Essex

ART: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgYlkfDq0ES/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Typewriter Workshop (opens in a new tab)">Typewriter Workshop</a>, Wonky Wheel Gallery, 3 August 1-3pm



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8695" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-3-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Calling all aspiring artists! Finchingfield’s super-cute gallery has teamed up with talented local artist James Cook to hold a quirky Typewriter Art (Google it – it’s very cool) Workshop. Cook, whose work has been featured on the likes of BBC and Sky News, will be on hand to teach you the basics as well as imparting his top typewriter tips. 



THEATRE: <a href="https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/alice-in-wonderland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Alice in Wonderland (opens in a new tab)">Alice in Wonderland</a>, Mercury Theatre, 2-14 August 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-31-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8711" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-31-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-31-copy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-31-copy-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-31-copy-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Fall down the rabbit hole at this modern-day theatre adaption of Lewis
Carroll’s classic novel. Adapted by Mike Kenny, one of England’s leading
playwrights, it’s (as expected) a truly weird and wonderful watch. A great,
screen-free activity for the sprogs this summer. 



EVENT: <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/rhs-garden-hyde-hall-flower-show" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">RHS Hyde Hall Flower Show</a>, 3-7 August 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8693" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-24-copy-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Know your dahlias from your dandelions? Up your green-fingered
game at Hyde Hall this August with over 60 nursery and trade exhibits to choose
from. Get top tips from the professionals and peruse your favourite blooms
while enjoying live music and tasty treats from courtesy of a pop-up BBQ. 



MUSIC: <a href="https://colchester-events.co.uk/event/simplyred/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Simply Red (opens in a new tab)">Simply Red</a>, Castle Park, 6 August



What could be better than Simply Red coming to Colchester? Erm, only blooming Gabrielle coming with them as their support act! Grab the hubby, your bestie or whoever will blummin&#8217; well come with you. This is a 90s extravaganza not to be missed. *Googles all Simply Red lyrics to belt out in the shower*



FOOD &amp; DRINK: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgZRF6qD3b1/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Glass Slipper After Dark (opens in a new tab)">The Glass Slipper After Dark</a>, Mad Dogs &amp; Englishmen, 12 August



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-32.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8704" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-32.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-32-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-32-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-32-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Ok, this is pretty cool. The hip Leigh-on-Sea tearoom has teamed
up with top local chef John Lawson for a one-off evening experience complete
with four-course menu, jazz music and typical Mad Dog surprises. Grab a ticket
before they’re gone. 



MUSIC: <a href="https://www.heritagelive.net/whats-on/elbow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Elbow (opens in a new tab)">Elbow</a>, Audley End House, 13 August



One for the cool kids. The Manchester-born rock band is heading to
Saffron Walden for an eagerly-anticipated, one-off gig in the stunning grounds
of Audley End House. From classic anthems to a taster from their new album,
expect an all-round top night of musical entertainment. 



FITNESS: <a href="https://www.markshall.org.uk/whatsonevent/morning-yoga/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Morning Yoga (opens in a new tab)">Morning Yoga</a>, Mark’s Hall Estate, 14 August 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Yoga-Sunset-3-1000x667.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-8696" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Yoga-Sunset-3-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Yoga-Sunset-3-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Yoga-Sunset-3-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Yoga-Sunset-3-787x525.jpeg 787w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Yoga-Sunset-3.jpeg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Where better to get your zen on than in the beautifully-landscaped
gardens of Mark’s Hall. Reset and relax in the shade of the arboretum in the 90
minute-session (suitable for all abilities) run by Little Yoga Studio then head
to the Orchard Kitchen Café for a well-earned caffeine fix. 



MUSIC: <a href="https://www.heritagelive.net/whats-on/tom-jones" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Tom Jones (opens in a new tab)">Tom Jones</a>, Audley End House, 14 August



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Tom-Jones.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8701" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Tom-Jones.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Tom-Jones-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Tom-Jones-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Tom-Jones-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



What’s new pussycat? Oh, just the legend that is Sir Tom Jones
performing in the grounds of Audley End House &amp; Gardens. As part of this summer’s
Heritage Live concerts, the Welsh icon will be joined by The Shires (aka the UK’s
best-selling country act) for an incredible evening of music. Get booking while
there’s still tickets left!



CINEMA: <a href="https://www.thelunacinema.com/venue/hyde-hall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Bohemian Rapsody (opens in a new tab)">Bohemian Rapsody</a>, Hyde Hall, 16 August



Grab the picnic blanket and the ‘picky bits&#8217; for an evening under the stars this summer. The Luna Cinema returns to Hyde Hall with its fab open-air cinema evenings and Rami Malek’s performance as Freddie Mercury is not to be missed. Plus, it’s a great excuse to knock back a wine or two while belting out some Queen classics. Just a standard Saturday night, right?



