A free celebration of storytelling and children’s theatre featuring stilt-walkers and a circus workshop is set to take over Clacton town centre later this month.

Families are expected to descend on Clacton Town Square for the first ever Word on the Street festival on Saturday, June 15, between 11am and 4pm.

The new outdoors art event is being run by Manningtree’s The Grand Theatre of Lemmings and the Tendring Cultural Education Partnership with support from Tendring District Council, Arts Council England and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The day will feature storytelling, outdoor shows, stilt-walking and circus workshops, as well as a Clacton-inspired mural ready for children to colour in.

Mandy Rose, from the Grand Theatre of Lemmings, said: “We want to encourage as many children, young people and their families as possible to join in the fun, interact with the storytelling, theatre and outdoor art.

“It’s going to be a fabulous day with a whole host of free activities to enjoy, which are aimed at engaging youngsters and broadening their creative horizons.

“It will provide a wonderful opportunity for children, family and friends across generations to spend time together at no cost while getting involved in creativity and culture.”

Mike Carran, TDC’s Assistant Director for Economy, Culture and Leisure, said the event will help to inspire young people and create a sense of pride in the town.

“The storytelling and children’s theatre festival day is about creating shared moments of joy for families, helping people to take pride in our area alongside promoting our heritage and attracting visitors,” she said.

“Inclusive events such as this will help to redefine our public spaces and showcase our creative community, helping to boost the town centre and its shops.

“It will also inspire young people to get more involved in the arts, raising aspirations and creating opportunities for our residents.”

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