Chelmsford Market’s Family Fun Day returns this summer

After the success of last year’s event, Chelmsford Market will host another free Family Fun Day on Saturday 26 July.

Free family fun during the summer holidays

This year’s day of family fun will feature a petting zoo, soft play area, face painting, balloon modelling and a children’s fairground ride. Plus, Essex Cosplayers will be roaming Market Square dressed as popular characters. 

Essex Cosplayers at last summer’s Family Fun Day.

Special guests Lenny the Lion from Chelmsford City Sports and Pops the Penguin from Riverside Leisure Centre will also be making appearances – ready for cuddles and photos with little ones.

The event is completely free to attend and will take place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 26 July in Market Square. All entertainment is funded by Chelmsford City Council.

Chelmsford Indoor Market will be open as usual. You can explore its stalls and discover British-grown fruit and veg, handmade jewellery, second-hand books, locally grown plants, antiques, and its many other treasures!

A community event in a community space 

Chelmsford’s Indoor Market is known for its community spirit and the market’s team is excited to be welcoming local families and visitors to Market Square for this event.

Councillor Donna Eley, Cabinet Member for a Safer Chelmsford, says this event is a great example of the market’s impact on the city:

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“Chelmsford Market’s management team did a fantastic job last year, hosting a free event to thank and entertain their regular customers – and welcome some new visitors, too. The team always makes everyone feel welcome at the market and ensures that it’s a wonderful place to visit.

“We’re lucky to have such a historic market in Chelmsford and I hope that this event can remind people of all it has to offer, while also helping parents keep their little ones entertained over these sometimes challenging six weeks! If it’s anything like last year it will be a thoroughly enjoyable day.”

Cllr Donna Eley, Cabinet Member for a Safer Chelmsford

Entertainment in the square

Animal Workshops Mobile Zoo will be in Market Square with some cute furry friends, and some slithery ones too! Be sure to stop by to meet their friendly animals and learn more about them.

There will also be a fairground ride (suitable for ages 2-12) and a soft play area (for ages 2-10) to enjoy throughout the event, as well as free facepainting and balloon modelling.

Families enjoying last year’s Family Fun Day.

Thanks to Concrete Canvas, Chelmsford Indoor Market is home to many works of street art, so why not check them out during your visit?

Chelmsford Market has lots of street art to enjoy.

Celebrating our historic market

Hosted by Chelmsford Market and Chelmsford City Council, this event is a celebration of our historic market and its vital role in the community. Many of the market’s traders have been part of the market for decades, keeping its rich history alive and providing everything from affordable groceries to one-of-a-kind gifts.

Having recently been crowned Small/Indie Retailer of the Year at the 2025 BID Business Awards, the market has a lot to celebrate – and we want you to be a part of that celebration. So, join us for this day of family fun in Market Square on Saturday 26 July, from 10am to 4pm.