Southend City Jam kicks off today with more than 100 artists set to transform 60 permanent and temporary walls around the city centre over the next three days.

Street artists have already transformed walls in the city centre today, as the festival will run from 9am to 6pm everyday until Sunday, September 4.

Photos by Gaz de Vere have unveiled incredible art being created in Southend's city centre today as the new festival has been launched.

People watch as street artists transform walls in Southend city centre. Photo: Gaz de Vere

Temporary picnic benches, artificial grass and lighting have been installed.

A pop-up park in the city's High Street includes three new temporary walls which will be painted and transformed by more than 20 artists throughout the weekend.

A street artist's stall as part of Southend City Jam. Photo: Gaz de Vere

Bosses hope the free event will draw in visitors from across the country and inspire a new generation of young artists.

Irish artist Aches completed the first of many murals in Southend 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.

Street artists working on walls in Southend city centre. Photo: Gaz de Vere

The seafront will also play host to live painting workshops, where 17 street artists will be transforming a 400ft temporary wall.

Organisers have released a map detailing where everything is happening, with print versions available 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.

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