Essex

What&#8217;s on in Essex this June you ask? Well there&#8217;s everything from vineyard tours and festivals, to erm, goat yoga and Alan Carr portrait painting (yes both are a thing). Here&#8217;s everything you need to know.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theatre-amp-cinema">THEATRE &amp; CINEMA</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/NTGDS_AW_Website_LesLiaisons_1280x720.jpg" alt="Aidan Turner and Lesley Manville in Les Liaisons Dangereuse" class="wp-image-28755" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/NTGDS_AW_Website_LesLiaisons_1280x720.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/NTGDS_AW_Website_LesLiaisons_1280x720-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/NTGDS_AW_Website_LesLiaisons_1280x720-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aidan Turner and Lesley Manville in Les Liasons Dangereuse </figcaption></figure>



National Theatre Live are showing <a href="https://www.ntlive.com/plays/les-liaisons-dangereuses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Les Liaisons Dangereuse</a>, with Aidan Turner and Lesley Manville. Catch a cinematic screening at various places in Essex from Thu 25 Jun until the end of the month, including <a href="https://www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/events/nt-live-les-liaisons-dangereuses" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chelmsford Theatre</a> (Thu 25 Jun); <a href="https://www.ticketsource.com/brentwoodtheatre/t-kdrpaaj" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brentwood Theatre </a>(Sun 28 Jun) and <a href="https://www.rioburnham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Rio Cinema</a>, Burnham-on-Crouch (Thu 25 Jun).



Hylands Estate, Chelmsford, is promising to keep us entertained this month with <a href="https://adventurecinema.co.uk/venues/hylands-house/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adventure Cinema</a>. The outdoor cinema (bring a picnic and deckchair), will be running from Fri 5 Jun &#8211; Sun 7 Jun, screening faves such as Dirty Dancing, Pride &amp; Prejudice and Andrea Bocelli (plus Bing and Encanto for a younger ones).



Here’s something different, theatre-wise: football fans should head to Braintree&#8217;s <a href="https://www.theinstitutebraintree.co.uk/whatson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Institute</a> as they’re set to screen England’s World Cup matches – for free. That beats cramped pub corners, blocked views, and spilled pints any day. Kicking off on Wed 17 Jun for the England vs Croatia match; no tickets required.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arts-amp-culture">ARTS &amp; CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="664" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/windrush-copy-1000x664.jpg" alt="Windrush photgraph" class="wp-image-28753" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/windrush-copy-1000x664.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/windrush-copy-800x531.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/windrush-copy-768x510.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/windrush-copy.jpg 1004w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Roots Chelmsford Windrush exhibition, Museum of Chelmsford</figcaption></figure>



What&#8217;s on in Essex this June when it comes to culture? On display at Museum of Chelmsford, from Mon 1 Jun, is the <a href="https://www.museumofchelmsford.co.uk/events/roots-chelmsford-windrush-exhibition/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roots Chelmsford Windrush exhibition</a>, sharing stories from the Caribbean community and exploring the enormous impact Windrush had on the local community.



Brentwood Connected&#8217;s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bwdarttrail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brentwood Art Trail</a> (30 May &#8211; 28 June) is another to head to. There&#8217;s art on display in over 70 venues, as well as workshops, guided tours and artist markets.



<a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/boozy-brushes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boozy Brushes</a> is back at Colchester&#8217;s Firstsite on Fri 12 Jun. This time the drag queen-hosted night will have an Alan Carr theme! Pour a drink and create your portrait! Fancy something more wholesome? Essex Wildlife Trust has its own <a href="https://www.essexwt.org.uk/events/2026-06-04-daytime-paint-and-sip" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paint and Sip</a> event, without the drag or the prosecco. Relax and create at the day time event, this time with a hot drink and beautiful views of Ingrebourne Valley, Hornchurch. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kids-amp-family">KIDS &amp; FAMILY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/04/Peppa-copy.jpg" alt="Peppa Pig's big family Show" class="wp-image-28377" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/04/Peppa-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/04/Peppa-copy-800x798.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/04/Peppa-copy-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/04/Peppa-copy-768x766.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/04/Peppa-copy-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Peppa Pig&#8217;s Big Family Show</figcaption></figure>



<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/review-peppa-pigs-big-family-show-uk-tour-2026/">Reviews</a>&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a href="https://peppapiglive.com/big-family-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Peppa Pig’s Big Family Show</a>&nbsp;have said it’s piggin’ fantastic for fans of the famous family. So it’s only right we give you a heads up that they are coming to Essex this month (Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff,&nbsp;Sat 6 &amp; Sun 7 Jun). Muddy has already found&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/peppa-pigs-big-family-show-uk-tour/">5 reasons your kids will go crazy</a>&nbsp;for it, so best <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/family/peppa-pigs-big-family-show-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">book tickets</a> now!



