What's On in Essex

Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/library-zone

This year’s Challenge is called Marvellous Makers and it’s all about creativity! From dance to drawing, junk modelling to music, there’s something for everyone. Regional variations may apply, so...

The Big Butterfly Count

Venue: Nationwide

Website: www.bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org

Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes. No green space is too small - a back garden, a small terrace...

Farmer John's Maize Maze

Venue: Boydland Farm

Website: www.facebook.com/farmerjohnspumpkins

Go and explore the amazing Mazie Maze open every Thursday to Sunday 18 July to 1 September, 10am-5pm.

Gaia

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

This summer, Colchester Castle is thrilled to welcome Gaia, a captivating six-metre diameter touring artwork that brings the Earth’s beauty to an unprecedented scale. Gaia is a mesmerizing installation...

Summer of Play

Venue: Paycocke's House and Garden

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Lively garden games and activities for all the family, in the new Nature Garden, free of charge, all through the summer holidays. The Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank. Entry to the garden,...

Bubble n' Bop

Venue: Marsh Farm

Website: www.marshfarm.co.uk/events/bubble-n-bop

Don’t miss Marsh Farm’s summer children’s festival ‘Bubble ‘n Bop’ it’s bursting with bubbles and exploding with excitement! There will be so much going on including the much loved foam machine,...

Summer at the Zoo

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchester-zoo.com

Enjoy more for your money on 10 and 24 Aug with a later closing time of 9pm featuring live performances from 4.30-9pm – all included in standard entry or with a valid Zoo Pass. Why not make the most...

Summer Circus

Venue: Old MacDonald's Farm

Website: www.omdfarm.co.uk

A magical family fun experience to delight all ages from the Circus of Dreams performers plus magic shows and balloons, bubble fun and entertainment, animal meet and greets, unlimited rides and so much...

Friday Fundays at Stantons Farm

Venue: Stantons Farm

Website: www.stantonsfarm.co.uk

Visit every Friday over summer for ‘Friday Fundays’ which include bouncy castles, rides, face painters and a pop-up milkshake shop! The Snack Shack is open for hot and cold food and drinks, plus their...

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem…...

Kite Festival

Venue: The Naze Nature Discovery Centre

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Join this amazing weekend of kite displays by the East Anglian Kite Flyers and kite decorating workshops at The Naze. There will also be a chance to decorate your own kites to fly and keep for £7 per...

Nearly Festival

Venue: Old Heath Recreation Ground

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk

Features two full days of the UK’s best touring tribute acts live on stage, a ‘Kidzone’ with cool kids attractions and activities, a tasty ‘Street Food Market’ and a pub priced ‘Pub in the...

Abbotts Hall Wilder Holiday Club

Venue: Abbotts Hall

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Wilder Holiday Club is for ages 5-11 and will be running at sites across the county between 29 July-16 August. Activities will vary by site.Take part in everything from seashore searching to fossil hunting,...

As You Like It

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

When Rosalind is banished from Duke Ferdinand’s court, new identities are explored with hilarious consequences. Set in the magical grounds of Hedingham Castle, bring a picnic and enjoy a fabulous evening...

Holiday Children's Activities

Venue: Daws Hall Nature Reserve

Website: www.dawshallnature.co.uk/events

Explore the 25 acre private nature reserve and take part in some minibeast hunting and pond dipping with a picnic and marshmallows by the fire at Lunchtime. All children must be accompanied by an adult....

Horrible Histories - Rotten Royals

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.birminghamstage.com/shows/horrible-histories--rotten-royals/about-the-show

This is the latest in the Horrible Histories series of stage shows. It is a compilation of hilarious sketches, all featuring mad monarchs from our history. The show is great fun as well as informative,...

Madagascar The Musical

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend

Starring CBBC and Strictly Come Dancing Star, Karim Zeroual as King Julien get ready to join Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria and those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto stage in the musical adventure...

In the Night Garden...Live

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends are back in their fun-filled live show Igglepiggle’s Busy Day! Join Igglepiggle as he looks for his friends in the Night Garden by following their funny...

