What's On in Essex

Discover Exhibition

Venue: Hollytrees Museum

Website: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events

A major new exhibition launches at Hollytrees Museum with fascinating objects and stories from the past to discover, including a BIG surprise arriving over Easter weekend—keep an eye on Colchester Museums’...

Colchester Leisure World – Leisure Pool

Venue: Leisure World Colchester

Website: www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk

Splash into fun at Leisure World's Leisure Pool. Perfect for families, the pool features thrilling flumes, the exhilarating Crazy River, and bubbling jacuzzis. With shallow areas for little ones and deeper...

Discover Exhibition

Venue: Hollytrees Museum

Website: colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/events

A major new exhibition launches at Hollytrees Museum with fascinating objects and stories from the past to discover, keep an eye on Colchester Museums’ website for details coming very soon. Included...

Essex Outdoors

Venue: Bradwell (from May half term) Danbury, Harlow or Mersea

Website: www.essexoutdoors.com/school-holiday-activities

Keep 8 to 16-year-olds active and entertained and make memorable experiences in the outdoors. They'll sleep well at night and want to come back for more. Thrilling fun and all while you work. Sessions...

Family Activities at Colchester Sports Park

Venue: Cuckoo Farm Way

Website: https://colchestersportspark.co.uk

Explore 76 acres of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure activities at Colchester Sports Park! Enjoy cycling on the floodlit track, play cricket, badminton, football, and more in our sports hall, or relax...

Kumon Southend

Venue: Christchurch Centre, 56 Colbert Avenue

Website: www.kumon.co.uk/southend

The Kumon Southend Study Centre has been part of the local community for over 25 years, and is proudly recognised as an Elite Kumon centre and has been ranked in the top 10 of all UK and Ireland centres....

Laser Mayhem

Venue: Laser Mayhem, Pryors Farm

Website: www.lasermayhem.co.uk

With over 20 Call of Duty Style playing areas, you will be amazed by our laser tag arenas, with Forts, Real Russian Battle Tanks, Planes, Helicopters and much more. Laser Mayhem is completely unique, they...

Swimming Lessons at Leisure World

Venue: Leisure World Colchester

Website: www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk

Boost your child's confidence and swimming skills with our Swim England qualified instructors at Leisure World. They offer lessons for all ages and abilities, from 4 months to adults. Monitor progress...

The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk

Join Mr Toad, Mole, Ratty and Badger for a fun, interactive family garden trail, inspired by Kenneth Grahame’s classic story. Running until December 2026, explore the garden in a new way‚ by discovering...

Read to the Beat - Summer Reading Challenge

Venue: Participating Libraries

Website: www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge theme inspires children to explore the connection between stories and songs, discovering how reading and music both ignite imagination and creativity. The Challenge will...

Langford and Ulting Country Fayre and Classic Car

Venue: Museum of Power

Website: www.museumofpower.org.uk

Going back to the good old days of country fayres and celebrating ‘Everything Local’. Includes exhibits of agriculture and horticulture, arts and crafts by local crafters and artists, classic cars,...

BeWILDerFEST

Venue: Norfolk and Cheshire

Website: www.bewilderwood.co.uk

Watch stories brought to life with music at the stage, take part in an interactive Flower Power Trail and meet your favourite characters.To celebrate the launch of the summer holidays, you can get 25%...

Colchester Leisure World – Leisure Pool

Venue: Leisure World Colchester

Website: www.colchesterleisureworld.co.uk

Splash into fun at Leisure World's Leisure Pool. Perfect for families, the pool features thrilling flumes, the exhilarating Crazy River, and bubbling jacuzzis. With shallow areas for little ones and deeper...

Cycle into Summer

Venue: Colchester Sports Park

Website: www.colchestersportspark.co.uk

For younger riders or those just starting out, the free Learn to Ride area offers a safe, welcoming space to build confidence and skills. Families can also enjoy the one-mile closed circuit cycle track,...

