Essex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FESTIVALS &amp; FAIRS</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/anthony-delanoix-hzgs56Ze49s-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8503" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/anthony-delanoix-hzgs56Ze49s-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/anthony-delanoix-hzgs56Ze49s-unsplash-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/anthony-delanoix-hzgs56Ze49s-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/anthony-delanoix-hzgs56Ze49s-unsplash-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Face glitter at the ready for <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.8dayweekend.co.uk/familyfunday/" target="_blank">8 Day Weekend</a> in Saffron Walden (8-16 July), which includes an Opening Night on The Common with live music from Massaoke (audience participation essential!) and The Little Mix Show *pre-teen scream*.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="554" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.29.17.png" alt="" class="wp-image-8502" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.29.17.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.29.17-800x443.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.29.17-768x425.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.29.17-900x499.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>EA Festival setting </figcaption></figure>



<p>I’m preparing to pack a picnic for this year’s <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.eafestival.com" target="_blank">EA Festival</a> at Hedingham Castle (11-12 July), which launched last year as a showcase for East Anglia’s creative leaders in literature, media, art, environment and music. This year some of the big name speakers include Justine Picardie, Maggi Hambling and Paul McKenna.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Colchester’s got it going on this month, with the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Colchester Roman Festival  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.foodanddrinkfestivalsuk.co.uk/colchester-roman-festival/" target="_blank">Colchester Roman Festival </a>(30-31 July), a great family-friendly event, with reenactments to encampments with authentic cooking and craft from the era. Educational AND fun, holiday gold. The city (woo hoo) is also hosting the Outdoor Film &amp; Street Food Fest in Castle Park (21-24 July) including screenings of <em>Jumanji, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Bridesmaids, Clueless</em> and <em>Back To The Future</em>.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="536" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.25.00.png" alt="" class="wp-image-8501" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.25.00.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.25.00-800x429.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.25.00-768x412.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.25.00-900x482.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Colourful Chelmsford Carnival</figcaption></figure>



<p>Grab and whistle and make some noise at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Chelmsford Carnival (opens in a new tab)" href="https://chelmsfordfestival.co.uk" target="_blank">Chelmsford Carnival</a> (3 July). It’s a great spectacle, kicking off at 1pm in Admirals Park with marching bands, samba, drumming, flags, go-karts and bikes, plus entertainment at the end in Backnang Square.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THEATRE &amp; COMEDY</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="730" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/VHCFullCast.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8461" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/VHCFullCast.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/VHCFullCast-800x584.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/VHCFullCast-768x561.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/VHCFullCast-719x525.jpg 719w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Little ones (and also me) will appreciate seeing Eric Carle&#8217;s iconic book character <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://thameside.ticketsolve.com/shows/1173626095" target="_blank">The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show</a> brought to life at Thameside Theatre, Grays (12-13 July), including 75 magical puppet sidekicks.</p>



<p>For a shot of Shakespeare book tickets for an open-air production of <em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="As You Like It (opens in a new tab)" href="https://stanleyhall.co.uk/event/as-you-like-it-2/" target="_blank">As You Like It</a> </em>at Stanley Hall, Halstead (10 July) &#8211; bring a chair, pack a picnic and arrive early as the gardens are gorgeous. Alternatively there’s an al fresco performance of <em><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Much Ado About Nothing (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/much-ado-about-nothing-open-air-theatre-tickets-314749593507" target="_blank">Much Ado About Nothing</a></em> showing at Shotgate Park, Wickford (29 July). </p>



