We’re adding to this page on a regular basis. Keep checking back!

Why not take a moment to sign up to our monthly e-newsletter, or ‘like us’ on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter to make sure you don’t miss anything?

If you’re running an event you want to promote, use our add an event form or email us!

Barracudas Summer Activity Day Camps
Various locations across Essex
Summer 2019
Offering fun activity weeks and days across Essex during the summer holidays for children aged 4½-14 years – action packed programmes with over 80 activities including aquaslide, motorsports, fencing, sports, arts and crafts and more.
With camps in Chelmsford, Chigwell, Harlow, Hutton, Romford, Upminster, Woodford and a brand new summer camp in Colchester for 2019 they have plenty to keep your children entertained.
With prices from as little as £3.64 and flexible hours from 8am-6pm, our Ofsted registered camps offer a great choice during the school holidays.
These popular camps sell out fast, so to secure your child’s place visit the Barracudas website or call 01480 467567.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, nr Chelmsford
Saturday 20th July 2019 to Sunday 1st September 2019
“Eric Carle’s much-loved classic will be brought to life with giant willow sculptures and fruits, craft activities & storytelling.”
more details

The Original Great Maze
Blake House Craft Centre, Blake House, nr Braintree
Saturday 20th July 2019 to Sunday 8th September 2019
“Celebrating our 20th Birthday, discover a great new ‘maize maze’ challenge at The Original Great Maze. Weave your way through the corn in search of the scarecrows in our great new competition.”
more details

Association of Essex photographers Exhibition
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon nr Chelmsford
Saturday 17th August 2019 to BH Monday 26th August 2019
The Association of Essex Photographers will be showcasing the very best of their work.
more details

Open-air Theatre: The Secret Garden
Cressing Temple Barns
Wednesday 21st August 2019, 2pm
Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company for an open-air theatre production of The Secret Garden. Where is the secret garden? Mary Lennox must find the key…
more details

Operating Days with Steam
Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham CO9 3DZ
Wednesday 21st August 2019
One or more steam locomotives operating. This may also include Heritage Diesel Trains.
more details

National Garden Scheme : Barnards Farm
Brentwood Road, West Horndon, Brentwood CM13
Thursday 22nd August 2019 11am to 4:30pm.
“So much to explore in the gardens, and Barnards Miniature Railway rides.”
more details

Clacton Airshow
Clacton Greensward
Thursday 22nd August 2019 and Friday 23rd August 2019
“2019 will once again see our award winning seafronts and west greensward be transformed over two days into a fun filled display/event site and flight viewing area.”
more details

National Garden Scheme : 8 Dene Court
Chignall Road, Chelmsford CM1 2JQ.
Friday 23rd August 2019, 2pm to 5pm.
Beautifully maintained and designed compact garden.
more details

Beeleigh Abbey Gardens Open Day
Beeleigh Abbey, Abbey Turning, Maldon CM9 6LL
Friday 23rd August 2019, 10:30am to 4:30pm (last entry 3:30pm)
“The grounds of Beeleigh Abbey include three acres of spacious and peaceful gardens in an historic rural setting, beautifully extended and revived in the last few years.”
more details

Contemporary Craft & Design Fair
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, nr Chelmsford
Friday 23rd August 2019 to BH Monday 26th August 2019
“A stunning treasure trove of original and affordable designs including textiles, paintings, furniture, metal, ceramics, jewellery, glass, and much more. Includes a food village & music.”
more details

Operating Day
Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham CO9 3DZ
Saturday 24th August 2019, 10:30am to 5pm.
‘Operating Days’ have Heritage Diesel Railcar or Diesel hauled passenger trains. Other days have steam trains and special guest trains.
more details

Mamma Mia & Mamma Mia Here We Go Again
Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens
Saturday 24th August 2019
Watch either film in the open air, or watch them both back to back!
more details

Street Eats ‘n’ Beats Festival
Kings Head Meadows, Chelmsford
Saturday 24th August 2019
“This boutique festival is now in its fifth year and offers locals the opportunity to eat, drink and dance from 12 noon until 9pm.”
more details

IWA Festival of Water
Lee Valley Showground, Waltham Abbey
Saturday 24th August 2019 to BH Monday 26th August 2019
“A free family-friendly event with over 100 boats, water attractions, boat trips, fairground rides, food stands, music and more!”
more details

Burnham Week
Burnham on Crouch
Sunday 24th August 2019 to Sunday 31st August 2019
Arguably the longest running annual yacht regatta on the mainland of the UK. And watch out for the Burnham Quay Day on the Bank Holiday Monday.
more details

Colne Valley Railway Transport Day
Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham CO9 3DZ
Sunday 25th August 2019.
Heritage and Modern buses and Commercial Vehicles will be on display. Trains of all ages also feature.
more details

Coalhouse Fort Open Day
Coalhouse Fort Project, East Tilbury RM18 8PB
Sunday 25th August 2019, 11am to 5pm.
Guided tours available throughout the day (depending on demand and weather).
more details

