Music, food and fun: Festival season is coming to Chelmsford

Following the exciting announcement that Sugababes will be performing in Central Park in August, now feels like the perfect time to take a look at all the fantastic events Chelmsford is hosting this summer! From foody favourites to music concerts, family fun days and other celebrations – Chelmsford has got a busy few months ahead. Scroll through the list and pick some dates to add to your diary. 

For music lovers:

Chelmsford Summer Series – Sugababes with Annie Mac and Melanie C (DJ set) and Jodie Harsh

Where: Central Park

When: 28 August

The iconic pop group Sugababes is the latest band to be announced to perform at Chelmsford’s Summer Series in Central Park on the August bank holiday weekend. They will be joined by legendary Spice Girl, Melanie C, performing a DJ set, plus special guest performances from former Radio 1 flagship presenter Annie Mac, and DJ, presenter and cultural figure Jodie Harsh. This latest lineup announcement promises for a day of high-energy chart toppers! 

Pre-sale ticket release: 10am Wednesday 29 April

General sale: 2pm Wednesday 29 April

Find out more at: www.chelmsford.live/sugababes

Sugababes, Mel C and Annie Mac will be performing at the Chelmsford Summer Series in Central Park on 28 August.

Chelmsford Summer Series – McFLY

Where: Central Park

When: 29 August

The four-piece pop band will be headlining the Chelmsford Summer Series, taking over Central Park in Chelmsford on Saturday 29 August. With the band’s drummer, Harry Judd being a Chelmsford-born lad, it marks a rare hometown occasion for the band! The bank holiday weekend festival runs across two stages with more acts to be announced.

Find out more and book tickets: www.chelmsford.live/mcfly

McFly will be performing in Central Park on 29 August.

New World Festival ft. Craig David

Where: Central Park

When: 30 August

New World Festival returns to Chelmsford this summer to celebrate its 5th anniversary, bringing Craig David and his acclaimed TS5 show to Central Park on Sunday 30 August 2026. The New World Festival is an electronic music event with more than 100 DJs and performers in Essex, including Sammy Virji, Joel Corry and Nathan Dawe. It’s part of the Chelmsford Summer Series taking place in Chelmsford’s Central Park over the August bank holiday weekend. 

Buy tickets: www.newworldfest.com

State Fayre

Where: Hylands Park

When: 26–28 June

Billed as the UK’s biggest music and BBQ festival, State Fayre will be taking over Hylands Park the last weekend of June with big-name headliners Kings of Leon, Alanis Morissette and The Lumineers taking to the stage. Also joining the line-up is The Black Crowes, Kingfishr, Skunk Anansie, Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton, Counting Crows, Amble, Dylan Gossett, Sierra Ferrell, Max McNown and loads more. Incredible food will be available from The FUME Pit, hosted by the UK’s premier BBQ festival, with vegetarian and vegan food options available too.

Find out more and book tickets: www.statefayre.com

Kings of Leon, Alanis Morissette and The Lumineers will be headlining State Fayre Festival, 26-28 June.

Fake Festival

Where: Central Park

When: 11 July

The popular Fake Festival returns on 11 July, with another line up of talented tribute acts that you’ll hardly believe aren’t the real deal. This year, the pro-level Fake Bands include The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Alanis Morissette and Green Day.

Find out more and book tickets: www.fakefestivals.co.uk/events/2026/Chelmsford 

Essex Pride

Where: Central Park

When: 20 June

Essex Pride returns for its 22nd year with the Pride Festival in Central Park, and the Pride March through Chelmsford City centre. This year's March takes on a brand-new route, starting at Marconi Plaza by Chelmsford Theatre, where there'll be live music, performers, and a great atmosphere to get the party started. The March will set off from 11am, marching through the city centre to Central Park where another fantastic festival will take place.

The Central Park event will include a performance from pop sensation Natasha Hamilton from girl group Atomic Kitten on the Pride festival stage. She will be headlining alongside Danny Beard, an acclaimed British drag queen, singer, and television presenter and winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK series 4.

Find out more and book tickets: www.essexpride.org/2026-pride

The Ibiza Orchestra Experience

Where: Central Park

When: 24 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: www.ibizaorchestraexperience.co.uk/chelmsford

Country Calling

Where: Kings Farm, Writtle

When: 14–16 August

Perfect for country music fans of all ages, this unique event offers more than just music. Dive into line dancing sessions, explore country-inspired traders offering the latest fashion and merchandise, and enjoy the charm of a vintage steam fair. With a variety of bars and food outlets serving delicious country-themed dishes, there’s something for everyone at Country Calling.

