January newsletter – Green Light special!

Get ready for Green Light 2026!

Green Light is returning to Thurrock this February, and for 2026, it’s bigger, broader and reaching more communities than ever before.

Running from 9–22 February, Green Light is a free, two-week programme of creative activities and performances, designed by and for local residents. After a hugely successful 2025 programme, with 775 attendances across the borough, Start Thurrock is expanding into four new locations this year – Aveley, East Tilbury, Corringham and Stanford-le-Hope – alongside returning favourites like Purfleet-on-Thames, Chadwell St Mary and South Ockendon.

You can reserve your spaces on each activity for FREE on our website.

The response so far has been overwhelming with some events already selling out, so if you see something you fancy, don’t wait around to secure your ticket.

We can’t wait to bring you another programme of fantastic events on your doorstep and see more residents trying something new.

Download the Programme PDF

Reserve your FREE tickets here

Start learning a new skill

If you’ve ever thought “I’d love to try that”, Green Light is your chance. This year’s programme is packed with hands-on workshops designed to help you learn something new in a relaxed, supportive environment.

From acrylic painting with Kent Lowe and textiles design with Kinetika’s artists to natural dyeing, basket weaving, henna art, clay modelling and even digital coding, these sessions are about building confidence as well as skills. You don’t need any prior experience – just curiosity and a willingness to have a go.

Kinetika – A Place At The Table by Anne Tetzlaff

Many of these activities were chosen directly in response to residents asking for practical, creative workshops they could take part in locally, without the cost or pressure often attached to adult learning.

Whether you want to work with your hands, explore a new creative outlet or simply try something different, these sessions are designed to leave you feeling inspired – and often with something you’ve made yourself to take home.

Get your FREE tickets here.

Start taking time for you

Green Light isn’t just about learning and doing – it’s also about slowing down, reconnecting and feeling good. This year’s programme includes dedicated wellness-focused sessions created for adults who need a moment of calm.

Workshops like Move To Thrive’s mindful movement session and Together Create’s Jar of Joy offer space to breathe, reflect and reset. These events focus on creativity as a tool for wellbeing, helping participants release stress, build confidence and enjoy meaningful moments of peace and connection.

These sessions are welcoming, judgement-free spaces where you can take part at your own pace. Sometimes the most powerful creative moments are the simplest ones.

Start feeling the joy of music and movement

If you’re craving something upbeat and social, Green Light has you covered. This year’s programme features high-energy sessions designed to get people moving, singing and smiling together.

From Soca and Afrobeats dance workshops to a pop-up choir, these events are all about sharing the buzz of a group production.

And yes, we did say pop-up choir. Arts Outburst will be guiding residents to produce a stunning performance full of harmonies and joy in just one hour.

Arts Outburst Pop-up Choir

Brazilarte will be bringing the energy of Rio Carnival to Purfleet with a Brazilian drumming experience, plus get to the heart and soul of two dance styles taking the world by storm – Soca and Afrobeats – with Zaza Dance.

They’re perfect if you want to try something lively without pressure, meet new people or simply enjoy the feel-good atmosphere that comes from music and movement filling a room.

Start getting creative as a family!

With schools closed for half term between 16–20 February, Green Light offers families a brilliant way to spend time together – without spending a penny.

We know how much you enjoy going to the theatre as a family and we’ve got three performances to enjoy this Green Light: The Tale of the Loneliest Whale, Mischief and Mystery in Moominvalley, and Brave Bettie.

Get Lost & Found Theatre – Mystery & Mischief in Moominvalley

There are multiple showings of each to ensure as many families can experience the magic of live theatre as possible.

Away from the stage, there are also a host of activities including a colourful kaleidoscope workshop with CoDa, and clay sculpture making with the Clayground Collective.

As well as dedicated family events, many of the workshops across the wider programme are also suitable for families.

Start booking your places!

Green Light events are completely free, but places are limited and they’re already going fast. Several sessions have sold out, showing just how popular this year’s programme is.

If there’s something you’d love to take part in, we recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid missing out. New locations, expanded activities and half-term timing mean demand is high across the programme.

And if you do miss out on something this time, don’t worry, Start Thurrock uses booking data and community feedback to shape future activities throughout the year. Every booking, sell-out and comment helps influence what comes next.

Explore the full programme and reserve your FREE tickets here!

We can’t wait to see you at Green Light 2026.