Having fun doesn't have to cost a fortune, with these free events happening across south Essex over the 2024 summer holidays.
Music in The Park
Where: Priory Park, Southend
When: Every weekend until Sunday, September 29
The bandstand comes alive with top local bands and musicians every weekend and bank holiday Monday throughout the summer.
No chairs will be provided, so families are urged to bring their own or a blanket and a picnic. There is also limited parking at the park so where possible use public transport, walk or cycle.
The Big Screen
Where: Focal Point Gallery, Elmer Square, Southend
When: First four Saturdays in August, 3pm
Focal Point's big screen transforms into an outdoor cinema on the first four Saturdays in August at 3pm.
The films being shown are Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, on August 3, Back to the Future, on August 10, Wall-E on August 17 and Wonka on August 24.
This year’s films have been selected in response to Southend Libraries annual summer reading challenge ‘Marvellous Makers’, aiming to fire up children’s imaginations and unleash storytelling and creativity through the power of reading.
Circus Skills Workshop
Where: Human Kind Cafe, 111 High Street, Billericay
When: Thursday, August 29, 10am to 11am
The new cafe will be hosting a free circus workshop extravaganza with juggling, Diablos, spinning plates, skipping ropes, performance skills and more.
This event is ideal for children from the ages of five to ten. Food and drink will be available in the Human Kind community cafe. This is free but parents should reserve a spot at eventbrite.co.uk/e/circus-skills-workshop-at-human-kind-cafe-tickets-948956994917
Southend City Jam
Where: Southend High Street and seafront
When: Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1, 10am to 5pm
The UK's biggest free international street art festival is set to return to Southend on the final weekend of the summer holidays with 200 local, national and international artists transforming the city centre and seafront into awe inspiring pieces of work.
Headliners have now been announced, including talents from around the globe, such as Smug, Woskerski, Farid, and Aches.
Castlemayne Summer Fayre
Where: Castlemayne, The Knares, Lee Chapel
When: Sunday, August 4, 11am to 4pm
This beloved pub will once again be hosting a summer fayre with children's games and activities, stalls from independent business, and food and drink from DB Shack.
Entry is free with all stall holders paying a fee, which will 100 per cent be donated to Baby Basics Billericay who suffered a devastating fire and lost "absolutely everything" earlier this year.
Beechwood Summer Picnic
Where: Corner of Bronte Drive and Jordon Way, Basildon
When: Wednesday, August 7, 11am to 2pm
Trust Links, an organisation which provides a range of mental health support in Essex, will be hosting a summer picnic at the Beechwood development in Basildon. There will be food, drinks, and children's games, and residents will be able to see the new designs for Beechwood Community Garden.
All you need to bring is picnic blankets or chairs to sit on.
Family Fun Day at McDonald's
Where: 1 Festival Leisure Park, Basildon
When: Saturday, August 31, from 12pm to 4pm
Festival Leisure Park's golden arches will be hosting a family fun day in aid of Ronald McDonald House Charities. Youngsters can enjoy face painting, balloon modelling and a colouring competition.
Family Film Night
Where: The Hub, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh
When: Thursday August 8 and Thursday August 22, 6pm to 8pm
Hadleigh Farm Estate's free summer film nights are back. Families can either turn up and enjoy the film as a surprise or ask to join the Hadleigh Farm Summer Film Nights Club private Facebook group, where details of films to be shown will be posted.
All films are classified U, suitable for all the family. The Hub Cafe will be serving a cinema-themed menu, or parents can bring along their own snacks.
Muddy Church Campfire Fun
Where: The Camping Field, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh
When: Thursday, August 15 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm
Hadleigh Farm Estate's next Muddy Church event will feature craft and games, an Olympic challenge trail, firepit gathering and jacket potatoes. There's no need to book, families can just turn up.
Visitors are urged to park at Hadleigh Park in Chapel Lane and follow the signs to take the footpath that runs towards Castle Lane.
The What3Words reference for the entrance to the Camping Field is sushi.codes.each.
Forever Wild Arts Festival
Where: Fishermen’s Chapel, Leigh
When: Saturday August 17 - Monday August 19
This new arts festival is being held at the Fishermen’s Chapel across August 17 to 19 to celebrate local creativity.
Visitors can expect art exhibits, workshops for both adults and children, art and other treasures for sale.
An opening gala opening event with live music will also be held on August 16, with tickets costing £10. Visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/private-view-forever-wild-tickets-929850847917 to book.
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