For something to help tire them out, head to Museum of Power, Maldon, for <a href="https://www.museumofpower.org.uk/event/fun-for-kids-sports-and-games/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sports and Games</a> on Sun 7 Jun. There&#8217;s activities for kids up to 15, so no excuses for the older ones!



Step into the unusual at Cressing Temple Barns&#8217; <a href="https://www.explore-essex.com/whats-on/cressing-temple-barns-worlds-edge-fantasy-fayre" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World&#8217;s Edge</a> (Sun 14 Jun). The medieval setting in Braintree is the perfect setting – expect to see mermaids, fae and starfighters wondering around the village! Cheer on as you watch fantasy battles, gather for live Viking music and watch as Essex&#8217;s witches come back to life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festivals">FESTIVALS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/04/SF26_AlanisMorissette-photo-credit-Shelby-Duncan.jpg" alt="Alanis Morissette. Image: Shelby Duncan" class="wp-image-28322" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/04/SF26_AlanisMorissette-photo-credit-Shelby-Duncan.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/04/SF26_AlanisMorissette-photo-credit-Shelby-Duncan-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/04/SF26_AlanisMorissette-photo-credit-Shelby-Duncan-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Alanis Morissette. Image: Shelby Duncan</figcaption></figure>



The <a href="https://www.statefayre.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">State Fayre</a> Americana-inspired festival (Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Fri 26 &#8211; Sun 28 Jun) is as much about the food as it is the music, and that’s saying something as the headliners are Kings of Leon (Fri 26 Jun), Alanis Morissette (Sat 27 Jun) and The Lumineers (Sun 28 Jun). If you fancy yourself a pitmaster you’ll love the The Fume Pit where you’ll find actual pitmasters (world-class ones), showing off the art of BBQ. We’re talking award-winning ribs and wings and low and slow briskets. Enjoy the afterglow of your feast listening to country sounds from the likes of Molly Tuttle, Razorlight, The Magic Numbers and The Coral. Looking for more festivals this summer? Check out our summer guide to the<a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/best-festivals-in-east-anglia-2026-your-complete-summer-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> best festivals in East Anglia</a>.



Did you know that the <a href="https://www.leighfolkfestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leigh Folk Festival</a> (25-28 June) is the largest free folk festival in the UK? Expect a mix of performances across multiple stages. And workshops, food, drink and family activities. 



It&#8217;s <a href="https://www.essexbookfestival.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Essex Book Festival </a>this month (already underway from 28 May). From now until 28 Jun, there will be a series of exciting events across the county, including <a href="https://www.essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/somewhere-a-boy-and-a-bear/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gyles Brandreth: Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear</a>, at <a href="https://www.chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk/events/event/essex-book-festival" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chelmsford Cathedral</a> on Fri 19 Jun, and a walk and talk around Canvey Wick with <a href="https://www.essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/walk-and-talk-around-canvey-wick-with-man-about-country/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Man About Country</a> on Sun 21 Jun.



It&#8217;s <a href="https://www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/events/essex-pride-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Essex Pride</a> on Sat 20 Jun. Join the festival in Chelmsford Central Park, and the march through Chelmsford City Centre. Watch Atomic Kitten&#8217;s Natasha Hamilton and RuPaul Dragrace stars Danny Beard and Cheryl The Queen, on stage.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdoors-amp-active">OUTDOORS &amp; ACTIVE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Web-Use-RHS-Hyde-Hall-21st-June-2018-221-copy.jpg" alt="RHS Hyde Hall" class="wp-image-28754" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Web-Use-RHS-Hyde-Hall-21st-June-2018-221-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Web-Use-RHS-Hyde-Hall-21st-June-2018-221-copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/Web-Use-RHS-Hyde-Hall-21st-June-2018-221-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">RHS Garden Hyde Hall</figcaption></figure>



