PREPARATIONS are under way for the return of City Jam as Southend gears up to host the UK’s largest free street art festival.
Southend will once again be transformed into a vibrant open-air gallery with 100 temporary art installations set to add a splash of colour and creativity to the city centre and seafront.
Leigh based design and build contractor Edmunds Design and Construction (EDC) has started the construction phase for the event, set to run from Friday, August 29, to Sunday, August 31, while City Jam co-founder Karl Sims has already completed a huge Britannia mural in Alexandra Street.
The festival will bring an additional 100 temporary installations to the city, complementing the more than 100 permanent murals still on display across the city from previous years.
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Karl said: “As well as the incredible lineup of artists attending this year, we’re extremely grateful to have EDC on board.
“Their generous support helps make the festival a reality and ensures we can continue to offer this exciting event free of charge, allowing street art lovers of all ages to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and world-class works.”
EDC has been pivotal in transforming the city centre, using their experience in creating dynamic commercial environments.
Their skilled work and generous support have made the large-scale display cubes and the popular Pop-Up Park possible.
Matt Dent, councillor for business, culture, music, and tourism, said: “City Jam grows bigger and bolder every year, and none of it can happen without the foundations laid by our sponsors.
“Edmunds Design & Construction are quite literally raising the walls our artists will paint.
“Their expertise, along with the continued backing of Southend City BID, Mark One Hire,
Global Art Supplies, Montana Cans, and the Southend Tourism Partnership, means we can once again welcome residents and visitors to a free, world-class celebration of street art on our doorstep.”
The Southend City Jam is a celebration of street art, attracting artists and art lovers from across the country.
It is free for all to attend and promises to be a colourful and creative weekend.
For more details on this year’s artists, installations, and headline acts, visit the Southend City Jam website.
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