‘Out of the Box’ is back!

Throughout the month of October Southend will be celebrating a wide and diverse range of community groups and cultural activities with the return of the Out of the Box Festival.

Working with partners across the borough, and to incorporate Black History Month, Out of the Box promotes arts activities for all to attend.

The festival launches on Saturday 2nd October at 11.30am in Southend High Street with a performance by the Southend-based Polish group La Roma.

After a programme of Polish singing and dancing La Roma will hand the stage over to Essex University 's East 15 drama course, who will present some short extracts from Chinese Operas in a highly visual and colourful way.

The Festival continues throughout October with events ranging from art exhibitions to films. Many of these are free for residents and visitors to attend, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Highlights include:

• Friday 8th October, 7.30pm - Maritime rooms (Cliffs Pavilion) - 'Samba Samba' with Brazilian band Caratinga  
• Wednesday 13th October, 7.15pm - Southend Central Library - Bollywood film 'Sorry bhai'
• Saturday 16th October, 10am - 4pm - Southend Central Museum - 'Masks from around the world' a drop in activity day for all ages
• Sunday 17th October, 10am - 5.15pm - Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre - Big Dance Day. A whole day of different dance taster sessions for all ages to try out. Classes include Zumba, Flamenco, Bollywood, African, Break Dance and much more and
• Friday 29th October, 10am - 2pm - Darlinghurst Primary School , Leigh - Around the World Family Day - destination the Caribbean ! All ages welcome

Other events throughout the month include workshops and visits for schools, and exhibitions at Southend Central Library, Victoria Avenue , Southend

Councillor Derek Jarvis, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture, said: "Out of the Box celebrates Southend's rich and diverse cultural communities.

"We recognise and value the different community groups across the borough, and this festival aims to bring groups together in a cohesive and beneficial way.

"All are welcome to attend the events and to participate in the workshops. Many of these are aimed at families, and admission is free for several of the events."

For a festival brochure please contact 01702-215624 or 01702-215694 or visit http://www.southend.gov.uk/