SWFest
William de Ferrers School field, Trinity Row, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, CM3 5JU
Sunday 25th August 2019
“The festival is for the whole family with activities for all ages, including bouncy castles for children and adults.”
more details

Essex Dog Day
The Crix, London Road, Hatfield Peverel CM3 2EU
Sunday 25th August 2019, 10am to 5pm
The county’s largest dog show event. Lots of classes for dogs, trade stands, food stalls and much more.
more details

The Foodie Fest
Chalkwell Park, Southend
Sunday 25th August 2019, 10am to 5pm
“Showcasing the best of indie brands from Essex and the surrounding area, The Foodie Fest is a wannabe gourmet’s best bet at finding the next big trend on the foodie scene.”
more details

Celebrity Football Match and Family Fun Day
Bowers and Pitsea F.C, Len Salmon Stadium, Pitsea, Essex SS13 2BE
Sunday 25th August 2019.
An annual charity event, with celebrity football and lots for the family to do.
more details

WWII Weekend
Audley End House and Gardens
Sunday 25th August 2019 and BH Monday 26th August 2019
“Come and get ready to take cover as this action packed bank holiday weekend propels you into wartime Britain.”
more details

Jousting! Destrier 2019
Hedingham Castle
Sunday 25th August 2019 and BH Monday 26th August 2019, 10am – 5pm
“The Knights of Destrier return! Jousting in custom-made suits of solid steel armour they clash in one of the most exciting and authentic Tournaments in England!”
more details

The Countess of Warwick’s Show
Little Easton, Dunmow
Sunday 25th August 2019 and BH Monday 26th August 2019
“Craft stalls, arena events, a classic car show and displays, a dog show, art exhibition, ploughing match and vintage tractor show, horticultural show, equestrian displays and much more.”
more details

Harwich Redoubt Fort Open Day
Harwich Redoubt Fort, Harwich
BH Monday 26th August 2019, 11am to 4pm
“Free entry! The Redoubt Fort is a 200 year old scheduled ancient monument restored and managed by Harwich Society volunteers and the annual open day is a popular event with both residents and visitors to Harwich.”
more details

Live Music & Fun in The Garden
The Gibberd Garden, Marsh Lane, Harlow CM17 0NA
BH Monday 26th August 2019 11.30am – 8.30pm
Music, children’s activities and games, food, cakes and drinks, and bar.
more details

National Garden Scheme : Ulting Wick
Crouchmans Farm Road, Maldon CM9 6QX.
BH Monday 26th August 2019, 2pm to 5pm.
Listed black barns provide backdrop for colourful and exuberant planting in 8 acres.
more details

Growing Wild Holiday Club
Lee Valley Almost Wild Campsite, Nazeing New Road, Broxbourne EN10 6TD
Tuesday 27th August 2019 9am – 5pm
“Fire lighting, den building, discovering nature, making and using primitive and modern tools, arts and crafts.”
more details

Breathe : Charity Film Screening
The MegaCentre, Brook Road, Rayleigh
Wednesday 28th August 2019, 7:15 for 7:30 start.
“To help celebrate 25 years of The MegaCentre the Rotary Club of Hadleigh Castle are screening the Film ‘Breathe’. ”
more details

Operating Days with Steam
Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham CO9 3DZ
Wednesday 28th August 2019
One or more steam locomotives operating. This may also include Heritage Diesel Trains.
more details

National Garden Scheme : Barnards Farm
Brentwood Road, West Horndon, Brentwood CM13
Thursday 29th August 2019 11am to 4:30pm.
“So much to explore in the gardens, and Barnards Miniature Railway rides.”
more details

A Star is Born
Ingatestone Hall
Friday 30th August 2019.
Open air cinema.
more details

Open-air Theatre: Treasure Island
National Trust Flatford
Saturday 31st August 2019, 2pm
Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company for a brand-new open-air production of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island! Secrets, pirates, gold: will young Jim Hawkins discover Treasure Island?
more details

Operating Day
Colne Valley Railway, Castle Hedingham CO9 3DZ
Saturday 31st August 2019, 10:30am to 5pm.
‘Operating Days’ have Heritage Diesel Railcar or Diesel hauled passenger trains. Other days have steam trains and special guest trains.
more details

Open Air Cinema – Grease
RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Creephedge Lane, Rettendon, nr Chelmsford
Saturday 31st August 2019, 7pm
Bring a picnic and a blanket and join us for a magical evening under the stars.
wella wella wella tell me more tell more more

RSPB Membership Taster Day
Rainham Marshes nature reserve, New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet RM19 1SZ
Saturday 31st August 2019
“Have you been interested in RSPB membership for a while? Join us for this free event to find out all the information you need about becoming an RSPB member and see how your support can help give nature a home!”
more details

New Hall Vineyard Wine Festival
New Hall Vineyards, Purleigh, Chelmsford CM3 6PN
Saturday 31st August 2019 and Sunday 1st September 2019
Fun family day out, with activities, crafts, children’s area, clay pigeon shoots, music, and, of course, wine.
more details