Discover: Museum Wonders

Venue: Hollytrees Museum

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

Colchester Museums unveils Discover: Museum Wonders, a major new exhibition featuring the first real dinosaur skeleton ever displayed in Colchester. Standing over six metres long, this remarkable fossil,...

Essex Outdoors Activity Days

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.essexoutdoors.com/family-adventures

Keep your children (ages 8+) active and entertained – while you work with activities including high ropes, zip wire, archery, bushcraft, paddlesports, swimming and even sailing – depending on the centre...

Exotic Animal Weekends

Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Website: www.hopefield.org.uk

Due to licensing restrictions, Hopefield can only welcome visitors to their rescued “exotic” animals for just six days per year – which means once these dates are gone, they’re gone. If you’ve...

Get Ahead for the Next School Year with Kumon

Venue: Crowstone Road, Westcliff-on-Sea

Website: www.kumon.co.uk/westcliff

Kumon’s individualised maths and English programmes can help children maintain progress and build confidence over the summer holidays, ensuring they are well prepared for the next school year. For more...

Harlow Leisurezone Holiday Activities

Venue: Second Avenue, Harlow

Website: www.harlowleisurezone.co.uk/kids-family

Water lovers can dive into Summer Fun Swims, Swimming Lessons, and Swimming Crash Courses, helping children build confidence and develop essential skills in a fun environment. New for this summer is the...

ParkPlay

Venue: Old Heath Recreation Ground

Website: https://park-play.com

Every Saturday, children and families can join in with free games, have fun, move more, and make friends.Everyone in your family must register before you first go along and you will get your unique ParkPlay...

The Wind in the Willows: A Garden Adventure

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk

Join Mr Toad, Mole, Ratty and Badger for a fun, interactive family garden trail, inspired by Kenneth Grahame’s classic story. Running until December 2026, explore the garden in a new way‚ by discovering...

The Three Musketeers

Venue: Wyvernwood

Website: www.illyria.co.uk

With a reputation for staging some of the finest swordplay in the business Illyria’s The Three Musketeers promises to be more dazzling than ever! Recommended for ages 8+. Play contains scenes of peril,...

Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: https://thepantaloons.co.uk

The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present a brand-new riff on the fiendishly famous case. Will detective duo Holmes and Watson discover the deadly secret of the Baskerville family curse...

Sherlock Holmes and the Hounds of the Baskervilles

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Features live music, audience interaction and more mystery than you can shake a magnifying glass at. Enjoy a night of fabulous theatre in the magical grounds of Hedingham Castle. Take blankets and/or low-back...

Pinocchio

Venue: Hatfield Forest NNR

Website: www.illyria.co.uk

A wooden puppet runs away, hoping to find fun and adventure, but instead finds demanding bosses, con-artists and peer-pressure. How can Pinocchio ever become a real boy when even lies told to cover up...

Essex Summer Fest

Venue: Harrow Lodge Park

Website: www.essexsummerfest.com

From iconic adult tribute acts on day one to kid friendly tribute artists on the family fun day, Essex Summer Fest offers one of the most varied tribute act lineups in Essex, attracting music fans and...

Essex Summerfest

Venue: Harrow Lodge Park

Website: www.haveringmind.org.uk

From iconic adult tribute acts on day one to kid friendly tribute artists on day two, the family fun day. This festival truly is the best value festival in the area, with all money raised supporting local...

Meet Bluey and Bingo at Clacton Pier

Venue: Clacton Pier

Website: www.clactonpier.co.uk

Bluey and Bingo will be making personal appearances at intervals on both days, giving families the chance to wave hello and snap a photo or two. The event will take place inside the Jolly Roger Theatre,...

The Gruffalo

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: https://trafalgartickets.com/

A mouse took a stroll through the deep dark wood.... Songs, laughs and mischievous fun for children aged 3 and up and their grown-ups, from Tall Stories, creators of imaginative storytelling theatre, where...

Fun Kids Science Quest

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

Fun Kids radio presenter Dan Simpson brings the weirdest and coolest stuff in science to the stage, making it more fun than it's ever been in any classroom! With hilarious experiments, exciting guests...

