THE new Village Beach festival at Grays Beach Riverside Park on the 18 July 2015 will offer a wealth of different creative activities for Thurrock residents to take part in across the day: parades, performances, competitions, games and of course music. Internationally acclaimed beatboxer and world Loopstation Champion, Shlomo, is to headline the main stage with his Vocal Orchestra, alongside Stanford-le-hope based RE:VERB, winners of the prestigious STARMAKER 2014 competition.
Now the producers of the festival, Metal, have announced they are teaming up with Thurrock Arts Collective to produce a busking stage giving artists and musicians on the rise a chance to showcase their work.
The intimate stage has been designed by spoken word poet, hip hop recording artist and local legend, Scroobius Pip and is decorated with lyrics from his songs.
Robert Awosusi, of Thurrock Arts Collective said, "We are bringing together an assortment of local and slightly less local emerging performers and give them a chance to showcase their artistic flair. Think musicians; think singers, think poets, think comedians all under one little roof. And at the end we’ll be having an open jam. Grab whatever you play and come on down!"
Interested performers can turn up on the day, go to the Busking Stage and be allocated a slot to play. There will be 2 hours of 15 minute open-mic slots to fill, so plenty of room. Alternatively, you can register your interest in advance at [email protected]
Village Beach will have seven stages of music, spoken word, dance, performance and international circus cabaret; seven beach hut venues showcasing the best of Thurrock arts and heritage; a big bake competition; mad-cap games; a busking stage (anyone can turn up and have a go!) and much more to see and take part in. It promises to be a fun-packed day for all the family.
Entry to Village Beach is FREE with a programme of activities that will appeal to the whole family – from the age of two to eighty-two.
Village Beach will take place on Saturday, 18 July from 11am until 8pm at Grays Beach Riverside Park on the banks of the River Thames.
Opportunities to get involved:-
We are looking for a team of willing volunteers to help us with a range of activities on site. Opportunities include: being part of the back stage crew; media team; photography and film crew; artist liaison; hospitality; and stewarding. If you would like to get involved, more information and an easy-to-fill-in form can be found on the www.villagebeachfestival.com
Funding
Village Beach festival has been made possible through funds and partnership from Thurrock Council, Arts Council England and South Essex College.
