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="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/1-7.jpg" alt="Pride Essex What's on in Essex this June" class="wp-image-17033" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/1-7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/1-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/1-7-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Kicking off our what&#8217;s on in Essex this June is the <a href="https://wildarts.org.uk/essex-opera-festival" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Essex Opera Festival</a> at Colchester&#8217;s Layer Marney Tower on 18, 20, 22 or 23 June. The Essex-born, critically-acclaimed new opera company is bringing its production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute to the historic building. Fully staged in costume and sung in English by a cast of exceptional singers, there&#8217;s also an orchestra of 10 musicians of the highest calibre.



Speaking of festivals, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.essexbookfestival.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Essex Book Festival</a>&nbsp;also runs from 31 May-30 June. It’s worth checking out; with over 100 events across Essex. Recognised as one of the leading festivals of its kind, it sees writers and artists from all over the world take part.



Essex Pride is back at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.essexpride.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chelmsford’s Central Park</a>&nbsp;on 22 June. Steps&#8217; Claire Richards will be on The Pride Festival Stage as well as acts from Spice Forever, Cheryl Hole, Saski, Carrot and Malik. It&#8217;s their 20th anniversary, so don&#8217;t miss out showing your support.



Then there&#8217;s Thurrock Pride Festival 2024 on&nbsp;8 June&nbsp;which starts at&nbsp;9.30am&nbsp;with a&nbsp;Pride Celebration Walk&nbsp;at Purfleet Station. Events take place throughout the day, ending with the&nbsp;<a href="https://thameside-tickets.thamesidetheatre.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173655685" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Big Queer Cabaret&nbsp;</a>at&nbsp;Thameside Theatre.



On 23 June The Gardens of Easton Lodge have their <a href="https://www.eastonlodge.co.uk/event/june-open-day-our-tudors/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Our Tudors June Open Day</a>. It showcases the Tudor history of the Gardens, with activities including archery and basket weaving, plus music from the Colchester Waits.



Brentwood Connected runs their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bwdarttrail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brentwood Art Trail</a> from 1-30 June, featuring art on display in over 60 venues, as well as workshops, guided tours and artist markets.



<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="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/2-7.jpg" alt="Chelmsford Hylands Foodies Festival " class="wp-image-17034" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/2-7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/2-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/2-7-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Get those tums to Chelmsford’s Hylands Estate from 21-23 June for their <a href="https://foodiesfestival.com/events/chelmsford-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foodies Festival</a>. Here you can see MasterChef and Bake Off Champions, plus Michelin-starred and top local chefs in the Chefs&#8217; Theatre. There&#8217;s drinks to be sampled and tons for kids, plus headliners Blue, Westlife and Boyzone supergroup Boyzlife. <a href="https://foodies.seetickets.com/tour/foodies-festival?startdate=21-06-2024&amp;enddate=23-06-2024&amp;_gl=1*2y6v8w*_ga*MjQyNjU5NTg4LjE3MTU2MDA1MDU.*_ga_3GFLJXN9SH*MTcxNTYwMDUwNS4xLjAuMTcxNTYwMDUwNS42MC4wLjE2ODE5NDAzNTk." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tickets here</a>.



What do portrait painting, a tipple and drag have in common? This&nbsp;<a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/boozy-brushes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boozy Brushes</a>&nbsp;event, courtesy of Colchester’s Firstsite on 21 June. Learn to paint with artist and drag performer Sirena Hart and create your own portrait of Ariana Grande. One drink’s included, with more (and food) available to buy throughout.



28 June is <a href="https://www.creamteasociety.co.uk/national-cream-tea-day" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Cream Tea Day</a>, and us Essex folk do it best courtesy of <a href="https://www.tiptree.com/pages/tearooms" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tiptree Tea Rooms</a>&nbsp;on our doorstep. They’ve lots of locations to head to for sarnies, scones, clotted cream and their preserves, so book up fast.



