From bright sunshine to downpour, T-Fest 12 weekend had it all.
Despite the dire weather warnings on Saturday (2 June) crowds built steadily and by the time the sun broke through there was little room in front of the stage and plenty of interest in the community group stalls and marquees around Grays Beach Riverside Park.
Sunday (3 June) started damp and threatened worse through the day until the heavens opened ─ but still the show went on.
At noon the Sparks Will Fly procession left the Civic Offices in New Road making for the park where Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Yash Gupta handed over a bead representing Thurrock, showing its industries, its countryside and of course the River Thames.
Later in the afternoon brollies were needed as the rain became heavier and by the time Danyl Johnson and Tall Dark Friend took to the stage driving rain meant all but the hardiest fans had headed for home, but the hardy few did remain to cheer and sing along.
But T-Fest is about more than the acts on the centre stage. It is an opportunity for many of Thurrock’s diverse communities and community organizations to show off their wares.
Over the weekend more than 160 people signed up for the free Grays town centre Loyalty Cards, young people won prizes ─ including Thameside Theatre pantomime ticket vouchers ─ in fun races at the Lakeside Family Zone, and others joined ngage in making bunting.
Cllr Lynn Worrall, Thurrock Council’s portfolio holder for culture, said: “It’s a pity the weather turned on Sunday, but those who came along had a great time in the drizzle ─ and the hardy one stayed through the downpour determined to have fun and enjoy the music.
“Sparks Will Fly came, and was quite a spectacle which will be taking Thurrock’s bead to Chelmsford for Olympic Torch Relay day, Friday, 6 July and a county-wide night of celebration there.
“However Saturday’s show was a great success, building slowly through the day until the warm sunshine brought smiles to everyone’s faces at the end of the afternoon.
“Whatever the weather or whatever the time, I think I can say everyone who came along to T-Fest 12 had a fun time.”
She added: “Finally, I would like to thank all the sponsors who made the weekend’s events possible ─ including Lakeside Shopping Centre and Grays Shopping Centre; and the voluntary groups, volunteers and artists who, along with the crowds wouldn’t let the weather spoils the day. Thanks to you all.”
