IF you're in the mood for an inspiring evening listening to various Southend artists, musicians, directors, authors, designers, performers, videographers and many more giving you an insight into their projects via a quick-fire tour, read on.

Metal is hosting a special Pecha Kucha event, called Pecha Kucha Abridged, to celebrate 125 years of Southend with 125 minutes of "creative thought".

If you're not familiar with the Pecha Kucha events, they started in Japan in 2003 and have since become global-wide with many organisations presenting their own version.

It's a fun, social evening, giving creative people a chance to 'air their project ideas' via a strict three minute chat in front of an audience.

It all takes place at Southend's new arts venue, Twenty One, situated at the bottom of the Pier Lift on Marine Parade.

Across the evening, 40 local creatives will own the stage for their fast paced presentation session, organised into four half hour blocks "with plenty of beer breaks in between".

Speakers confirmed so far include Kana Waiwaiku, photographer and videographer; Ros Green from Essex Book Festival; Jo and Ray from Sundown Arts; Jacqueline Johnson from Jacqson Diego Storyteller; Gwen Simpson, textile/installation artist; Anna and Kelly, writer and photographer; Ian Ward, poet; Davy Hal, singer/songwriter; Zoe Howe, author/artist; Jake Dolman, magician and Daryl Easlea, DJ and author.

Doors open at 7pm with talks taking place from 7.30pm until 10.15pm.