Anglo Saxon Weekend

Venue: Prittlewell Priory

Website: www.visitessex.com

Join Prittlewell Priory this summer and discover the secrets of Southend's Saxon past.With a living Anglo Saxon camp, combat and craft demonstrations, axe throwing, story telling, falcony, family activities,...

Exotic Animal Weekend

Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Website: www.hopefield.org.uk/book-tickets

Meet all the amazing rescued animals, including exotic residents like meerkats, skunks, foxes, parrots, birds of prey, and so much more! Make a day of it with your family, with additional activities including,...

Maldon Carnival Procession

Venue: Fambridge Road

Address: Malden

Website: www.visitessex.com

Expect an explosion of colour with dazzling floats, enchanting Carnival princesses, lively street walkers, and much more. Whether you're eager to watch the spectacle or craving to be part of the excitement,...

Bikemeet

Venue: Museum of Power

Website: www.museumofpower.org.uk

Classic, vintage, custom, race and touring displays. Trials demonstrations, club stands, stalls, bar and live band. Miniature Railway open for rides and ‘Astaria’ model village open. Adult £9, Concessions...

Calm at the Castle

Venue: Colchester Castle

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

These sessions are suitable for visitors with ASD, providing an opportunity for them to explore the museum at a quieter time. The Museum aims to minimise sensory stimulation on the galleries by turning...

Come and See PAW Patrol

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

Chase will be joined by Marshall on Sunday 4 August so be sure to go and say hello and don’t forget your camera! Take a ride on the heritage steam train to Ongar where the heroic pups will be making...

Summer Holidays: Craft Workshops

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk

Visit the Hilltop Lodge at RHS Garden Hyde Hall for children's craft workshops, where they can get creative in three exciting craft activities. Tickets are £2.50 per child and should be pre-booked online....

The National Youth Orchestra: As One

Venue: Saffron Hall

Website: www.saffronhall.com

Mirroring the musical journey, every teenager on stage reaches deep, transcending their personal challenges to play their part with urgency and love, As One. They hope to inspire other young people to...

Family Forest School

Venue: Great Notley Country Park

Website: www.explore-essex.com

Create lasting memories around the campfire, swing in a hammock, challenge yourself to the rope ladder and set imaginations free with story time and puppet play. These sessions will run once a month on...

Saturday Sports and Sunday Vibes

Venue: Meadows Shopping Centre

Website: www.themeadows.co.uk

Enjoy Saturday Sports and Sunday Vibes at The Meadows this August. Be action-packed and cherish a challenge or relax, reflect, and soak up the atmosphere as they bring you Smoothie Bikes, a Scalextric...

Adventure Cinema presents The Greatest Showman Sing-a-long

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Get ready for some pure entertainment as you watch and singalong with The Greatest Showman on a huge open-air screen. The incredible movie musical that has sold cinemas out across the world. Plus music...

Dinosaur World Live

Venue: Mercury Theatre

Website: www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family. A special meet and greet after the show offers all our brave explorers the chance...

The Merry Wives of Windsor - Outdoor Theatre

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall

Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company at RHS Garden Hyde Hall this August for an outdoor performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor. Expect memorable music nestled amongst Shakespeare’s...

Treasure Island

Venue: Museum of Power

Website: www.museumofpower.org.uk

DOT Productions present their new family show ‘Treasure Island’. Follow Jim Hawkins on his adventures starting at The Admiral Benbow Inn where he finds a treasure map locked in an old Pirates chest....

Treasure Island at Bridge End Gardens

Venue: Saffron Hall

Website: www.saffronhall.com

Set sail with the talented cast of performers as they take you on an action-packed journey to find the legendary buried treasure. Get ready to cheer for your favourite heroes, boo the dastardly villains,...

What's that bat? (Family Friendly Session)

Venue: Daws Hall Nature Reserve

Website: www.dawshallnature.co.uk/events

A gentle walk around our stunning nature reserve, as the sun sets. On the walk we will watch as the dark shadows of our resident bats swoop between the trees and along the water's edge to catch their evening...

Superhero Weekend

Venue: Adventure Island

Website: www.adventureisland.co.uk/events/superhero-weekend

This weekend has all your favourite superheroes and villians so grab your dancing shoes and join the greatest mission of all - a superhero treasure hunt around the park! Finish your day with some marvellous...

