Make the most of this weekend with Hylands Estate

Hylands Estate is getting ready for some exciting events this weekend. There’s everything from fabulous food and top chefs at the Foodies Festival, to a day of author events and workshops at the Essex Book Festival. On top of all that, there’s also the monthly Open Estate Day with a farmers’ market and live music too.

Foodies Festival

Foodies, the biggest touring gourmet food festival in the UK comes to the estate between Friday 17 and Sunday 19 June. Festivalgoers will watch Michelin starred chefs and stars of The Great British Bake-Off create delicious dishes, and if that whets your appetite, there’ll be food stalls on hand with cuisines from around the world.

Music all weekend

It wouldn’t be a summer festival without music, and Foodies has an impressive line-up with Scouting for Girls, and Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe from boy band Blue making appearances. The festival is offering 25% off tickets for both Friday and Saturday with the code Foodies25 at checkout. Ticket prices and more information can be found on the official Foodies Festival website.

The Essex Book Festival

Coming to Hylands this Sunday (19 June), the Essex Book Festival will be a packed day of author events and workshops in ‘The Pleasure Garden’.

Author talks

Radio 4 Today programme presenter Justin Webb will be discussing his new memoir, author Lulah Ellender will be talking about ‘Grounding’, her moving book about finding solace in a garden and Kate Teltscher will tell festivalgoers the fascinating story of the Palm House at Kew Garden. Nick Wickenden, who played a key part in the restoration of The House, will also delve into the history of Hylands.

Writing workshops and plenty for kids

Workshops with brilliant writers will be taking place throughout the day too. They will include advice from radio dramatist Robin Brooks and novelist Syd Moore.

Childrens events will keep the kids entertained during the event too. They can enjoy performances from the Grand Theatre of Lemmings and storytelling from Dr Sarah Pye. There’s even a launch into space planned by the Esssex Steamettes.

All the details, including how to book, on the Essex Book Festival website.

Estate Open Day  

Every third Sunday of the month, Hylands Estate opens its doors to the public for its open day. The House is open for visitors to explore, and there will be a farmers’ and craft market taking place with fresh local food and drinks directly from the producers and makers. Volunteers for Hylands House will have their exhibition in the library, which this weekend will be about the sale of the Estate through the years.

The Stables, home to a community of artists and designers, will also be open for exploring and there’ll be live music in the courtyard courtesy of Hot Box. Find out more information on the Hylands Estate website.