In response to John Bulley’s letter on June 11, I say since moving back to Southend last year I have experienced a rich mix of interesting events that Metal has produced.

I’m sure the 20,000 people who went to Village Green last year would agree it was a genuinely great, free, family day out.

Other events commissioned by Metal include: The popular Pecha Kucha evenings where artists present their work to an audience that has always exceeded 100; Three Minute Wonders, a free professional development course; Wish You Were Here schools project; Thames to Tama project which involved 22 local schools; Tap the arts centre on North Road and much more.

Far from being elitist, (June 11) Metal has acted as a catalyst to unlock the potential and creativity in the town.

I personally had the pleasure of working with more than 50 community groups and schools coordinating the Bunting World Record project and have experienced firsthand the team’s enthusiasm for bridging the gap between the arts and the community. The Metal team is small, and in my experience are always interested in speaking to people about what they do over a cup of tea. No carbon neutral nibbles I’m afraid, but you might get a chocolate digestive.

Nastassja Simensky
Bellevue Road
Southend