September newsletter – See a Thurrock story on stage!

Start watching local stories on stage

An exciting new drama set in Thurrock is coming to the Thameside Theatre this October. 

Fire Fire tells the story of retired oil worker Eddie and climate activist Paige, who first seem to be fighting for very different causes – until they realise they have something much deeper in common and decide to take drastic action together.

The play has strong local roots, and Essex runs through the narrative. Writer John Webber is from Thurrock and ran creative writing workshops exploring the themes of the play as part of Green Light 2025, so Start Thurrock is pleased to support this next chapter of his work.

See Fire Fire at the Thameside Theatre in Grays on Monday 19th October, as part of an East of England tour following a run at the Arcola Theatre in London.

NOTE: Start Thurrock supporters can get a limited number of £10 tickets! Save £5 on the full price by using the code START10 at the checkout!

Find out more and book tickets

Start shaping something new in East Tilbury

Exciting things are coming together for East Tilbury’s creative R&D project. The Cultural Assembly and lead artist Kwesi Johnson have set up a Spark board page to gather what matters to East Tilbury residents – the things they want to see, make and experience in their own community.

Ideas can come from anyone and anywhere. It could be a memory, a missing space, a favourite event or a new tradition, something you already do or really want to try.

On the Spark board, you can add your own new idea and it’ll go up for everyone to see. And you can also add your thoughts to other people’s ideas to build on what your neighbours have shared and help shape what comes next.

There are already loads of ideas on the board – just click on the heart shapes to see what people have posted! Then add your own to become part of the conversation.

Kwesi is also planning some workshop activities where people will be able to explore their ideas further in person – keep an eye out on social media or sign up via the link on the page to stay updated.

Add your idea for East Tilbury to the Spark board

Start your own creative project

Have an idea for a creative activity in your community?

Applications are now open for the next round of Start Thurrock’s Creative Community Support (CCS) programme, helping local people and groups bring cultural ideas to life across Thurrock.

Whether it’s music, dance, art, storytelling, performance or something completely different, this programme is all about supporting residents to make brilliant things happen where they live.

One upcoming project made possible through Creative Community Support is a music and dance event in East Tilbury on Sunday 11th October – showing how local ideas can grow into real community events.

The next application deadline is Thursday 29th October.

So, if you’ve got an idea, now is the time to start.

Find out more and apply for CCS funding

Get tickets for the music & dance event

Start celebrating creativity at Coalhouse Fort

Coalhouse Fort became a hub of creativity this summer, as families explored the sights, sounds, stories and natural materials of this incredible East Tilbury landmark.

Kinetika invited visitors to help make a huge mandala artwork using materials found in and around Coalhouse Fort, sound artist Kelly Ann Buckley hosted soundscape workshops inspired by the unique noises of the area, and families enjoyed Upstream, a magical outdoor theatre and puppetry show from Smoking Apples about the river and environment.

CoDa Dance also brought their inclusive dance show Avoidance & Other Acts of Love to the fort earlier this month for a thought-provoking look at how we have difficult conversations.

It was all about seeing a familiar place in a new way. More cultural activities are planned for Coalhouse Fort so make sure you’re following us on socials to hear new ways to get involved.

Check out photos from the events on our Facebook page

Start selling your creativity for Christmas!

The Aveley Christmas Market is back – and they’re looking for stallholders!

On Sunday 6th December, 11.00am–4.00pm, Aveley High Street will be buzzing again for this annual event when the crowds turn out to get magical Christmas gift ideas as well as sample scrumptious food and drink.

Are you an artist, maker or craftsperson with creations ready to sell? Then click the button below to find out information on booking a pitch.

See you there!

Stallholder information

Start helping people get creative at Green Light 2027!

Calling all Thurrock artists and creatives: got a ready-to-go activity you want to bring to life?

If so, then come and be a part of Green Light – our exciting taster programme returning in February 2027.

Now in its fourth year, Green Light gives people across our diverse communities the opportunity to stretch their creativity and express themselves in new ways.

If you’re an artist or arts organisation, we want to hear from you. To get involved, please submit your ideas to us by 11.59pm on Sunday 25th October.

For full information and how to apply, click below…

Become part of Green Light 2027

Thanks for reading!