Southend City Jam, a celebration of street art coming to Southend in September, is set to get even bigger as Pigs Bay Distillery has been announced as a new sponsor.
Pigs Bay Distillery is a local craft distillery established in 2020 that produces high end gin, vodka, rums and liqueurs including Southend, Essex Pink, Pier and Leigh Shore Gins. The distillery’s spirits can be found at various venues across the City and Essex. Their sponsorship is a welcome addition to the growing three-day festival.
Created by Prizm Arts working with Southend-On-Sea City Council and Southend Tourism Partnership, Southend City Jam will feature local, national, and internationally acclaimed artists creating large-scale artworks on buildings and walls around the City. More artists will take to the High Street and decorate three banks of temporary ‘walls’.
The seafront will also play host to the festival with artists painting along from the pier entrance on Western Esplanade to Sands by The Sea.
Southend City Jam builds on last year's 'Making Waves' event which was part of the Southend Arts Festival.
Dale Smith of Pigs Bay Distillery, said: "We’re so excited to be a part of Southend City Jam. Street art is a fantastic art form and this free event is set to attract thousands of visitors to the City Centre providing businesses with a much-needed boost. As a local company we are proud of our City and delighted to be involved in such an awesome and ground-breaking event."
Cllr Carole Mulroney, cabinet member for environment, culture and tourism, said: “It’s wonderful to see local businesses coming on board to support the Council and Southend Tourism Partnership to bring such popular and innovative events to the City. With Pigs Bay Distillery now involved, Southend City Jam can expand, which will help it become a highlight in Southend’s ever-growing range of events. I can’t wait to see what artwork is created during the festival.”
Jacqui Dallimore, chair of the Southend Tourism Partnership, said: “Street art is something everyone from any age or background can enjoy. I’m excited to work with local companies such as Pigs Bay Distillery and see such an incredible event come to our City. Southend is on the cusp of creating a modern and inspired events calendar that will have residents and visitors returning again and again.”
Further information regarding the event, including full details of all the artists involved, workshops, volunteering, sponsorship opportunities and donating a wall can be found on the website, www.southendcityjam.co.uk