Essex

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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-132-copy-1.jpg" alt="RHS Glow Hyde Hall" class="wp-image-25521" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-132-copy-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-132-copy-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-132-copy-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/Web-Use-GLOW_RHS_Hyde_Hall_2024_-132-copy-1-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



At Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch&nbsp;on 29 Sept is <a href="https://queens-theatre.co.uk/whatson/ele-group-presents-fresh-scripts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fresh Scripts</a>, new work written by emerging local playwrights. Be the first to see their stories in this rehearsed reading of short plays and excerpts.



Fancy a laugh? Thurrock’s Thameside Theatre has the <a href="https://thameside-tickets.thamesidetheatre.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173661955" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grays Comedy Club</a> on 24 Sept with Gary Delaney, Glenn Wool, Justin Panks. Then there&#8217;s our very own Essex gal Esther Manito.



Death&#8217;s a fact of life, so it&#8217;s good to see Red Lion Books talk about it at their monthly <a href="https://www.redlionbooks.co.uk/product/death-club-sunday-at-red-lion-books/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Death Club</a>. 28 Sept&#8216;s the next date to give you the chance to share or listen. Donations to <a href="https://colchester.foodbank.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester Foodbank</a>, please.



Don&#8217;t forget to also check out Colchester&#8217;s Firstsite and its <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/yak-culture-of-curiosities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YAK: Culture of Curiosities</a> exhibition. On until 12 Oct, it showcases how young people use the web to portray themselves and the world around them.



OK, so this is technically art, just of the, erm, different kind, Whether you&#8217;re fans of these two or not, you know you&#8217;ll be mesmerised watching Katie Price and Kerry Katona&#8217;s tour. Their <a href="https://princestheatre.co.uk/event?i=873670802" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">An Evening With</a> is on at Clacton&#8217;s Princes Theatre on 28 Sept. We&#8217;ve absolutely no idea how it&#8217;ll pan out.



Yes we know it might be too early for some, but it is time to start thinking about booking those festive activities. One that you should book early is <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/hyde-hall-glow?utm_source=muddystilettos&amp;utm_medium=ad-rhs&amp;utm_campaign=glowmuddystilettos&amp;utm_content=hydehall-image-glowmuddystilettos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Glow at Hyde Hall</a>. Lock down a date with the fam and get ready to see the illuminations come Nov.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-fun">FAMILY FUN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/6-1000x667.jpg" alt="Colchester Zoo Starlight Safari Night" class="wp-image-18178" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/08/6.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Next on our what&#8217;s on in Essex this September guide? Colchester Zoo, open until 9pm for its <a href="https://www.colchesterzoologicalsociety.com/event/starlight-safari-nights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starlight Safari Nights</a> on 13 and 27 Sept to see the animals in a whole new light. There&#8217;s tons more, too, from fire breathing, musical fountains, drum workshops – we can go on and on.



Your kids will love <a href="https://towngatetheatre.co.uk/dinosaur-pooped/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Dinosaur That Pooped A Rock Show!</a> at Basildon&#8217;s Towngate Theatre (21 Sept). Adapted from the best-selling books by&nbsp;Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter, the whole family will have a poopy good time. Yes, we went there.



This one at Colchester&#8217;s Mercury is as much for you as it is for little ones. <a href="https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/co2-charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CO2: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</a> (18-21 Sept) sees the Colchester Operatic Society Second Edition (CO2)&nbsp;putting a musical spin on this classic tale.



Also on our things to do in Essex this September is Colchester Castle&#8217;s <a href="https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/afterhours/?fbclid=IwAR2ngqHnEy3CUbP-dZV4UKX21q4rUM8VQVBKeS6XnopLjAVKpD9Xcu98Iio" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Family Quest</a> (dates vary). Ages 10+; solve clues to free a resident trapped in the prison. Not a real crim, mind.



We also love the Essex Wildlife Trust <a href="https://www.essexwt.org.uk/events/2025-09-20-naze-birds-prey-evening-owls" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Naze Owls Bird Of Prey Evening</a> (20 Sept). The first half showcases animals getting close to visitors, and the second&#8217;s more &#8216;action&#8217; related – flying over people&#8217;s heads, mammals running on the floor and the like. And we do like.



<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="1500" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/width1280height956-copy.jpg" alt="Pizza Express" class="wp-image-25520" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/width1280height956-copy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/width1280height956-copy-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/width1280height956-copy-1000x665.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/width1280height956-copy-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Pizza fans in the house raise those hands. Then trot over to <a href="https://www.pizzaexpress.com/basildon-festival-leisure-park/offers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PizzaExpress Basildon</a> for a three course set menu for £27, dining in as a PizzaExpress Club loyalty member. T&amp;Cs apply.



Like viño? Check out The Essex Wine School&#8217;s <a href="https://www.localwineschool.com/essex/posh-or-plonk-blind-tasting-chelmsford-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Posh Or Plonk?</a> night (25 Sept). Sample six different wines, without a clue as to how affordable or expensive they are. Is it worth paying more?&nbsp;Can you find quality at lower price points? You&#8217;re the judge.



