Incredible summer of festivals incoming for Chelmsford

Chelmsford is getting ready for a bustling few months of festivals, music concerts and celebrations! It’s been a bumper year so far for the district, with VE Day celebrations, All About Dogs, The National Flower Show, and VOLFEST having already taken place. The Essex Book Festival is now in full swing for June, with several author talks taking place in Chelmsford, and there’s still so much more to look forward to in the coming months.

With this week’s incredible announcement that BBC Radio 2 in the Park is coming to the city in September, now feels like the perfect time to have a look at all the fantastic events Chelmsford is hosting this summer!

For music lovers:

Essex Pride

Where: Central Park

When: 21 June

The biggest LGBTQ+ community celebration in Essex returns for its 21st year this month. The Pride March through Chelmsford will once again end at Central Park, where there’ll be a festival featuring a huge lineup of artists including The Vengaboys, Louisa Johnson, Rupaul’s Drag Race Queens, Tia Kofi and La Voix, plus Dua Lipa and P!NK tribute acts.  

Find out more and book tickets: https://www.essexpride.org/2025-pride/  

Essex Pride 2024

Chelmsford City Live

Where: Chelmsford City Racecourse

When: 4-6 July

Global megastar Justin Timberlake is coming to Chelmsford for this brand-new major music festival! Justin will headline on Friday 4 July, while 80s pop music legends Duran Duran will headline on Saturday 5 July and local Essex boy Olly Murs on Sunday 6 July. Other artists include Jess Glynne, JC Stewart and DJ Mark Wright.

Find out more and book tickets: https://www.chelmsfordcitylive.com/  

Fake Festival

Where: Central Park

When: 5 July

The popular Fake Festival returns on 5 July, with another lineup of brilliant tribute acts that you’ll hardly believe aren’t the real deal. This year they’ve got Oasish, Stereotonics, Blur2, Pulp’d, Muse alternative Plug in Maybe, and Queen imitators Flash.

Find out more and book tickets:  https://www.fakefestivals.co.uk/events/2025/Chelmsford.html  

Writtle Festival

Where: Old Chelmsfordians Association

When: 25-27 July

Writtle Festival is a weekend of musical brilliance, bringing together a variety of musical genres! Enjoy a classical concert on Friday 25 July, Pop/Soul/Funk on Saturday 26 July and the Writtle Jazz Festival on Sunday 27 July. This year’s lineup includes versatile young violinist Elodie Chousmer-Howelles, funk/soul/disco band Funk 2k, and TV composer and jazz pianist Chris Ingham.

Find out more and book tickets: https://writtlefestival.co.uk/

Violinist, Elodie Chousmer-Howelles, and Writtle Festival organiser, Zak Barrett.

The Ibiza Orchestra Experience

Where: Central Park

When: 25 July

The Ibiza Orchestra is a 26-instrument ensemble with talented vocalists and an incredible DJ performing alongside. They’ve performed around the UK and internationally, providing their own unique take on iconic Ibiza dance music tracks. This new show will see them performing tracks from producers and DJs such as 808 State, Massive Attack, Ian Van Dahl, Daft Punk, Robert Miles, Energy 52, Tiesto, Fatboy Slim and Prodigy. Plus, there’ll be special guest supporting acts.

Find out more and book tickets: https://www.ibizaorchestraexperience.co.uk/chelmsford  

Country Calling

Where: Hylands Park

When: 16–17 August

Country Calling is the ultimate weekend celebrating all things country music and culture. Forty outstanding country artists are scheduled to appear across multiple stages, including international headliners Dillon Carmichael and Kaylee Bell. Other international and homegrown talent confirmed for the weekend includes American artist Craig Campbell, Australian singer songwriter Fanny Lumsden and British Country Music Awards winner Kezia Gill. The family-friendly event will also feature country-themed extra-curricular activities such as fair rides and a line dancing saloon.

Find out more and book tickets: https://www.country-calling.com/events/country-calling-2025/  

Radio 2 in the Park

Where: Hylands Park

When: 5-7 September

BBC Radio 2’s flagship live music festival, Radio 2 in the Park, is coming to Chelmsford this September! The event will see global music stars, Radio 2 presenters, and fans descend on the city for a three-day celebration of music. Bryan Adams and Def Leppard are headlining, with other acts including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Ronan Keating, Stereophonics and Ella Henderson. The news is incredibly exciting for Chelmsford and expected to generate a significant boost to the local economy. Tickets are available now and selling quickly!

Find out more and book tickets: https://www.bbc.co.uk/backstage/radio2inthepark/ 

Bryan Adams and Def Leppard are set to headline Radio 2 in the Park at Hylands Park.

