What’s on

Roll on summer! We’re back in July

This year's Trail features 10 fabulous events that you'd be mad to miss. They mainly run on the weekends and offer something for all ages. Check out the details below and get the dates in your diary.

To whet your appetite for the Trail, our first event happens on the Thursday evening before the main launch two days later. We’re so excited about our first-time collaboration with the Sound of the Hunderground choir, who'll be rounding off a night of original music, poetry and, of course, plenty of stunning artwork, so please join us at St Clement’s Church on July 3rd. There’s no need to book, just come along at 7pm and prepare to have your senses wowed.

Please note, the Meditative Botanical Drawing (Monday July 7th) and Super 8 Scratch & Ink (Saturday July 19th) events are ticketed, so please book using the links below. Thank you!

Following the Trail on social media is a great way to keep up to date with all our exciting plans for July. Find the Leigh Art Trail on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news.

See you on the Trail!

Events Diary

  • E1: An Evening of Acoustic Music, Poetry and Art

    Join us for an inspiring evening at Saint Clement's Church, showcasing our artists. Enjoy original music by singer-songwriters, moving poetry, and stunning artwork, all topped off by a performance from the Sound of the Hunderground choir. Don’t miss this celebration of creativity and community!

    Organiser: Mick Nixon
    Where: Saint Clement’s Church, SS9 1AR
    When: Thur 3 July, 7-10pm

  • E2: Your Art Here: by the Tombola Residency

    Your Art Here: is a live art-making experience where everyone is invited to spin the tombola drum to learn their creative fate! Guided by prompts and instruction, you will make artwork which will then be framed in-store and displayed in an ever-growing, live exhibition showing throughout the week.

    Organiser: The Tombola Residency
    Where: Snappy Snaps, 159 Leigh Road, SS9 1JF
    When: Sat 5 July, 10am-5pm

  • E3: Graffiti & Chalk Art Festival

    Join us for live art sessions with the incredibly talented Graffiti writer Grub, who will bring children’s artwork to life in his live demo. Meanwhile, artists and volunteers from Southend High School will be hosting the Chalk Festival, where you are invited to get creative with colour and let your imagination run wild to decorate the school playground.

    Organiser: Jadie Oberholzer
    Where: Saint Pierre School, 16 Leigh Road, SS9 1LE
    When: Sat 5 July, 12-3pm

  • E4: Primary Schools' Exhibition & Competition

    All are welcome at this fabulous celebration of our town’s budding artists, hosted at Saint Pierre School. Kids from local primary schools have responded to the theme ‘Showcase’ in an exhibition not to be missed! Hundreds of artworks are on display and ready to brighten up your weekend.

    Organiser: Jadie Oberholzer
    Where: Saint Pierre School, 16 Leigh Road, SS9 1LE
    When: Sat 5 July, 11am-3pm & Sun 6 July, 12-3pm

  • E5: Do You See Me?

    Do You See Me? by Havens Hospices showcases artwork by children and young people supported by the charity. It explores their experiences of living and caring for someone they love who has an incurable condition, or the impact of having a complex condition themselves.

    Organiser: Havens Hospices
    Where: The Living Room, SS9 1JE
    When: Sat 5 & Sat 6 July, 10am-4pm

  • E6: Secondary Schools' Exhibition

    Our hugely popular Secondary Schools’ Exhibition is back, with another opportunity for the public to pick their favourite work on display. Prizes and certificates of commendation are up for grabs for the artists whose pieces attract the most votes.

    Organiser: Nicola Trevena
    Where: Leigh Road Baptist Church, SS9 1NN
    When: Sat 5 & Sun 6 July, 11am-4pm

  • E7: Painting Leigh 'En Plein Air'

    Paint or sketch in Old Leigh alongside artist and teacher Paul Alcock. If you've got plein air (outdoor) painting or sketching equipment, please bring it along. Paper and pencils will be provided for anyone who needs them. Hats and weather-protective clothing advised!

    Organiser: Paul Alcock
    Where: Old Leigh. Meet by the anchor opposite the Crooked Billet pub, SS9 2EP
    When: Sun 6 July, 11am-midday, with the option to stay for longer

  • E8: Meditative Botanical Drawing

    Join abstract artist Claire Hankey in this relaxed, therapeutic drawing workshop. She will guide you in a variety of drawing activities focusing on foraged plant forms and botanical photographic images. Using dry media, you will explore different techniques and approaches to drawing from primary and secondary sources. No experience necessary.

    Organiser: Claire Hankey
    Where: Squeeze Cafe, 96 Broadway, SS9 1AB
    When: Mon 7 July, 1.30-3.30pm

    Cost: £15
    To book please visit: www.clairehankeyartist.com.

  • E9: Drink and Draw!

    Join illustrator Craig Hallums for an informal drink and draw session at Hopsters. Work through loosely guided drawing exercises, or just pick up a pencil and play, all while enjoying your tipple of choice from the extensive range of drinks available.

    Organiser: Craig Hallums
    Where: Hopsters, 20 Elm Road, SS9 1SN
    When: Wed 9 July, 7-9pm

    Free event - drinks purchased separately.

  • E10: Super 8 Scratch & Ink Workshop

    This workshop is designed to encourage participants to get creative and experiment with making abstract animations on analogue ciné film.

    The term ‘cameraless’ means the workshop activity does not involve shooting or photographing with any cameras. The process is all about working hands-on, directly with film strips.

    Organiser: Tom Scott
    Where: Room 4, Leigh Community Centre, SS9 1SP
    When: Sat 19 July, 1.30-3.30pm

    Cost: £45
    To book please visit Eventbrite