Find out more and book tickets: www.country-calling.com

Wheelers Farm

Where: Wheelers Farm, Wheelers Hill, Little Waltham

When: various dates

Wheelers Farm is hosting a series of events over the summer, catering to a multitude of musical tastes. The festival events include: an All-Day Indie Day Party, a Country Club Festival, the Boat Club Festival, Back to the 80s with Martin Kemp, Summer Solstice Garage Festival and RnB Lovers. Take a look at the line-ups to find a festival for you. Wheelers Farm boasts an expansive outdoor event space to curate exceptional musical experiences!

Find out more and book tickets: www.wheelersfarm.com

For foodies:

Chelmsford Beer and Cider Festival

Where: Admirals Park

When: 13–18 July

If you love a refreshing pint in the sun, then you won’t want to miss this social occasion. Join fellow beer and cider lovers in the largest beer garden in Chelmsford as CAMRA returns 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: www.cbcf.camra.org.uk

Sausage and Cider Festival

Where: Central Park

When: 25 July

Another opportunity to enjoy a drink and bite to eat in the sunshine (we hope!), while relaxing to background tunes at the Sausage and Cider Festival in Central Park. As well as sausages and cider aplenty, there will also be varied cuisine to suit all tastes! Plus, enjoy live music from some great tribute acts, kids activities, axe throwing, and sausage and chilli eating competitions!

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

Street Eats ‘n’ Beats

Where: Central Park

When: 5 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 BBC Radio 1’s Charlie Hedges, Lindy Layton, 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: www.streeteatsnbeats.com 

Sweet Treat Food Festival

Where: Chelmsford high street

When: 13 June

The Sweet Treat Food Festival offers a fresh take on food festivals being solely confectionery based. Small businesses from the Chelmsford area will showcase traditional confectionery alongside new and healthier alternatives, as well as cultural and creative bakes. There will also be businesses catering for people with dietary needs. Pop along to the high street on 13 June to find some delicious treats!

Find out more: www.sweettreatfoodfestival.co.uk

Chelmsford Vegan Market

Where: Bond Street

When: 11 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: www.veganmarkets.co.uk/location/chelmsford 

For families:

Toddler Festival

Where: Marsh Farm

When: 3–5 July, 10–12 July, 17–19 July

Marsh Farm's Toddler Festival returns for the first three weekends in July with thrilling children's attractions, such as a brand-new Carousel and Upside Down House, along with LIVE shows from some of Essex's finest children's entertainers. Entry for children aged 6 months to 2 years costs £4 each. General admission is £13.50 per person. Guests can upgrade to enjoy unlimited children's rides and the skating rink, for £2.50 per person.

Book tickets: www.marshfarm.co.uk/events/toddler-festival

Enjoy activities at Marsh Farm's Toddler Festival in July.

KidzFair

Where: Chelmsford High Street

When: 4 July

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 4 July to support young entrepreneurs.

Find out more: www.kidzfair.co.uk 

Chelmsford Market Family Fun Day

Where: Market Square, Chelmsford

When: 25 July, from 10am to 4pm

The Market’s Family Fun Day showcases the local market’s many offerings. It’s funded by Chelmsford City Council and aims to promote community spirit while supporting the fantastic local businesses found within the market space. There will be a range of free entertainment options for families, including a petting zoo, a teacups ride, a soft play area, face painting, and interactive demos! It’s not one to miss.

Check out Chelmsford Retail Market on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChelmsfordRetailMarket

Children enjoying free activities at Chelmsford Market's Family Fun Day.

Adventure Cinema

Where: Hylands Park

When: 5–7 June

Film fans can immerse themselves in the magic of outdoor cinema this summer, with thrilling film favourites set to be screened at Hylands Park. Sing along to family film Encanto, catch-up with Bing and his friends, or enjoy a classic movie like Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia! or Pride and Prejudice. 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 snacks.

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

Book on to watch a film amongst the trees at the Adventure Cinema in Hylands Park.

DOSE Fest

Where: Angel Pavilion, Broomfield

When: 18 July, 10 to 7pm

DOSE Fest is a one-day wellbeing festival designed to help people reconnect with joy, community, and the things that make them feel most alive. It is described as a celebration and also a learning experience, where people will leave with practical tools, new ideas, and a clearer understanding of what supports their wellbeing, both in the moment and over time. There will be live music, family-friendly vibes and wellbeing workshops. 

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

For the curious:

Essex Book Festival

Where: various Chelmsford venues

When: 28 May to 28 June

Essex’s annual literary celebration returns from 28 May until 28 June 2026. Chelmsford is set to welcome some fantastic authors this year. There’s well-known historian, Alison Weir, due to talk about her spellbinding new novel on Anne Boleyn; broadcaster, former MP and national treasure Gyles Brandreth who will be speaking about his biography of A.A. Milne, and Chelmsford-born children’s author Kes Gray, well known for his acclaimed book series Oi Frog!, will be appearing at the Museum of Chelmsford. Plus more events on their website.