FAMILY: <a href="https://www.audley-end-railway.co.uk/events/summer-festival-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Enchanted Summer Adventure (opens in a new tab)">Enchanted Summer Adventure</a>, Audley End Miniature Railway, until 4 September



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Audley-End.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8712" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Audley-End.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Audley-End-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Audley-End-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Audley-End-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



All aboard the Audley End summer train! From magical fairy and elf
walks to bug hunting and story-telling, expect the usual fabulous fun day out
at this local family favourite. And, of course, there’s the epic wooden
playground to tire out the kiddos before bedtime. &nbsp;



FAMILY: <a href="https://www.writtlemaizemaze.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Writtle Maize Maze (opens in a new tab)">Writtle Maize Maze</a>, open now



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Writtle-Maize-Maze.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8698" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Writtle-Maize-Maze.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Writtle-Maize-Maze-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Writtle-Maize-Maze-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Writtle-Maize-Maze-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Ok, I’m not ashamed to admit that last year I may or may not have
needed a little help getting out of the maze (yes, I am that
embarrassing parent). So, this year I will be redeeming myself (I hope) at the
cutely-themed butterfly and bumblebee maze. The kids will have a blast navigating
their way around and you can chill with an ice cream and a coffee if you don’t
fancy the embarrassment. 



FAMILY: <a href="https://www.dinosaursinthepark.co.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0JiXBhCFARIsAOSAKqDmBYjCHxZHb-ZbfHuPEPyj3ralAfHK03gBmchf4yAluLztj-eloCYaAvjZEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Dinosaurs in the Park (opens in a new tab)">Dinosaurs in the Park</a>, Hylands, 18 August 



A roarsome (sorry, not sorry) event for the Mudlings this summer. Whether
they’re a T-rex or Triceratops fan, there’s a dino to delight every aspiring palaeontologist
with 35 life-sized, moving and roaring dinosaurs dotted around the park. Anyone
else getting Jurassic Park vibes? 



ART: <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/the-singh-twins-in-conversation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Singh Twins in Conversation (opens in a new tab)">The Singh Twins in Conversation</a>, Firstsite, 21 August 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Singh-Sisters.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8702" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Singh-Sisters.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Singh-Sisters-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Singh-Sisters-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Singh-Sisters-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The art gallery’s
current Slaves of Fashion exhibition has been extended to include a live
Q&amp;A with the artists and Emily Hannam, Project Curator for South Asia at
the British Museum. From the Empire and enslavement to conflict and luxury
consumerism, the Singh Twins will explore the narratives behind their incredible
and eclectic show. &nbsp;



FAMILY: <a href="https://southendtheatres.org.uk/online/tickets-fireman-sam-southend-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Fireman Sam Live (opens in a new tab)">Fireman Sam Live</a>, Palace Theatre, 22 August



Oh Norman! Fireman Sam is coming to Southend City this summer with
all your favourite Pontypandy characters. This time, there’s a tiger on the
loose (eek) and Fireman Sam has to save the day (and the circus). Little ones
can sing, dance and even learn to be a fire fighter-cadet. 



CINEMA: <a href="https://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events/adventure-cinema-presents-mamma-mia-brekb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="West Side Story (opens in a new tab)">West Side Story</a>, Hedingham Castle, 23 August 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="500" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/West-Side-story.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-8699" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/West-Side-story.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/West-Side-story-800x400.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/West-Side-story-768x384.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/West-Side-story-900x450.jpeg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Spielberg in the grounds of a
castle? Erm, yes please. Book a babysitter and watch Tony and Maria fall in
love all over again in this modern remake of the classic musical. Top tip: book
the VIP tickets for actual seats. *Cue smug face*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 



FAMILY:<a href="https://southendtheatres.org.uk/online/tickets-jurassic-earth-southend-2022" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" Jurassic Earth Live (opens in a new tab)"> Jurassic Earth Live</a>, Cliffs Pavilion, 24 August 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-31.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8705" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-31.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-31-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-31-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Untitled-design-31-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



There seems to be a bit of a dino theme happening this summer but
we’re here for it. This immersive and interactive show will have the kids (and big
kids) out of their seats roaring along with state-of-the-art animatronic
life-like dinosaurs. Fun for all the family, it gets a big tick for entertainment
and education. Winning at parent life. &nbsp;



FOOD &amp; DRINK: <a href="https://en-gb.facebook.com/BrightlingseaFoodAndDrinkFestival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Brightlingsea Food &amp; Drink Festival (opens in a new tab)">Brightlingsea Food &amp; Drink Festival</a>, 26-28 August 



We love a good food festival and this lovely little local event –
now in its sixth year – has something for everyone. Think street food, a real
ale marquee (showcasing local breweries), a Prosecco bar, live music, crafts
and gifts. Plus, there’s a bouncy castle and ice cream for the kiddos – who get
free entry FYI.



FAMILY: <a href="https://www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Day out with Thomas (opens in a new tab)">Day out with Thomas</a>, East Anglian Railway, 27-29 August



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Thomas-the-Tank.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-8700" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Thomas-the-Tank.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Thomas-the-Tank-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Thomas-the-Tank-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2022/07/Thomas-the-Tank-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Now, this is a bang-for-your-buck kind of day. From unlimited rides with Thomas, Percy and Daisy and a Rusty &amp; Dusty Show to live story-telling sessions with Sir Topham Hatt, the sprogs will not have time to get bored at this railway event. That’s not all. There’s also a train-themed playground, a miniature railway and other Thomas-themed activities and giveaways. Phew.

Diaries out! What’s on in Essex this month

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