What’s on this summer – 10 fun events and festivals across Essex
Are you looking for some fun days out in Essex this summer? With summer right around the corner it’s a great time to start planning those family days out, not to mention the opportunity for early-bird discount tickets to Essex events when you book early!
Whether you’re with your family, friends, or partner, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful county. We’ve rounded up a selection of some of the best events happening in Essex this summer, from festivals and fairs to concerts and comedy shows. Plus, we’ve included a special section for those who want to enjoy a night out without the kids.
So grab your sunglasses and sunscreen, and get ready for a summer of fun in Essex!
Family Days Out
- Essex Family Fest 2023
Sunday 16th July, 10am-5pm, Hornchurch
This annual extravaganza returns for 2023, the one-day festival is jam packed with family fun and wellbeing with lived themed shows, children’s fun fair, birds of prey, petting zoo, character meet & greets and more. New for 2023 there’s a Toddler and parent zone with soft play, kids disco and a play beach plus a new Wellbeing Zone featuring lots of local health & wellbeing organisation, chill out area & activities.
Tickets from £10 per adult & £25 for a family (2 adults + 3 kids) when purchased in advance.
This event has the extra feel-good factor, it is in aid of local mental health charity Mind in Havering, Barking and Dagenham. - Great Dunmow Summer Solstice Festival
24th June, 1pm-10pm, Great Dunmow
Headliners are the UK’s premier Queen tribute act, Flash. The spotlight on the evening stage will be shared by Abba Stars UK and during the afternoon an eclectic range of music will be presented, from Anglo Cuban band Swan Vesta Social Club to Oklahoma born Bob Collum and the Welfare Mothers, with their brand of country rock and roll. Wood fired pizzas, burgers, noodles and dumplings, ice creams, cakes and coffee and a fairly priced bar hosted by Dunmow Young Farmers Club will ensure festival goers have a top afternoon and evening.
Tickets £25 per adult, £12.50 per child (10-17yrs) when purchased in advance. - West Mersea Food & Drink Festival
4-6th August, 12pm-4pm, West Mersea
The inaugural ‘ West Mersea Food & Drink Festival ‘ launches in August 2023.
Expect a quintessentially British seaside event in a unique location celebrating ‘local’ with makers & shakers from the vibrant Mersea & Essex food & drink industry. A boutique food & drink event with a twist, featuring a festival style stage showcasing local talent alongside some of the UK’s best touring tribute artists.
Daytime tickets from £2 per adult & accompanied under 16’s are free - Raver Tots Festival
11th June, 1pm-6pm, Maldon
Raver Tots is the UK’s biggest family friendly rave and festival brand where kids and grownups can hit the dance floor and rave together! There are never ending moments to engage kids and parents and above all, huge dance spaces where you can hear the nations biggest DJ’s playing the best in all forms of dance music.
Tickets from £30 per adult and £25 per child - Foodies Festival
23-25th June, Chelmsford
12-8pm (opening times vary by day)
The UK’s biggest touring celebrity food and music festival series announces a return to Chelmsford, featuring a star-studded line-up of celebrity chefs and chart-topping music stars, including Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Five! Known as Gastro-Glastonbury, the festival will take place at Hylands Park, Chelmsford. The three-day event features live cooking demonstrations from top chefs drawn from the ranks of TV’s MasterChef, Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu, plus top-rated Michelin-starred and award-winning chefs.
Earlybird Tickets from £18 per adult and £39 per family (2 adults + 2 children)
Special Offer: 20% discount using the code FFHERO
Ladies (and gents) Nights Out
Below are a selection of events and festival suited to night’s out for adults and older children. These are also perfect for a girls night out or date nights in Essex this summer.
- 90’s Rewind Festival
14th July, 5pm-10:30pm, Hornchurch
Taking you back to the 90s with some of your favourite acts of the decade – FIVE, 911, A1 and Celena from The Honeyz, plus a 90s tribute act and DJ playing all the top hits of the era! If you were a 90s kid it’s time to rewind!
This event has the extra feel-good factor, it is in aid of local mental health charity Mind in Havering, Barking and Dagenham.
Tickets from £25 per adult - Essex Tribute Fest
15th July, 2pm-10pm, Hornchurch
An afternoon and evening of great tribute acts performing classic songs that’ll have you on your feet dancing. Tribute acts include Little Mix, Shania Twain, The Spice Girls, Robbie Williams and more. This is the 3rd event in the weekend of festivals from Mind in Havering, Barking and Dagenham.
Tickets from £25 per adult, £5 per child - Secret Island Festival
29th July, 12pm-11pm, Mersea Island
A boutique event with an eclectic mix of over 50 artists, across 5 stages, spanning the whole spectrum of electronic music. Headliners include house music royalty Faithless (DJ Set), The Shapeshifters, Norman Jay MBE and Stanton Warriors. Swap the town/city humdrum with glorious estuary views and a venue that plays host to some of the best sunsets the UK has to offer.
Tickets from £42.50 per adult - Show Me Soul
5th August, 4pm-11pm, Brentwood
New indoor festival with exclusive VIP areas, outdoor smoking terrace, amazing food vendors, secure cloakroom, merchandise and so much more! Live musical acts include: Aswad, Loose Ends, Odyssey, Heatwave and more. Please note this is an indoor standing event themed as an outdoor festival experience.
Tickets from £19 per adult - Hot Box Country & Folk Festival
5th August, 12pm-10pm, Chelmsford
Hot Box Country & Folk Festival is a small festival consisting of two stages delivering some of the most exciting artists in the country and folk world. Music from Beans on Toast, Jess and the Bandits, Will Valley and many more. If you want a banging value for money festival, with proper toilets, great beer and food served quickly and a relaxed happy atmosphere then our festivals are for you.
Tickets from £30 per adult, £15 per child
Hot Box Live is a Community Interest Company & not for profit.
As you can see, there is no shortage of fun and exciting festivals and events for families and adults across Essex this summer. Whether you are looking for music, art, food, culture, or adventure, you will find something to suit your taste and budget. So don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the best that Essex has to offer and make some unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Book your tickets now and get ready for a fantastic time!
