Beach of Dreams National Launch | Walk 1: In conversation with Ali Pretty

What inspires the vision behind Beach of Dreams?

Join us for the national launch of Beach Of Dreams, at Tilbury Cruise Terminal and walk with us into this dynamic event celebrating the creativity, cultural heritage and resilience of the Thames Estuary.

Threads for Tomorrow – one of eight major commissions for Beach of Dreams created in partnership with T100 – will be unveiled, showcasing a powerful collaboration between designers, Rahemur Rahman and Sarah Doyle, sewing groups from across the Thames Estuary, and Kinetika.

Begin your day with a walk and conversation along the Estuary with Artistic Director Ali Pretty, exploring the original inspiration for Beach of Dreams.

Start Point 1: East Tilbury Train Station at 9.00am, 7 mile walk.

Start Point 2: Coalhouse Fort at 10.30am, 4 mile walk.

Once we reach Tilbury Cruise Terminal, all are invited to stay on to witness the unforgettable Threads for Tomorrow performance, featuring over 200 local performers - blending dance and local storytelling. Following this, you can explore the Estuary Exchange, a lively marketplace filled with workshops, interactive installations and opportunities to engage with cultural organisations and creators shaping the vibrant cultural landscape of the Thames Estuary.

Walk Information:

• Duration: 2-3.5hrs (depending on starting point)
• Distance: 7 miles/ 4 miles (depending on start point)
• Grading: Moderate
• Walk Leader and Backstop: Ali Pretty Lesley Robinson
  
  

Travel Information:

At T100 we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint at every level and would like to encourage all people attending our events and walks to use public transport if they are able to. If you need to drive, please let us know if you would consider car-pooling or car sharing.

Please note this is a linear walk from East Tilbury to Tilbury. This means if you do choose to park near the start point, you will need to think about your travel arrangements from the end point at Tilbury Cruise Terminal.

By train: The nearest train station at the start: East Tilbury. The nearest train station at the end: Tilbury Town

By car: Free parking is available at Coalhouse Fort Car Park, Princess Margaret Road, East Tilbury, RM18 8PB.

Accessibility:

This walk isn’t accessible for wheelchairs or large pushchairs due to the mixture of made and unmade paths, uneven surfaces and slopes.

T100 walks are of different lengths and on varying terrain. Some are mainly on footpaths, and others mainly on footpaths where ground may be uneven. We have designed our programme with accessibility in mind so we hope that there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you would like to discuss this please contact hello@t100festival.co.uk

Please note:
Everyone needs to choose walks within their capabilities. The walk leaders are experienced but must take people’s word that they will be ok undertaking the walk they have chosen to join.

Due care has been exercised in organising the walks, however Kinetika, the funders and associated partners of the project cannot accept liability for loss, accident or injury caused to any person following the routes, especially unsupervised. Participants under the age of 16 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What to bring:

Please ensure that you are properly equipped for all walks. The weather can be unpredictable so bring waterproof clothing and/or sun hats and sun cream – it’s best to be prepared for all weather!

Walking boots/shoes are recommended, but if you don’t have these please wear suitable and comfortable footwear such as trainers – it’s best to leave open-toe sandals or high heels at home! Make sure you bring snacks with you, if necessary, and plenty to drink.

Toilet facilities can be accessed at Coalhouse Fort at the mid-point or start of the walk.

Toilet facilities can be accessed at Tilbury Cruise Terminal at the end of the walk.

Photography & Filming:

We will be taking photographs and video of this event to promote and celebrate the project in print and online. If you do not give consent to be photographed or filmed, that’s absolutely fine. Please let a member of the T100 team know on the day.