City Centre and seafront that can be transformed at this year’s festival.

If you believe you have a feasible wall, get in touch with the team via the website, https://www.southendcityjam.co.uk/