For foodies:

Foodies Festival

Where: Hylands Park

When: 20-22 June

The UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink is back at Hylands Park later this month! This year there’ll be more fantastic demos from top UK chefs, including Masterchef Champions Druv Baker and Alex Webb, Jeff Galvin of Galvin Restaurants, and Eloise Durrant of C4’s Extreme Cake Makers. There’s also live music this year from Pixie Lott and The Wanted 2.0, and of course plenty of delicious food and drink to sample and purchase.

Find out more and book tickets: https://foodiesfestival.com/events/chelmsford-2/  

Chelmsford Vegan Market

Where: Bond Street

When: 5 July

Chelmsford Vegan Market brings together a huge variety of vegan street food vendors, artisan bakers, craft brewers, ethical jewellers, sustainable chandlers, local artists, zero-waste champions, environmental charities and loads more in a two-day event held at the Bowl on Bond Street, right in the heart of the city.

Find out more: https://www.veganmarkets.co.uk/location/chelmsford  

Chelmsford Beer and Cider Festival

Where: Admirals Park

When: 15-19 July

If you love a refreshing pint in the sun, then you won’t want to miss this one. Join fellow beer and cider lovers in the largest beer garden in Chelmsford as CAMRA mark their 50th year with another great Beer and Cider Festival. There’ll be plenty of varied beers and ciders ready to enjoy, as well as food outlets serving churros, crisps, burgers, sausages, Caribbean and African food, pizza and ice cream.

Find out more and book tickets: https://cbcf.camra.org.uk/  

Sausage and Cider Festival

Where: Central Park

When: 26 July

Another opportunity to enjoy a drink and bite to eat in the sun, while vibing to music with the Sausage and Cider Festival, this time over at Central Park. You might think there’s only sausage and cider on offer at this one, but there is in fact varied cuisine to suit all tastes! In addition, there’ll be live music from some great tribute acts, kids activities, axe throwing, and sausage and chilli eating competitions!

Find out more and book tickets: https://www.sausageandciderfest.co.uk/chelmsford  

Street Eats ‘n’ Beats

Where: Central Park

When: 6 September

Street Eats ‘n’ Beats brings together dance music, street food trucks and pop-up boutique bars in Central Park. This year’s event will include DJ sets from Majestic, Alison Limerick, Ridney, and others on the main stage, as well as a silent disco, glitter bar, arts and crafts and a doodle wall. Plus, fantastic international food vendors offering everything from American-style BBQ to traditional Greek gyros. For dessert, don't miss the Waffle Wands, known for going viral several times on Instagram and TikTok.

Find out more and book tickets: https://www.streeteatsnbeats.com/  

Festival of Flavours

Where: Hyde Hall

When: 3-5 October

Join RHS Gardens at Hyde Hall for a celebration of growing and cooking in a three-day feast for your senses! Their autumn event features live cookery demonstrations by RHS chefs, incredible and colourful harvest displays of fruit and vegetables, tours of their Global Growth Vegetable Garden, and food and drink stalls to explore.

Find out more and book tickets: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/festival-of-flavours

For families:

Toddler Festival

Where: Marsh Farm

When: 12-22 June

Marsh Farm has more than a week of toddler-friendly activities coming up from next week. Each day every corner of the farm will be bursting with activities for little ones to enjoy, including adorable animals to meet, foam parties, bouncy castles, a soft play area, a tiny tots disco, live shows and crafting sessions!

Find out more and book tickets: https://www.marshfarm.co.uk/events/toddler-festival/

KidzFair

Where: Chelmsford High Street

When: 28 June

KidzFair is a one-day event that provides young entrepreneurs aged 7-17 with the opportunity to turn their idea into a real business. Children can sign up for a stall where they can showcase and sell their own products, earning their own money and potentially receiving prizes and recognition from the KidzFair judging panel. You can sign up your child to take part via their website or come along to Chelmsford High Street on 28 June to support young entrepreneurs.

Find out more: https://www.kidzfair.co.uk/  

Adventure Cinema

Where: Hylands Park

When: 24–27 July (Hylands)

Film fans can immerse themselves in the magic of outdoor cinema this summer, with timeless classics and thrilling blockbusters set to be screened at Hylands Park. From family favourites Moana 2, The Gruffalo and Stick Man to blockbuster movies Bohemian Rhapsody and Wicked, there's a film for everyone to enjoy under the open sky! Don’t forget to bring a comfy cushion or seat, blanket, and some movie night snacks!

Find out more and book tickets: https://www.adventurecinema.co.uk/venues/hylands-estate 

Chelmsford Market Family Fun Day

Where: Market Square

When: 26 July

This free day of family fun will feature a petting zoo, teacup ride, soft play, face painting, and a treasure hunt through the indoor market. The Essex Cosplayers and Pops the Penguin will be on hand throughout the day, too, for a quick selfie! Plus, the market will be open as usual, to purchase British-grown fruit and veg, second-hand books, locally grown plants, antiques, and all the other treasures Chelmsford Market has to offer!

Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/ChelmsfordRetailMarket 

Chelmsford Market's Family Fun Day returns this year, with Essex Cosplayers supporting the event again.

For the curious:

Essex Book Festival

Where: various Chelmsford venues

When: Until 30 June

Essex’s annual literary celebration has officially returned and is here to stay until 30 June. Chelmsford is set to welcome some fantastic authors this year. There’s well-known historian, Alison Weir, due to talk about her latest novel on 16th-century cardinal, Thomas Wolsey; husband and wife writing duo Ambrose Parry who write murder mystery novels together, and former Norfolk Police officer, Blessin Adams, who now writes about female killers in early modern Britain. Plus more events on their website.

Find out more and book tickets: https://www.essexbookfestival.org.uk/  

Authors Blessin Adams and Edward Wilson-Lee will join this year's Essex Book Festival.

Heritage Open Days

Where: various locations

When: 12-21 September

2025's Heritage Open Days will take place between 12 and 21 September and the theme for this year will be revealed soon! Chelmsford’s programme of events is run by Chelmsford Civic Society, and they’ll be confirming the full programme of events later this summer. In the meantime, they’ve already revealed the theme for this year’s photography competition is ‘architecture’, so get snapping and submit your best photos to hello@chelmsfordhod.co.uk! Keep an eye on their website for more information in the coming weeks.

Find out more: https://www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk/ 

Chelmsford Science Festival

Where: Anglia Ruskin University and other locations

When: 21-28 October

Chelmsford Science Festival is back from 22–29 October 2024 following a highly successful event in 2024. This year sees the return of the hugely popular weekend family days, including an extended SEN area, on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, as well as a packed programme of events designed to educate and entertain people of all ages. The full programme is set to be announced later this summer.

Find out more and book tickets: https://www.aru.ac.uk/events/chelmsford-science-festival  

Chelmsford Science Festival 2024. Image credits: Anglia Ruskin University.

For outdoor explorers:

Buzz in the City

Where: various locations

When: 5 July – 9 September

Buzz in the City will transform Chelmsford over the summer into a fun, free art space featuring colourful bee sculptures for residents and visitors to enjoy. 30 bees and 6 mini bee swarms will be installed across the city, creating an outdoor walking trail, allowing people to explore Chelmsford whilst taking in the unique and stunning designs. It’ll be free to follow the trail using a printed map or mobile app.

Find out more: https://www.buzzinthecity.co.uk/

Hyde Hall Flower Show

Where: Hyde Hall

When: 30 July – 3 August

RHS Gardens Hyde Hall will celebrate all things horticultural at their flower show this August. Explore nurseries selling everything from succulents and roses to bonsai and exotic plants; discover the works of some of the UK’s finest artists at the Craft in Focus pop-up pavilion; and indulge in delicious refreshments as you enjoy the Hyde Hall gardens in full summer bloom. There’ll also be live music throughout, with acts set to be announced soon.

Find out more and book tickets: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/rhs-garden-hyde-hall-flower-show  

For sports fanatics:

Special events to mark 100 years of Essex Cricket in Chelmsford

Essex Cricket is celebrating 100 years of playing cricket, since 20 June 1925, at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford. To mark their Chelmsford centenary, they’ll be hosting a special celebratory match against Surrey on Friday 15 August and the next day, for the very first time, they'll be holding a live music event at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground where Stars of London’s West End will perform ABBA hits.

Book tickets: https://tickets.essexcricket.org.uk/content

Summer Sessions Closing Party

Where: Chelmsford City Racecourse

When: 30 August

Chelmsford City Racecourse’s Summer Sessions invite guests to enjoy thrilling horse races as they embrace the best of summer—soaking up the sunshine, enjoying crisp craft beers or cocktails, and dancing under the evening sky. For their closing party in August, legendary DJ and music producer Armand Van Helden will headline, bringing his signature sound and energy to Chelmsford.

Find out more and book tickets: https://chelmsfordcityracecourse.com/summer-sessions/   

Summer Sessions at Chelmsford City Racecourse. Image credits: Chelmsford City Racecourse.

Chelmsford Marathon and Half Marathon

Where: Central Park

When: 12 October

One of the biggest racing events in Essex returns to Chelmsford’s Central Park this October. By taking part, you’ll be helping raise money for Little Havens Children's Hospice, which provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people living with complex or incurable conditions in Essex. Participants receive a bespoke medal for completing their course, and there’ll be trophies and prizes for the leading runners.

Find out more and sign up: https://www.nice-work.org.uk/e/chelmsford-marathon-and-half-marathon-9483

Stay informed

We’re sure there will be even more great events taking place around Chelmsford this summer that are yet to be announced. To keep up to date with what’s coming up across the Chelmsford district throughout the year, sign up to our enewsletters where we share weekly news and roundups of activities to enjoy around our city.