The Inflatable 5K Experience

Venue: Barleylands, Billericay

Website: www.ukrunningevents.co.uk/events/inflatable-5k/basildon_essex_2024

Get ready to bounce your way through The World's BIGGEST and most EPIC Inflatable 5K Obstacle Course! So grab your friends, lace up your trainers, and get ready for the ultimate inflatable adventure! With...

Classic and Vintage Car Show

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Featuring a huge range of vintage, pre 1940s classic, classic and modern classic vehicles, this show is a must for all car lovers and the perfect way to spend a Sunday. Picnics welcome and dogs on leads...

Outdoor Theatre: Peter Pan

Venue: Hylands Estate

Website: www.hylandsestate.co.uk

Following the success of their recent production of The Wizard of Oz at Hylands, multi-award nominated Immersion Theatre invite you to soar away to Neverland as they bring their trademark energy to their...

Peter Pan

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Filled with catchy music, heaps of audience interaction, and a laugh-a-minute script, this musical of the boy who never grew up promises to have every member of the family entertained throughout…This...

Adventure Cinema: The Greatest Showman sing-a-long

Venue: Hylands Estate

Website: www.hylandsestate.co.uk

Get ready for some pure entertainment as you watch and singalong with The Greatest Showman on a huge open-air screen. The incredible movie musical that has sold cinemas out across the world. Plus music...

The Merry Wives of Windsor

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Expect silly slapstick, abundant anachronisms and memorable music nestled amongst Shakespeare’s poignant poetry as the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons put their own innovative and interactive spin on...

Adventure Cinema: Frozen sing-a-long

Venue: Hylands Estate

Website: www.hylandsestate.co.uk

An fantastic outdoor cinema experience with a Sing-A-Long showing of Disney’s Frozen! Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Frozen like never before as you watch and singalong with the movie on...

Family Fun Weekend

Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Website: www.hopefield.org.uk/book-tickets

Be sure to book tickets to the best bank holiday event in town! Includes Children’s funfair rides, Soft play bus Mega inflatable slide, Bungee trampolines, Live performances, Crazy Legs Children’s...

Adventure Cinema: Sing

Venue: Hylands Estate

Website: www.hylandsestate.co.uk

Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton and Matthew McConaughey all star in this animated musical movie about a singing competition, put together for animals in an attempt to save a theatre. Five contestants...

Adventure Cinema: The Gruffalo and Stick Man

Venue: Hylands Estate

Website: www.hylandsestate.co.uk

An amazing family outdoor cinema experience with a double bill of brilliant Julia Donalsdon & Axel Scheffler animations. Watch the incredible tales of The Gruffalo and Stick Man on a giant open-air screen....

Knights of Albion

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

The Knights of Albion make their triumphant return this August Bank Holiday weekend for the final joust of the season. Explore the 900-year-old Castle and its picturesque gardens, immersing yourself in...

Adventure Cinema: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Venue: Hylands Estate

Website: www.hylandsestate.co.uk

Expecto Patronum! Let us take you into the wizarding world of Harry Potter as we bring you the first instalment of boy wizard’s adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Gates open at...

Peppa and George visit Epping Ongar Railway

Venue: Epping Ongar Railway

Website: www.eorailway.co.uk

Peppa Pig and her brother, George, will be visiting on Bank Holiday Monday 26 August. Take a ride on one of the heritage steam trains to Ongar where Peppa and George will be making appearances. Be sure...

Pop Princesses

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com/palace-theatre-southend

A Magical show where beautiful Princesses become Pop Stars! Featuring a soundtrack of top pop hits from artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift. Meghan Trainor and Miley Cyrus, plus all...

Teddy Bear's Picnic

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Take your favourite bear and join this fun, exciting adventure to get to the picnic on time! This engaging and interactive show incorporates puppets, well-known songs and dancing together with educational...

Charlie Cook's Favourite Book

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs, and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book…Based on...

Circus Skills in the Park

Venue: Wivenhoe Park

Website: www.explore-essex.com/whats-on/circus-skills-in-the-park

Fully trained circus skills leaders will show you how to try your hand at juggling, diablos, handling hoops - and many more. Suitable for ages 8+ though there will be additional activities for younger...