Culture
Thurrock’s cultural life is relatively undeveloped. While other areas, such as Margate and Southend, have developed a cultural identity in recent years through connections to Young British Artists and a youth subculture respectively, this paradigm shift has largely passed Thurrock by.

There are no professional arts organisations in this part of the Gateway. However, there is cultural activity beneath the surface of Thurrock. Activities include:

• Theatre – several stage schools and a theatre group exist
• Thurrock Museum – within the Thameside Complex
• Live music (mostly rock, punk and indie-based) and a Thurrock Music Festival showcasing local bands. ‘The Fat Surfer’ is a fortnightly live skate rock music night in the Grays Working Mens Club
• Craft-makers and activity workshop
• Essex Book Festival - county-wide but uses venues in Thurrock
• Community brass bands, including the Tilbury Town Band, a century-old brass band which was originally a railway men’s band
• Local history projects and exhibitions
• Arts exhibitions
• CAMRA beer festival

Recently cultural activities in the borough have been given a boost by arts|generate, a strategic initiative developed by Arts Council England, East and Thurrock Council to support regionally distinctive programmes that provide a focal point for regeneration strategies in their areas.

arts|generate aims to develop and nurture the talent of local residents with opportunities provided through the arts and support the borough’s diverse communities. arts|generate projects include: commissions, performances, exhibitions, education, and research projects. They have recently commissioned a study into the feasibility of attracting artists and other creative businesses to Thurrock.

The Heritage Lottery Fund has launched its Young Roots grant programme in Thurrock, recently grant aiding a group of young people to research the rich cultural heritage of the area, in particular the fascinating stories behind the migration of Jewish, Czech and other eastern Europeans to the Thames Gateway throughout the 20th Century.

Sport
There is an active sporting life in Thurrock which also reflects the urban-rural divide. Football is very popular in the urban areas with Thurrock FC and Grays Athletic FC being successful non-league sides. A Football Academy operates as a joint venture between Thurrock FC and Thurrock and Basildon College. Cricket is very popular in the rural areas which continue to support several village cricket clubs.

Other leisure activities
Outdoor leisure pursuits are relatively popular. The natural environment provides opportunities for watersports, rambling, birdwatching and horeseriding. The military heritage supports active groups organising reconstructions of military manoeuvres with vintage vehicles and uniforms.