Helen Rollason Charity Event: Timeless at the Castle

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Join Hedingham Castle for this much-loved annual event filled with nostalgia, entertainment and a fantastic community atmosphere all in support of an incredible cause. With live entertainment, unique gift...

Mission: Mud

Venue: Nuclear Wild Forest

Address: Brentwood

Website: www.ehaat.org/events

Strap in for 60 or 90 minutes of pure, muddy mayhem — climbing walls, epic slides, cargo nets and watery obstacles await! Whether you’re taking part with friends, family or colleagues, it’s a fun,...

Timeless at the Castle - Chrome Classics and Charm

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.helenrollason.org.uk

Join Helen Rollason Cancer Charity at the magnificent Hedingham Castle for this much-loved annual event. It’s a wonderful day out for families, friends and vintage enthusiasts alike, filled with nostalgia,...

Neil Sands All Star Old Time Variety Show

Venue: Towngate Theatre

Website: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

Neil Sands presents a spectacular afternoon of nostalgia and laughter. The master of matinee magic returns with a special All Star Old Time Variety Show, packed with music, comedy and treasured memories.

It’s Not A Game - starring award-winning illusionists Jay and Joss

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Jay and Joss are the award-winning illusionists who stunned the judges on Britain's Got Talent. Now they’re back with a mind-bending new show. With jaw-dropping stunts, breathtaking visuals and moments...

Brick Explorers

Venue: RHS Garden Hyde Hall

Website: www.rhs.org.uk

This summer, embark on a family adventure at RHS Garden Hyde Hall with Brick Explorers – a spectacular celebration of wildlife, creativity and discovery. explore the garden and uncover incredible brick-built...

Colchester Carnival

Venue: Castle Park

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk

The parade starts at 12pm on Sir Isaac’s Walk and Eld Lane, followed by the funfair in Castle Park. Floats, Vintage cars, eCargo bikes and the Steam Engine will start at Headgate and Essex Street and...

Iron Age Day

Venue: Museum of Chelmsford

Website: www.museumofchelmsford.co.uk

Celebrate the opening of the new exhibition showcasing the Great Baddow Hoard with a free Iron Age Day at the museum and in Oaklands Park. The day will include living history stalls, archery, catapult...

Old MacDonald's Summer Circus

Venue: Old Macdonald's Farm

Website: https://omdfarm.co.uk

A magical family fun experience to delight all ages from the Circus of Dreams performers. Included with your ticket purchase. Circus showtimes at 11.20am, 1.20pm and 3.30pm.

Sky Glow Music Festival

Venue: Basildon Sporting Village

Website: www.skyglowmusicfestival.co.uk

SkyGlow Music Festival is a full day of family fun, filled with live tribute music, stunt shows, inflatables, and hands-on activities for all ages. The event is designed to be exciting for children and...

Summer at Stantons Farm

Venue: Stantons Farm

Website: www.stantonsfarm.co.uk

Summer has arrived at Stantons Farm, bringing six weeks of animal encounters, outdoor adventures and holiday fun for the whole family. Don't miss the farm’s exciting Friday Fun Days, where face painting,...

Summer Festival

Venue: Audley End Railway

Website: www.audley-end-railway.co.uk

This summer, leave the everyday behind and enter an enchanting world, where the forest comes alive. Get ready for the most exciting family adventure of the summer – Audley End Enchanted Railway’s Summer...

Summer Holidays

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com

This summer, enjoy a wild adventure filled with daytime activities suitable for children of all ages. Includes Wild Vibe Crew Party, Zoo Crew Meet n' greet, face painting, dinosaur realm, discovery den,...

Chelmsford Pretty Muddy Kids

Venue: Hylands Park

Website: https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org

Pretty Muddy® Kids is a fun-packed muddy obstacle course for children aged 6-12 (over 1.2m tall). The young fundraisers climb, crawl and slide their way around the course at their own pace, accompanied...

