Free interactive walking game set to return to Thurrock this summer
A major free community fitness initiative is set to return to Thurrock, transforming Tilbury and Chadwell St Mary into a giant interactive game designed to get residents moving.
The programme, known as Beat the Street, will run for six weeks from Wednesday 13 May to Wednesday 26 June, encouraging people of all ages to walk, cycle, run, scoot or wheel their way around their local area while collecting points and prizes.
The project is being delivered in partnership with Thurrock Council and organised by Intelligent Health.
It was developed by GP Dr William Bird MBE, a leading expert in physical activity and community health, and has already been rolled out in more than 200 locations across the UK and beyond.
Once the game begins, residents will see “Beat Boxes” installed on lampposts around the area. Players simply tap their card or app at one box, walk or cycle to another within an hour, and collect points along the way.
The scheme is free and open to everyone, with primary school children receiving player packs and other residents able to collect cards locally or use a free mobile app.
Dr Rubinder Bains, Director of Public Health at Thurrock Council, said the initiative has already shown strong results in previous areas.
“The Beat the Street game has proved to be a huge inspiration in previous locations and has helped people to travel more actively across their local towns,” she said.
“We are excited to see how many active travel miles residents in Tilbury and Chadwell St Mary are able to clock up. Why not get involved in the free game and sign up your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours?”
She added that the programme not only benefits physical health but also encourages people to explore their local area and spend more time outdoors.
Evidence from previous editions suggests the initiative helps both adults and children increase their activity levels, while also strengthening community connections through shared participation and friendly competition.
A similar event held in nearby Belhus and Aveley in 2025 saw nearly 2,000 participants collectively travel more than 6,000 miles by walking, cycling, scooting and running.
This year’s edition will also feature leaderboards, team challenges and prize draws, including rewards for the furthest distance travelled and “lucky spot” prizes for participation. Residents will even have the option to support local charities through the game.
Organisers say the competitive element is designed to encourage small, achievable lifestyle changes — such as walking to school or choosing active travel for short journeys — that can have long-term health benefits.
With Beat Boxes set to appear across Tilbury and Chadwell St Mary in the coming weeks, residents are being encouraged to sign up early and get ready to turn everyday journeys into part of a community-wide game.