What&#8217;s on in Essex this June if you&#8217;re after some fresh air? Garden enthusiasts will also appreciate <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/viewevent?EFID=112&amp;ESRC=CMS" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Garden Hyde Hall&#8217;s Late Night Opening</a> (Thu 4 Jun). <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hospicesupportgroup/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brightlingsea Open Gardens</a> (13 -14 Jun) also has 45 gardens for you to visit for just £5. Or visit <a href="https://www.visitmaldon.co.uk/beeleigh-abbey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beeleigh Abbey Gardens Open Days</a> on Fri 5, 19 &amp; 26 Jun with their focus on increasing biodiversity and native habitats.&nbsp;



Dads&#8217; go free at <a href="https://nuclearessex.com/offer/dads-goes-free-on-fathers-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nuclear Wild Forest </a>on Father&#8217;s Day (Sun 21 Jun), if he feels up to an obstacle course, or a bit of axe throwing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-amp-drink">FOOD &amp; DRINK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/sausage-fest-copy.jpg" alt="Sausage &amp; Cider festival" class="wp-image-28742" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/sausage-fest-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/sausage-fest-copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/sausage-fest-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sausage &amp; Cider Festival</figcaption></figure>



Here&#8217;s what&#8217;s on in Essex this June to fill your cravings. We&#8217;re definitely heading to Southend&#8217;s <a href="https://www.sausageandciderfest.co.uk/southend" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sausage &amp; Cider Festival</a> (Priory Park, Sat 20 June). There’s 20 types of sausages to chomp on. And 30 ciders. Plus the fattest sausage/hottest chilli eating contests and kids area.



No matter how good you think you are in the kitchen there&#8217;s always room for improvement. We like the look of the Mistley Kitchen&#8217;s <a href="https://www.mistleykitchen.com/workshop/a-taste-of-tuscan-summer-with-ursula-ferrigno/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Tuscan Summer with Ursula Ferrigno</a> (5 June). Rustle up fodder like stuffed courgettes with breadcrumbs, herbs and garlic and Tuscan orange cake. 



It&#8217;s English Wine Week, 20 &#8211; 28 Jun, and we sure have a few vineyards in Essex to mark the occasion at. At Crouch Ridge Estate, Althorne, there&#8217;s <a href="https://crouchridge.com/upcoming-events-at-the-vineyard/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jazz In The Vines</a> on Sun 28 Jun. At New Hall Wines, Purleigh, it&#8217;s <a href="https://www.newhallwines.com/copy-of-social-saturday-s-at-the-cell-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Estate Day</a> on Sat 20 Jun, where Essex Wine Man, Paul Laurie will be offering wine flight tastings. And Missing Gate is running <a href="https://www.missinggate.com/tours-tastings-events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wine tours</a> on Sun 21 Jun, which includes a guided tour, 9 flights of wine with paired dishes, and transport to and from South Woodham Ferrers station (you&#8217;re going to want to leave the car at home for this).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wellness">WELLNESS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/goat-yoga.jpg" alt="Goat yoga" class="wp-image-28745" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/goat-yoga.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/goat-yoga-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/05/goat-yoga-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Goat yoga at Barleylands</figcaption></figure>



What&#8217;s on in Essex this June to keep you feeling fine? This one is slightly out of the ordinary, but its been so popular that goat yoga is returning to Barleylands, Billericay. And this year you can bring the fam for <a href="https://www.barleylands.co.uk/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Family Goat Yoga</a>. We suspect there will be more giggling and goat cuddling going on than actual yoga, but it&#8217;s all good for soul!



<a href="https://www.readersfieldglamping.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Readers Field Glamping</a>, the summer pop-up that runs for just 60 days each year opens from Fri 19 Jun. With just four bell tents set within a six-acre field, families have room to properly relax. Kids can run free, while the grown ups can sit by the fire pit with a glass of wine. Sounds blissful!



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">In the mood for more?</h2>



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<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/day-trips/things-to-do-on-a-rainy-day/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">25+ things to do in Essex when it’s raining</a></li>



<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/best-pub-gardens-essex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The best Essex beer gardens near you</a></li>



<li><a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/best-festivals-in-east-anglia-2026-your-complete-summer-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best festivals in East Anglia 2026: Your complete summer guide</a></li>
</ul>

It’s hotting up! What’s on in Essex this June?

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