Garg's Animal Encounters

Venue: Cammas Hall Farm

Website: www.cammashall.co.uk

Here’s your chance to get up close and personal with some incredible critters, packed with fun and fascinating facts, this experience is a perfect mix of learning and excitement. These encounters are...

SEND Sessions

Venue: Stantons Farm

Website: www.stantonsfarm.co.uk

Free admission for SEND children and one parent/guardian, additional children and adults are welcome with a standard general entry ticket - contact Stantons today to reserve your space. Also 17 August.

Ice Skating Beginner Course

Venue: Riverside Leisure Centre

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk

Riverside Leisure Centre is running an exciting beginner Ice Skating course this summer. The session is open to anyone aged 5 to 17 and will introduce the building blocks of ice skating to your potential...

Naze Family Fossil Discovery

Venue: The Naze Nature Discovery Centre

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

See a collection of local fossils, including some huge shark teeth! Hear all about The Naze geology with an introductory talk, led by one of the knowledgable Wilder Learning team. Take bring a bag or bucket...

Play in the Park

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/playinthepark

Play in the Park is a series of FREE 2-hour play sessions at multiple community venues during the summer school holidays, for children aged 3-11. Activites include fun sports, games and craft activies....

Summer Holiday Hoard Heroes

Venue: Museum of Chelmsford

Website: www.museumofchelmsford.co.uk

Go to the Museum of Chelmsford to learn more about the Great Baddow Hoard and the people who would have handled these Iron Age gold coins. With three sessions to choose from and join in with, from treasure...

Summer Inflatables Day 2026

Venue: Haven House Children’s Hospice

Website: www.havenhouse.org.uk

Join Haven House for a fun-filled Summer Inflatables Day – a joyful day of bouncing, laughter and smiles for the whole family. Set in the beautiful gardens, this relaxed, family-friendly event is perfect...

Whole and Half day Mini and City Camps

Venue: Various venues

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk

Whole and Half day Mini and City Camps offer a huge range of activities and games for ages 4-12 to burn off some of that energy! Running across multiple locations, DBS checked staff ensure children make...

Naze family seashore discovery

Venue: The Naze Nature Discovery Centre

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Explore the beach and discover more about the fascinating coast, and the wildlife that calls it home. Search the little pools and rocks for sea creatures. Discover some fossils and hunt for treasures on...

Free Festival of Essex Archaeology and Heritage

Venue: Cressing Temple Barns

Website: www.explore-essex.com/whats-on/festival-of-essex-archaeology

A fantastic free and family-friendly festival for anyone with an interest in archaeology, history and the heritage of Essex – young and old. Meet experts and browse finds, enjoy children’s activities...

Hanningfield family bat evening

Venue: Hanningfield Nature Discovery Centre

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Join Hanningfield Woods for an evening where they will give an informative presentation about the bats that call Hanningfield home, before heading out to listen to the bats on bat detectors and spot them...

Scuba Diving Course

Venue: South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk

This session will introduce children aged 8 to 16 the basics of scuba diving under the guidance of the Orca Scuba Academy Diving instructors. This course starts in the classroom with a comprehensive safety...

Summer Holiday Fun – Oceans, Rivers and Seas

Venue: Museum of Power

Website: www.museumofpower.org.uk

Go and have great fun each Thursday during the Summer Holidays exploring all about the power of water in oceans, rivers and seas through fun activities, arts and crafts, hunts and much more ….

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Venue: Grange Barn

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Bursting with fun, silliness, and lively songs, this fantastical retelling sparkles with imagination and theatrical magic. Created for families and audiences of all ages, DOT Productions brings its signature...

As You Like It

Venue: Buckhurst Hill Football Club

Website: www.illyria.co.uk

Throughout the summer Shakespeare’s iconic comedy will be performed where its action is set – in the great outdoors, by a 5-strong cast of classically trained professional actors.