<p></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="546" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.44.43.png" alt="" class="wp-image-8504" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.44.43.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.44.43-800x437.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.44.43-768x419.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-29-at-08.44.43-900x491.png 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you’ve been missing the sequins and emotions of Strictly, then you’ll want to fox trot down to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Strictly Presents: Keeep Dancing! (opens in a new tab)" href="https://southendtheatres.org.uk/Online/tickets-strictly-presents-the-power-of-dance-southend-2021" target="_blank">Strictly Presents: Keeep Dancing!</a> At Cliffs Pavilion in Southend (23 July), which includes performances by EastEnders star and last year’s finalist Maisie Smith.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Get your giggles on at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Chelmsford Comedy Club (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thecomedyclub.co.uk/events/chelmsford-comedy-club-2022-07-21" target="_blank">Chelmsford Comedy Club</a> (21 July) at the Lion Inn where Edinburgh Festival fave Danny Ward, Carey Marx and The Raymond &amp; Mr Timpkins Revue will be entertaining the crowd.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CINEMA&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="703" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-9.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-8506" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-9.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-9-800x562.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-9-768x540.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Unknown-9-747x525.jpeg 747w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Plenty to keep you entertained movie-wise at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Firstsite Gallery (opens in a new tab)" href="https://firstsite.uk/event_categories/cinema/" target="_blank">Firstsite Gallery</a> in Colchester this month, including Top Gun: Maverick (2 July), The Railway Children (23 July) and Exhibition on Screen: Frida (6 July), a documentary all about the mono-browed iconic artist.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Northman, Licorice Pizza and Rocketman are all showing at drive-in movie hot spot <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Barleylands (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.moonbeamers.co.uk/whats-on/" target="_blank">Barleylands</a> in Billericay. Giant screen and pop corn included!&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FAMILY FUN</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="687" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.02.02.png" alt="" class="wp-image-8459" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.02.02.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.02.02-800x550.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.02.02-768x528.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Screenshot-2022-06-28-at-12.02.02-764x525.png 764w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.marshfarm.co.uk/events/bubble-n-bop/" target="_blank">Bubble &amp; Pop kids festival</a> on Marsh Farm (21 July-2 Sept) is a great day out with bouncy castles, train rides, sand pits, animal encounters, crazy golf, fairground rides, bouncy pillows, foam machines, paddling pool and circus fun. While <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://leevalleyfarm.co.uk/events/kidsfest/" target="_blank">Kids Fest</a> at Lee Valley Farm (22 July-31 Aug) which has been dubbed Glastonbury for kids: think circus skills, glitter stations, bouncy castles, foam parties and a music stage.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Check out the <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Anglo-Saxon Weekend (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.southendmuseums.co.uk/event-details/anglo-saxon-weekend" target="_blank">Anglo-Saxon Weekend</a> at Prittlewell Priory Park in Southend (30-31 July) where kids can be immersed in history, taking part in craft workshops, try their hand at archaeological excavation and even have a go at battle re-enactments.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="TAGactive (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.tagactive.co.uk/products/tagactivearena.html" target="_blank">TAGactive</a>, an indoor obstacle course for kids and adults, has opened in Brentwood so you might want to check that out when holiday cabin fever hits. There are 12 challenges involving roped ladders, ball pits and tunnels and you collect points as you go. Good luck.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ART &amp; EXHIBITIONS&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/2014_06-walled-garden-architecture1-bryan-1024x768-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8507" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/2014_06-walled-garden-architecture1-bryan-1024x768-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/2014_06-walled-garden-architecture1-bryan-1024x768-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/2014_06-walled-garden-architecture1-bryan-1024x768-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/2014_06-walled-garden-architecture1-bryan-1024x768-1-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Marks Hall Estate&#8217;s walled garden</figcaption></figure>



<p>There’s still time to see some of the stunning work from Nat Geo’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Epping Forest District Museum (opens in a new tab)" href="https://eppingforestdc.bookinglive.com/book/add/p/395" target="_blank">Epping Forest District Museum</a> in Waltham Abbey. On loan from the Natural History Museum, it’s here until Aug and free entry but you’ll need to book.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A Sense of Place: Gus Farnes &amp; Moira Goodall shows at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Sculpt Gallery (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.sculptgallery.com/contact-visiting" target="_blank">Sculpt Gallery</a> (9 July &#8211; 6 Aug) in Great Braxted, showcasing the work of the two local artists including fired pots and bronzes. Chat to the artists about their work at the private viewing and open garden on 9 July, see website for details. &nbsp;</p>



<p>This month I’m also going to visit the enchanting <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Walled Garden (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.markshall.org.uk/whatsonevent/sculpture-in-the-walled-garden/" target="_blank">Walled Garden</a> at Marks Hall Estate (23 July &#8211; 4 Sept) where 150 sculptures by 33 sculptors are being installed.&nbsp;And while I’m there I’ll enjoy the lake and woodland walks too.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CHARITY BALL&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="742" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Downhall01.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8508" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Downhall01.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Downhall01-800x594.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Downhall01-768x570.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/06/Downhall01-708x525.jpg 708w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Down Hall Hotel &amp; Spa (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/charity-summer-ball-tickets-321237870117" target="_blank">Down Hall Hotel &amp; Spa</a> is hosting a charity summer ball in memory of TV star Jade Goody on 21 July to raise money for the Trust for Complementary Rehabilitation, which raises awareness of cervical cancer and supports women living with it in the UK. Hosted by presenter Mark Wright and Jade’s hubby Jack Tweedy and her sons Bobby and Freddy, it promises to be a fun, if emotional, night. Tickets £125pp includes three-course meal and entertainment from the likes of TOWIE’S James Argent.&nbsp;</p>


Diaries out! What’s on in Essex this July

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