TILBURY'S summer carnival celebrations are underway.

Thurrock is proud of its connections with the Empire Windrush and a major celebration was held in 2018 to mark the 70th Anniversary of its arrival.

The summer carnival taking place today is inspired by the heritage of the area and the role of Tilbury with the Empire Windrush, as well as drawing on the style of the Notting Hill carnival. The project has engaged with the schools and residents of Tilbury, in a programme of educational workshops.

Tilbury on the Thames Trust is managing the Carnival project, with Ali Pretty, Artistic Director of locally based and renowned arts organisation Kinetika leading on the artistic elements. There will be local dancers, giant puppet building and celebratory flags created specifically to tell the local stories.