Southend City Jam preparations underway as map is unveiled

Southend is buzzing with anticipation for its most exciting City Jam yet, scheduled for this week from Friday through to Sunday.

This year's festival is set to be a colourful celebration of street-art, with more than 200 artists from around the globe.

Exciting - Southend City Jam preparations underway (Image: Simon Murdoch)

The artists are poised to transform more than 100 permanent and temporary walls and cubes across the city centre, seafront and pier.

A festival map, complete with details and locations of the Southend City Jam artists, is now also available online ahead of the launch this week.

Event - The map for Southend City Jam (Image: Southend Council)

Matt Dent, Labour councillor responsible for culture, tourism and business, said: "Southend City Jam has become a highlight of our city’s cultural calendar, and this year promises to be the most exciting yet.

“With more than 200 artists transforming our streets and the incredible new takeover of Southend Pier, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Exciting - Artists begin their work in Southend (Image: Keith Grinsted)

"We are thrilled to welcome both residents and visitors to experience the creativity and energy that makes Southend truly special.

"Don't miss the biggest Southend City Jam yet and experience incredible street art in a unique seaside setting."

Amazing - Artwork near the High Street (Image: Keith Grinsted)

The event will also see the return of the "Pop-Up Park" to the High Street, where more than 25 artists will showcase their craft, providing festivalgoers with a chance to witness art in action.

Accompanied by food and music, it is guaranteed to add to the festive atmosphere.

An exciting addition to the 2024 programme is the Southend Pier Takeover. This includes the festival's most ambitious project yet, where four headline artists will tackle a 6-metre cube located a mile out to sea at the pier head.

Wow - The big six-metre cube on Southend Pier (Image: Southend Council)

Southend resident Keith Grinstead said: "This was a fantastic event last year, bringing so much talent into Southend from all around the world. 

"I have been looking forward to it again this year and I am sure it will live up to expectations. 

"It brings so much colour and vibrant activity not just in the city centre, but all around, and leaves us with a legacy of some fantastic artwork for the years following."

Brilliant - Artists in action in Southend (Image: Keith Grinsted)

Southend resident Simon Murdoch has already spotted some of the preparations underway across the city.

He added: "I spotted a few of this years City Jam 2024 artists starting to paint their work on a large wall on top of Pier Hill.

"The council is also putting up boards around the town in preparation for this year's artists to paint on them."

Festival-goers are advised that artist locations may change and the official Southend City Jam website will provide all the latest updates.

For more information, visit www.southendcityjam.co.uk.