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

Concrete Canvas

Where: various Chelmsford locations

When: 11–17 May

Chelmsford’s Street Art Festival returns in May, bringing new life to overlooked spaces within Chelmsford. Concrete Canvas has helped transform the city centre into an open-air gallery, creating a Street Art trail and more opportunities for artists. The project returns in May with a new line-up of artists and locations, culminating on Saturday 16 May with the Concrete Canvas Street Party from 10am to 5pm in the Bond Street Bowl.

Find out more www.chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/concretecanvas

Concrete Canvas provides opportunities for local artists.

VOLFEST

Where: Chelmsford high street

When: 4 June

Celebrating community, compassion and connection, VOLFEST is a cornerstone event during National Volunteers Week. Now in its 8th year, VOLFEST brings together over 50 local charities to showcase the life-changing impact of volunteering and community services. Pop along to Chelmsford high street on 4 June to discover the inspiring work of Chelmsford’s diverse voluntary sector and connect with real people making a difference in the city.

Find out more www.chelmsfordcvs.org.uk/volfest

Chelmsford Science Festival

Where: Anglia Ruskin University and other locations

When: 20–28 October

Chelmsford Science Festival will return for a dynamic celebration of ideas, creativity and discovery. This year's festival explores the theme Future Worlds: Earth, Space, You. It will feature exciting events across science, technology, engineering, health, the environment and the arts. Save the date while the full 2026 programme is put together.

Find out more: www.aru.ac.uk/events/chelmsford-science-festival  

Children engaging with activities at the Science Festival.

Heritage Open Days

Where: various locations

When: 11–20 September

Heritage Open Days returns in September with the theme of ‘everyday histories’, celebrating the working lives of everyday people. Heritage Open Days is a national event split into local areas and all events are FREE! There will be talks on ‘The Essex Executioner’, ‘Caught, Cages and Condemned’, and The Women that Rocked the Boat’ with the full programme being revealed in August. Some events will require booking.

Check www.chelmsfordhod.co.uk in August for final schedules.

For outdoor explorers:

National Flower Show

Where: Hylands Park

When: 15–17 May

The National Flower Show returns to the stunning grounds of Hylands House in May 2026 for a three-day gardening extravaganza! It’s the perfect show for gardening enthusiasts, celebrating the best of gardens, homes and lifestyle. Celebrity gardeners, Adam Frost, Carol Klein and Joe Swift will be joining the fun, alongside a new Wild West Floral Experience. There will be plants aplenty to purchase to create your own garden haven, and a handy creche to store them until you’re ready to call it a day.

Book tickets: www.nationalflowershow.co.uk

Book tickets to visit the National Flower Show in the Hylands House grounds for three days of showcasing home and garden inspiration.

Hyde Hall Flower Show

Where: Hyde Hall

When: 5–9 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: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/rhs-garden-hyde-hall-flower-show

RHS Hyde Hall's Flower Show will feature stunning floral displays and varied plants available to purchase from local nurseries.

For the furry friends:

All About Dogs

Where: Hylands Park

When: 3–4 May

Get ready for two days of four-legged-fun at Essex’s largest dog festival. The All About Dogs Show will be at Hylands Park over the first bank holiday weekend in May, with thrilling arena displays, breed meet-ups, expert advice, doggy shopping and masses of pawsome have-a-go activities.

Book tickets to the ultiMUTT day out: www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk/location/hylands-park

All About Dogs will be in Hylands Park 3-4 May.

For sports fanatics:

T20 cricket event to celebrate women's sports

Where: Tindal Square

When: 28 May

Chelmsford will welcome the Women’s International T20 cricket match on Thursday 28 May, with England Women taking on India Women at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground. Ahead of the sold out game, a community event at Tindal Square will feature cricket themed activities, live performances and pop ups from local sports clubs. Celebrate women's sport with a colourful procession at 4.30pm, making its way through the city and down to the ground before the match begins. Full activity line up TBC.

Book tickets for other cricket fixtures: https://tickets.essexcricket.org.uk/content

A celebration of women's sports with the cricket T20 event at Shire Hall (Image copyright: Essex Cultural Diversity Project).

Chelmsford Marathon and Half Marathon

Where: Central Park

When: 11 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: www.nice-work.org.uk/e/chelmsford-marathon-and-half-marathon-9483

Stay informed

Chelmsford’s events calendar promises a busy few months packed with music, culture, food and family‑friendly fun. Add these dates to your calendars, support local events and get ready to celebrate a brilliant season across the city.

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 regular news and roundups of activities to enjoy around our city.