Southend City Jam to return for fifth year as artist applications open

April 8, 2026

Southend City Jam will return from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2026, bringing another vibrant weekend of large-scale street art, live painting and creative activity to Southend city centre and seafront.

Now entering its fifth year, the festival has grown into one of Southend’s standout cultural events, transforming walls and public spaces into a dynamic open-air gallery and attracting thousands of visitors each summer.

With applications now open, the 2026 event will once again see artists from Southend, across the UK and beyond bringing fresh colour and creativity to the city.

Aida Esposito, Director of Culture, Leisure, Music and Tourism at Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: “Southend City Jam has become a hugely important part of our cultural calendar and a real point of pride for the city. Over the last five years it’s helped transform public spaces, attract visitors and celebrate Southend as a place of creativity and culture. We’re delighted to see the festival return in 2026 and would encourage artists from near and far to apply to be part of it.”

Karl Sims and Steve Hart, co-founders of Southend City Jam, said: “What started as an ambitious idea to make Southend a leading destination for urban art has grown into a major celebration of creativity, bringing together a global community of artists over three jam-packed days. We’re thrilled to return for the fifth edition and to open applications for artists who want to help shape this year’s event.”

Southend City Jam has helped establish more than 100 walls as part of Southend’s year-round street art offer, creating a lasting legacy beyond the festival weekend itself.

More information and artist applications can be found at www.southendcityjam.co.uk/apply