THE first of a new series of exciting events which aim to "match the energy of live music against performance and installation art", starts in Westcliff this Saturday.

The Hello You Launch Party will happen at the TAP gallery, in North Road, Westcliff from 7pm.

It's the brainchild of artist Amy McKenny, the co-founder of TAP, who is also doubling up the occasion as her leaving party at the gallery.

Amy started TAP (Temporary Arts Project Ltd) in 2008, along with Emma Emmerton, a not-for-profit organisation intended to be an independent artist-led space in the Victorian water works, which has been converted into artist studios, a project space and screening room.

Their core aim was to facilitate research and development for artists as well as provide opportunities for the production and presentation of new work.

Amy will be taking a break after leaving this week, before deciding on her next career move.

She said: "I wanted to do something different and fun to go out on, and came up with the idea of Hello You.

"The idea of it, is that instead of it just being a private view, it will have the whole ethos and energy of a gig, with the art and music working together, and having flow, although there isn't a theme to it. I've had help from musician John Hannon curating the music side of the event.

"It's a bit of an experiment, but I hope to take the events to other places, including to London."

Featured will be music, art installations, film and performance from musicians,Apostille, Closed Circuits and the Plan, with art and performance by Nora Silva, and Sarah Duffy. There will also be sets from the South Records DJ and Hello You Cinema.

Hello You Launch Party

TAP Gallery

North Road

Westcliff

7pm onwards

Tickets £6 on the door or £5 in advance from: billetto.co.uk/hello-you