STRIKING colourful murals set to stay in Southend High Street as residents say it has “revitalised the city centre”.

The Southend City Jam was a street-art festival which saw hundreds of artists transform 60 permanent and temporary walls across the city centre.

It took place across the weekend from Friday to Sunday, with artists bringing colour and life into walls in Southend.

All murals painted on walls are now set to stay in Southend High Street to the delight of residents who say it has transformed Southend.

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Mikey Glister, who has lives on the Royal Mews in the Southend city centre, said it has injected life back into the area.

He said: “I have lived on Royal Mews for six years, and the surrounding area has always been quite monochrome and grey.

“Suddenly we have so much incredible colour and art injected into the area.

“It is incredibly welcome, and just great for the city of Southend.

“In a way, it has revitalised the area

As well as seeing artists transform the city, residents were able to enjoy live music, a bar, and food.

Jo Lamb, a 54-year-old from Westcliff, said it has bought Southend back to life.

She said: “I absolutely loved it.

“It has just bought Southend back to life.

“We need more events like this, as we are a City and a University town, so we need to encompass all that we all are.

“It was colourful, vibrant, and also provided an opportunity for artists to showcase their great talent.

“I hope all the artwork created, including the temporary ones, can stay if possible as it lifts the city back into life.”

Alongside permanent walls being decorated, there was even a pop-up street art park in the middle of the high-street for residents to see. 

Jennie Spittle, 49, attended the festival and said the quality of the art was just outstanding.

She added: “The Southend City Jam was just brilliant.

“A collective of talented creatives adding so much expression and individuality to the streets of Southend.

“The quality of the art is outstanding, and I feel we are so lucky to be able to display this work in our city.

“I would love to see this take place every year and bring more and more colour into Southend.”