Family fun day

Venue: Chelmsford Market Square

Website: www.chelmsford.gov.uk

Visit Market Square for a fantastic day packed with fun activities for the whole family. Meet the Essex Cosplayers and grab a selfie, then enjoy soft play or a teacup ride, face painting, a petting...

Free Summer Holiday Fireworks

Venue: Clacton Pier

Website: www.clactonpier.co.uk

Get ready for an explosion of excitement as Clacton Pier lights up the skies with their spectacular Fireworks Extravaganza programme. With free entry to the pier they welcome families, locals, and visitors...

Naze Kite Weekend

Venue: The Naze Nature Discovery Centre

Website: www.essexwt.org.uk

Design your own kite to fly at the Naze with the East Anglian Kite Flyers and take a look at the amazing display of larger kites at the Naze. Booking for the decorating workshop essential. Kite decorating...

Ultimate Kids Fun Weekender

Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Website: www.hopefield.org.uk

Don’t miss the Ultimate Kids Fun Weekender in Essex – a budget-friendly family event packed with rides, inflatables, entertainment, and unforgettable animal experiences. Your admission includes a full...

Stow Maries: Family Nature Day

Venue: Stow Maries

Website: www.stowmaries.org.uk

At this Family Nature Day you will be searching for butterflies, bugs and mini-beasts. What can you find living in the meadows and woodlands? Take a close-up look and see if you can identify your finds...

Football Train

Venue: Witham Station

Website: www.esscrp.org.uk/events/football-train

Celebrating the grand opening of Braintree Museum’s summer exhibition “Football! A local history of the beautiful game” with an event train. Travel from Witham to Braintree and then take the short...

Open-air Theatre: The Jungle Book

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Join Chameleon's Web Theatre Company for their summer outdoor show - Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, adapted by Neil Duffield. Faithful to Kipling's original beloved story, this beautifully staged adaptation...

Fortnite Laser Tag

Venue: Laser Mayhem, Pryors Farm

Website: www.lasermayhem.co.uk

Fortnite Laser Tag sessions are back with bigger and better game modes, enhanced loot crates and first-person shooter action. Pyrotechnic smoke to represent "The Storm", as well as, all your favourite...

Seaside Special

Venue: Colchester North Station

Website: www.esscrp.org.uk/events/seaside-special-i

Join Captain Crackers aboard this first-of-the-year Seaside Special from Colchester North Station to Walton on the Naze. Fun and games, prizes and goodies for all participating, discounts in local shops...

The Ultimate Bubbles Show

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Ray Bubbles, International Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record Holder, is on a mission to master the art of bubble-making and create the ultimate square bubble! The show was inspired by Ray’s work...

Be Dino-Smitten at The Meadows

Venue: Meadows Shopping Centre

Website: www.themeadows.co.uk

The Meadows are going dino crazy on Saturdays from 1-22 August, between 10am and 4pm, offering meet and greet with dinos and friends, the chance to be a budding palaeontologist in a devilish dino dig,...

Exotic Animal Weekends

Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Website: www.hopefield.org.uk

Across the weekend, visitors can discover an extraordinary variety of rescued animals, including Meerkats, Parrots, Marmosets, Skunks, Asian palm civets, Foxes and so many more amazing species. Each animal...

The Rapture Gaming Festival

Venue: Charter Hall

Website: www.rapturegamingfestival.com

Visitors can explore massive gaming zones packed with modern favourites like Minecraft, retro arcade machines, virtual reality, and live wrestling. Best of all, the core activities are all included in...

William The Constructor 1066 – Giant Brick Building Event

Venue: Mountfitchet Castle

Website: www.mountfitchetcastle.com

Forget William The Conqueror, become William or Wilma The Constructor! Go along to Mountfitchet Castle between the 1st to the 16th August and enjoy the giant brick building event. A unique experience for...

Calm at the Castle

Venue: Hollytrees Museum

Website: www.colchester.cimuseums.org.uk

These sessions are designed for anyone who would benefit from a calmer environment, including visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities. During this time, they reduce sensory stimulation by turning...

