SOUTHEND’S High Street will be awash with colour and life this weekend when a pop-up park is installed as part of anew art festival.

Temporary picnic benches, artificial grass and lighting are being installed for the City Jam Festival, which begins today and runs through until Sunday.

The pop-up park being placed in High Street will also include three new temporary walls which will be painted and transformed by more than 20 artists throughout the weekend.

It is part of a wider plan that will see artists from across the world converge on Southend to turn buildings into street art by painting murals and displays.

Carole Mulroney, Southend councillor responsible for environment, culture and tourism, said: “The City Jam Festival is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the cultural excellence within our city.

“In total, 60 walls will be transformed with astonishing artwork that will bring the High Street and surrounding areas to life.”

Bosses hope the festival, which is free, will draw in visitors from across the country, while also inspiring a new generation of young artists.

Several murals have already been installed in Southend, with Irish artist Aches completing the first of many earlier this week.

Displays will be popping up throughout the city, including in Warrior Square, at the Royals Shopping Centre, in car parks and along Western Esplanade.

The seafront will also play host to live painting workshops hosted by renowned artists.

Jacquie Dallimore, chair of the Southend Tourism Partnership, which is helping run the event, said: “We are delighted to once again work with Southend Council to bring yet another amazing art festival to Southend.

“Some of the artists have been working tirelessly to perfect their craft and we are honoured to be able to display these pieces for all to see.”

Organisers have released a map detailing where everything is happening so visitors don’t miss a thing.

Printed versions will be available over the course of the event from the Festival HQ in the Royals Shopping Centre, or from the roaming stewards.

A digital version is also available on the City Jam website.