Southend City Jam 2025: Preparations well underway for the UK's largest free street art festival

July 24, 2025

With just five weeks to go until the return of Southend City Jam, the UK’s largest free street art festival, preparations are well underway to transform Southend’s city centre and seafront into a spectacular open-air gallery.

Festival build partner Edmunds Design & Construction (EDC) began work this week, starting the construction phase that will see the city once again become a vibrant hub of creativity and colour from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 August.

Thanks to previous years, Southend proudly boasts over 100 permanent murals, now part of the city’s visual identity, and this year’s event will bring an additional 100 temporary installations across key locations.

From large-scale display cubes to the ever-popular Pop-Up Park, every element is made possible through the skilled work and generous support of EDC.

A Leigh-on-Sea–based design and build contractor, EDC has over 15 years’ experience transforming blank spaces into dynamic commercial environments across Essex, London and the Home Counties. From planning to structural works, the team has built a reputation for meticulous project management and high-quality craftsmanship.

Karl Sims, Southend City Jam Co-Founder, said: “As well as the incredible line-up of artists attending this year, we’re extremely grateful to have EDC on board. Their generous support helps make the festival a reality and ensures we can continue to offer this exciting event free of charge, allowing street art lovers of all ages to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and world-class works.”

Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, added: “City Jam grows bigger and bolder every year, and none of it can happen without the foundations laid by our sponsors.

"Edmunds Design & Construction are quite literally raising the walls our artists will paint. Their expertise, along with the continued backing of Southend City BID, Mark One Hire, Global Art Supplies, Montana Cans, and the Southend Tourism Partnership, means we can once again welcome residents and visitors to a free, world-class celebration of street art on our doorstep.”

For more information on this year’s artists, installations and headline acts, visit: www.southendcityjam.co.uk