The Dinosaur That Pooped

Venue: Towngate Theatre

Website: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying a brand, new story for the stage. Featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie,...

Summer Kids Craft Club

Venue: Hanningfield Waterside Park

Website: www.watersideparksuk.com

Let creativity loose at this craft activity club for two hours of entertainment with no mess.Enjoy a well-stocked crafting session followed by time in the adventure playground, or a walk in the nature...

Treasure Island

Venue: Layer Marney Tower

Website: www.quantumtheatre.co.uk

Presented by Quantum Theatre, this swashbuckling, action packed adventure is bursting with high drama, swordfights, sea shanties and of course Long John Silver and his parrot Cap’n Flint in a brand new...

Family Wild Wednesdays at Danbury Country Park

Venue: Danbury Country Park

Website: www.explore-essex.com

Meet on the meadow at Danbury Country Park for some free child-led free play in the great outdoors, run by the Essex Country Parks Outdoor Learning Team. Activities and equipment available for children...

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Quantum Theatre

Venue: Hatfield Forest

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Michael Whitmore’s charming adaptation will have you spellbound so why not grab the kids, a blanket and a picnic and join Peter and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures - a magical afternoon of...

Carnival Weekend

Venue: Clacton Pier

Website: www.clactonpier.co.uk

The town’s Carnival Week celebrations return to the pier this summer with a full weekend of seaside fun from 7–9 August. Expect half price rides and wristbands, live entertainment and a spectacular...

The (Almost) Complete History of Britain

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Join the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company on a breathless race through the centuries in this delightfully inventive show that tells the entire story of Britain in under two hours. Enjoy...

Summer Lates

Venue: Colchester Zoo

Website: www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com

On selected Saturdays throughout the summer holidays, you can enjoy more value for your money as the zoo remains open until 8pm. Visit the website for more details coming soon.

Fairytale Fest Suffolk

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

15 characters all in one place mingling, meeting and greeting, as many photo opportunities as you like! Also includes unicorn rides, baby animal petting farm, food stalls and bar, disco and games, soft...

Guided Bat Walk

Venue: Hatfield Forest

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Experience the magic of the forest after dark on a bat walk at Hatfield Forest. From Common Pipistrelles skimming over the lake to Noctules soaring above the wood pasture, this is a unique opportunity...

Brentwood Brick Festival

Venue: The Brentwood Centre

Website: www.brickfestivalevents.com

This will be a great day for families, collectors, adult builders and every other kind of LEGO fan. With lots to see and do including speed building competitions, large scale displays, activities, traders...

Dog Man - The Musical

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

Best friends George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re ten, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favourite character, Dog Man, the...

Lady Windermere’s Fan

Venue: Grange Barn

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

DOT Productions presents Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan, a sparkling revival brimming with wit, charm, and comedic flair. This nimble five-actor adaptation brings Wilde’s razor-sharp dialogue...

Unicorn Live!

Venue: Charter Hall

Website: www.colchester-events.co.uk

Harmony, Melody and Starlight are the best of unicorn friends… Join them as they use their magical unicorn powers to save the show and conjure up the magical fourth band member. Watch in amazement as...

The Dinosaur That Pooped A Rock Show!

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

Adapted from the number 1 best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time enjoying a brand, new story for the stage. Featuring new songs by Tom and Dougie,...

Bobby Seagull's Escape From Ancient Egypt

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

Join Bobby Seagull for a thrilling family adventure packed with puzzles, secrets and surprising discoveries. Perfect for curious kids and adventurous grown-ups alike, Bobby Seagull’s Escape from Ancient...

The Tiger Who Came To Tea

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos! A stunning stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem… expect to...

Clacton Airshow

Venue: Clacton Seafront

Website: www.clactonairshow.com

Clacton Airshow is the largest aviation event on the Essex coast, with flying displays over the seafront supported by a wide range of ground-based attractions and entertainment. On the ground, visitors...