Cressing Temple Barns&#8217; <a href="https://charlieowenevents.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/96" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Essex Autumn Shopping Fair</a> (27-28 Sept) has lots to eat plus a bar to sup a few. There&#8217;s shopping to be done (hence the name, geddit?) with arts, crafts, fashion, beauty, home and garden goods.



Over in Epping, Haywards has its <a href="https://haywardsevents.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Autumn Evening Tasting Menu</a> on 26 Sept. For £85pp you get an arrival drink, amuse bouche, homemade bread, six seasonal tasting courses, pre-dessert and petit fours. Make sure you&#8217;re hungry. Just not to the hangry extent.



Roast dinner lovers prepare to be delighted: Down Hall has an <a href="https://www.downhall.co.uk/upcoming-events/sunday-feast" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Unlimited Sunday Feast</a> afternoon on 28 Sept. Ready to know what it&#8217;s all about? Prepare for a buffet of limitless seafood platters, lobster mac and cheese, pate, chutneys, salads and desserts. And also an unlimited Sunday roast with all the trimmings. Adults £55; kids age two to 12 £27.50; under twos eat free.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music">MUSIC</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1497" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/Menno-copy.jpg" alt="The Country Cafe Menno" class="wp-image-25519" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/Menno-copy.jpg 1497w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/Menno-copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/Menno-copy-1000x668.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2025/09/Menno-copy-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1497px) 100vw, 1497px" /></figure>



Country music has definitely having a moment – get in on the action at <a href="https://www.countrycafe.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Country Café</a>, Ingatestone. On Sat 20 Sept they have <a href="https://www.countrycafe.co.uk/tickets/p/a-night-with-menno-2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A Night with Menno</a>. The artist is making a short notice appearance, and tickets are just £10 – grab your chance to see him perform live.



Who says babies can&#8217;t get in on the music action? Kicking off on 22 Sept and running until June 2026, Chelmsford Theatre&#8217;s <a href="https://www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/event/baby-boogie-202526" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baby Boogie</a>&#8216;s a 30 min class to get your groove on with your newbie in tow. There&#8217;s also a <a href="https://www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/event/toddler-boogie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toddler Boogie</a> one, too.



At Southend&#8217;s Cliffs Pavilion on 24 Sept is <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/hospitality/the-jazz-mix-presents-sax-appeal-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Jazz Mix Presents: Sax Appeal</a>. Taking a break from touring with Jools Holland Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, saxophonist Derek Nash and other saxophonists&#8217;ll play everything from jazz to funk and more.



Last on our what&#8217;s on in Essex this September guide is the <a href="https://romanrivermusic.co.uk/whats-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roman River Music Festival</a>, it kicked off on 19 Sept with performers aplenty. We say check out <a href="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/wildarts/1672169?#:~:text=on%20gravel%20pathways.-,Concert%203,-%3A%20Friday%2026%20September" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orlando Jopling: Cello Suites</a> (Part III) on 26 Sept. Why?&nbsp;The third of three lunchtime recitals from Roman River&#8217;s Artistic Director, Orlando Jopling, listen to&nbsp;Bach’s&nbsp;Suite No. 5 in C minor, Giovanni Sollima’s&nbsp;Lamentatio, and Britten’s&nbsp;Third Cello Suite.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oops-you-missed-it">Oops you missed it</h2>



<a href="https://theinstitutebraintree-tickets.theinstitutebraintree.co.uk/ticketbooth/shows/1173654144" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Richard Jones: The Sound of Magic</a> was on 13 Sept at Braintree theatre The Institute. The first and only magician to win Britain&#8217;s Got Talent, there were unbelievable illusions a-plenty. Then we heard incredible tales from astronaut Tim Peake. His <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/other/tim-peake-astronauts-the-quest-to-explore-space-tour-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Quest To Explore Space Tour</a>, was on at Southend&#8217;s Cliffs on 14 Sept, including some pretty cool stories of fellow astronauts. 



Not that you need an excuse to head to <a href="https://www.braintree-village.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Braintree Village</a> (ahem it&#8217;s a shopping destination with more than 70 premium brands with up to 60% off), but the outlet held their first-ever FREE Street Food Festival on 6-7 Sept, with a weekend of cuisine, artisanal produce and music.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/venue/priory-park/">Southend&#8217;s Priory Park</a> had a <a href="https://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/event/taste-of-the-caribbean-food-drink-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taste of the Caribbean Food &amp; Drink Festival</a> also on 6 Sept. 



Sophie Ellis Bextor was at <a href="https://hylandsestate.co.uk/events/list/page/3/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBC Radio 2 Party in the Park</a>, 5-7 Sept at Hylands Park, alongside Stereophonics and Suede, and she also performed at <a href="https://colchester-events.co.uk/event/alb-festival-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester&#8217;s ALB Festival</a> (13-14 Sept).

Get out your diary! 25+ things to do in Essex this September

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