Walls around Southend have been painted black in preparation for one of the city's biggest cultural events of the year.
Mysterious wooden boxes and blacked-out walls have appeared in the High Street and along the seafront as Southend gears up for art festival City Jam 2026.
Organised by Southend Council in partnership with co-founders Karl Sims and Steve Hart, the festival has already helped establish more than 100 permanent street art walls.
Southend will be transformed into a vibrant open-air gallery as a major street art festival returns this summer.
"I'm excited," said Mr Sims. "World class artists are about to descend on Southend.
"It's great for businesses, great for people - everything is so doom and gloom at the moment so it's nice to that there is something positive going on.
"And it's free - nothing is free nowadays!"
He said visitors can expect a range of art in locations all across Southend including the High Street, Pier Hill, Alexandra Street and Warrior Square car parks and The Forum.
Mr Sims added this years roster of artists includes a focus on young, local talent to promote the city's art scene.
An interactive workshop is also on the cards, with the seafront fountains hosting a demonstration and spray-painting workshop.
Now entering its fifth year, the event has grown into one of Southend’s standout cultural festivals, transforming walls and public spaces into a vibrant open-air gallery.
Aida Esposito, director of culture, leisure, music, and tourism on Southend Council, said City Jam has become a "hugely important part" of the city's cultural calendar and a "real point of pride".
"Over the last five years it’s helped transform public spaces, attract visitors, and celebrate Southend as a place of creativity and culture," she said.
Mr Sims said the council and business improvement district have supported this year's City Jam, along with 6,500 cans of spray paint from Montana Cans and Global Art Supplies.
Southend City Jam 2026 will take place from August 28 to 30.
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