Explore magic, wonder and science through new events this October half term

Chelmsford has an exciting half term week lined up, with some brand-new events coming to the city later this month, as well as the return of a much-loved festival – all designed to inspire awe and ignite the imagination.

While lots of activities will keep the kids occupied for the holidays, there’s plenty for adults to take part in too.

Mars: War & Peace

Three years after the huge, ethereal Gaia came to Chelmsford Cathedral in 2022, another magnificent planetary art installation by renowned UK artist Luke Jerram is set to be displayed in the cathedral’s nave this month.

‘Mars: War & Peace’ is a six-meter-diameter replica of the Red Planet, crafted from detailed NASA imagery. Accompanying the sculpture is a sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer, Dan Jones. It features the sounds of seas, deserts, and NASA missions to Mars, as well as the noises of war in a nod to Mars’s history as the ancient Romans’ god of war.

You can book tickets to see this incredible installation and explore in person every valley, crater, volcano and mountain to be found on the Martian surface. Alongside the display itself, the cathedral is also running a programme of themed events. These include a talk with stargazer and novelist Sarah Perry, a David Bowie tribute Life on Mars concert, and an evening with Interstellar composer Roger Sayer.

For families, there’ll be Mars-related craft activities, and an interactive reflection wall where anyone can share their thoughts on humanity’s role in our universe.

Mars: War & Peace is on display at Chelmsford Cathedral from 21 October until 12 November 2025. Find out more and book tickets at www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/mars.

The Witches of Chelmsford

Chelmsford For You and The Essex Witch Museum have collaborated this autumn to bring a brand-new, week-long event to the city centre.

The Witches of Chelmsford is a series of FREE events exploring Chelmsford’s history as the location of some of the most infamous witch trials in England during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Running from Monday 27 October to Sunday 2 November, events for families will include a ‘Spellbook Trail’ around the city centre, creative slime and potion workshops, and storytelling through Essex folklore.

Into the evenings, adults can sample ‘Witches Brew’, a brand-new craft beer created by Radio City Beer Works, at a beer tasting event and join a panel discussion on the history of the witch trials featuring guest speakers Syd Moore (novelist and founder of Essex Girls’ Liberation Front) and Lora Aziz (artist, storyteller and herbalist) among others.

Throughout the week, The Essex Witch Museum pop-up at Shire Hall will be open to visit, where you can find out more about why Essex was known as ‘Witch County’ and what modern witchcraft looks like. Plus, a special exhibition of contemporary art exploring the myths and legends of witches will be available to explore in the Meadows Shopping Centre.

Most events are drop in, but some require you to book a free space. Find out more and book at www.chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/the-witches-of-chelmsford.

Chelmsford Science Festival

Returning for its fourth year running, ARU Writtle’s Chelmsford Science Festival 2025 takes place from 21-28 October, with a series of events that are both educational and entertaining.

This year's festival will explore the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence through talks, workshops and social sessions. From its potential to transform our world to its ethical dilemmas, events will look at how AI is reshaping our lives. Some of the topics set to be explored include AI’s growing presence in the construction industry, how AI can help keep children safe online, and the impact of AI on equity and wellbeing.

The headline speaker for the festival this year is BBC award-winning science presenter and producer, Greg Foot, who will recount his visit to the Amazon rainforest and introduce the amazing work being done at the Tambopata Research Centre with the help of AI and other technology.

For families, the ever-popular Family Science Days return on 25 and 26 October. Each day features hands-on, interactive activities for all ages, including immersive VR music gameplay and the opportunity to code and fly drones.

Check out the full programme of events for this year’s Chelmsford Science Festival at www.aru.ac.uk/events/chelmsford-science-festival.

Sign up to keep up to date with more activities around the district

Of course, that’s not all that’s happening around Chelmsford this October. There’s tonnes more to keep the kids entertained this half term, including musical theatre and special effects make up workshops at Chelmsford Theatre, Sundown Adventures with Go Ape Hylands Park, and crafty sessions at the Museum of Chelmsford.

To keep up to date with more activities happening around Chelmsford this half term and throughout the year, join our e-news mailing list.