Heart Centred Parenting Wellness and Mindset Camp

Venue: St Marys Lower School

Website: www.heartcentredparenting.co.uk

Heart Centred Parenting is a hub for community events, 1-1 mentorship and connection to nature. These seasonal gatherings are curated around nourishing activities, homemade, organic food and community...

End of Summer Carnival

Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Website: www.hopefield.org.uk

All the excitement takes place against the stunning backdrop of the sanctuary, where you can spend time meeting the friendly rescued residents – from pigs and cows to alpacas and more. Your visit helps...

Ministry Of Science

Venue: Palace Theatre

Website: www.trafalgartickets.com

Over the last few years Science has led the way in getting our lives back to normal. Now, the UK’s favourite science team are back and more explosive than ever! Join the presenters as they dive deep...

Knights of Albion Joust

Venue: Hedingham Castle

Website: www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Prepare for an unforgettable clash of courage and might as The Knights of Albion make their triumphant return to Hedingham Castle this August Bank Holiday weekend for the final joust of the season. An...

Marvellous Vintage 2026

Venue: East Court Layer Marney Tower

Website: www.helenrollason.org.uk

Step back in time and immerse yourself in all things vintage at the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity’s Marvellous Vintage event at the stunning Layer Marney Tower. Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast,...

SEN Fun Day Event

Venue: Colchester United Football Club

Website: www.visitessex.com

This special event is designed to provide a fun, inclusive, and welcoming day out for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), along with their families, carers,...

The Lion Inside

Venue: Chelmsford Theatre

Website: www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Fed up of being ignored and forgotten by the other animals, Mouse wishes he could roar like Lion. But, as he discovers, even the biggest, bossiest people are scared sometimes ... and even the smallest...

A Curious Adventure: The Alice in Wonderland Drone Spectacular

Venue: Hylands Estate

Website: www.hylandsestate.co.uk

Experience a breathtaking drone light show featuring over 500 illuminated drones dancing across the night sky, bringing this beloved story to life like never before. Before the show, enjoy a lively family...

Amazing Animals

Venue: Queen's Theatre

Website: www.queens-theatre.co.uk

Step into a world, bursting with imagination, as creatures leap onto the stage through master puppetry and a dash of theatrical magic. From majestic polar bears and swinging sloths to towering giraffes...

Fireman Sam Live! The Lost Pirate Treasure

Venue: Harlow Playhouse

Website: www.harlowplayhouse.co.uk

Norman Price is determined to win the Pontypandy Treasure Hunt, but when he discovers clues to a real pirate treasure, he goes exploring deep into the caves. It’s up to Fireman Sam, Elvis and Ellie to...

Kid Carpet and The Noisy Animals: Jack and The Beanstalk (Sort Of)

Venue: Colchester Arts Centre

Website: https://colchesterartscentre.ticketsolve.com/

Family theatre and rock star legend Kid Carpet is back with a totally brand new show! A lo-fi, hi-tech, big-beat bonkers panto stuffed with songs, silliness and surprises – for all ages and families....

The Three Musketeers presented by Illyria

Venue: Hatfield Forest

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

D’Artagnan is desperate to join Athos, Porthos and Aramis as an elite Musketeer of the King’s Guard. But are his swashbuckling credentials sufficient? With a reputation for staging some of the finest...

Doggy Fun Day

Venue: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary

Website: www.hopefield.org.uk

Doggy Fun Days are packed with exciting activities, interactive attractions and relaxed countryside vibes, all while supporting the care of over 700 rescued animals who call Hopefield home. Whether your...

Motorcycle Run 2026

Venue: North Weald Airfield

Website: www.ehaat.org/events

Rev up for the Motorcycle Run 2026 — a spectacular 25-mile charity ride from North Weald Airfield, finishing at the Whirly Birds Family Festival in Chelmsford. Hundreds of bikers come together for a...

Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show

Venue: Towngate Theatre

Website: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

Based on the bestselling books by Liz Pichon, Tom Gates EPIC Stage Show returns to Basildon, bringing alive the illustrations and music that makes Tom Gates hugely popular. This fantastic new stage show...