Got space after that cream tea? Book for the <a href="https://www.sausageandciderfest.co.uk/southend" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sausage &amp; Cider Festival</a> at Southend&#8217;s Priory Park on 29 June. There’s 20 types of sausages to chomp on and 30 different ciders. And bands, plus fattest sausage/hottest chilli eating competitions. And Barrioke&#8217;s Shaun Williamson, AKA Barry from ’Enders back in the day,&nbsp;with his unique take on karaoke.



What else? There&#8217;s the <a href="https://braintreebeerfestival.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Braintree Real Ale Festival</a> from 6-8 June in, erm, Braintree. Harlow&#8217;s The Gibberd Garden also has their <a href="https://thegibberdgarden.co.uk/all-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beer Festival</a> on (15-16 June). Or come over all fancy and head to Colchester&#8217;s Three Wise Monkeys for their <a href="https://threewisemonkeyscolchester.com/events/french-wine-food-pairing-evening-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">French Wine &amp; Food Pairing</a> night on 18 June (£50pp).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-fitness">HEALTH &amp; FITNESS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/3-6.jpg" alt="Southend Half Marathon June 2024" class="wp-image-17035" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/3-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/3-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/3-6-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



What&#8217;s on in Essex this June when it comes to health and wellbeing? Quite a lot, we&#8217;ll have you know. First up is the <a href="https://hopefield.org.uk/book-vegan-wellness-day/">Vegan &amp; Wellness Day</a> at Brentwood&#8217;s Hopefield Animal Sanctuary (22 June). Back for its third year, there&#8217;s over 35 stalls from jewellers, charities, street food and artists, as well as guest speakers and workshops including yoga and tai chi. All that and inflatables and a soft play bus for kids.



Runner wanting to achieve your PB? The <a href="https://www.havenshospices.org.uk/support-us/events/southend-half-marathon-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southend Half Marathon</a> on 9 June is just what you&#8217;re looking for. Its 13.1 mile coastal course is fast, flat and traffic-free. And with every step, you help Havens Hospices fundraise for those living with incurable conditions.



For something different running-wise, go for the Colchester <a href="https://hare-tortoise-running.eventize.co.uk/e/outrun-2023-540" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hare &amp; Tortoise Running OutRun</a> race on 29 June. Choose either the six, 12 or 24 hour (hardcore!) event, where you or a team of up to six run around a 2.5 mile loop of mixed terrain&nbsp;footpaths, open grassed fields and woodland. We pity your toenails if opting for the 24 hour.



From one 24 hour race to another, with Chelmsford&#8217;s <a href="https://endurancecui.active.com/new/events/88732509/select-race?_p=0022787040799350233&amp;e4q=02b6a51c-4dec-46f9-80f1-355d9051b867&amp;e4p=0999e8f9-9a9a-4cf9-899c-1b93dc951df4&amp;e4ts=1715610337&amp;e4c=active&amp;e4e=snawe00000000&amp;e4rt=Safetynet&amp;e4h=d4d118634ada0697a045b54b8117a625&amp;error=login_required&amp;state=dab9f0d9-bcfe-48d3-b03e-0a1841b715af" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trifarm 24hr Swim Relay </a>on 29-30 June. Grab your swimming mates and swim, camp, and have fun while raising money to provide better access to swimming for children with disabilities. Good stuff.



Horse mad? Take your best mate (your horse) to Hatfield Heath&#8217;s Down Hall Hotel for their 16 June <a href="https://www.downhall.co.uk/upcoming-events/guided-hack" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Guided Hack event</a>. Explore over 110 acres at a leisurely pace but also with the opportunity to trot and canter in woodland and open fields. £55 per horse and rider; to book email <a href="mailto:Camilla.sheeley@gmail.com">camilla.sheeley@gmail.com</a>.



Health&#8217;s not just physical; you know that. If you or anyone you know&#8217;s in need of some mental support go to <a href="https://library-events.essex.gov.uk/event?id=126191" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Billericay Library</a> on 11 June from 1-5pm to meet volunteers from charity, Mind. There to assist or direct you to other support groups in the area, they are also there to simply listen.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-kids">FOR KIDS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/4-5.jpg" alt="Marsh Farm Toddler Festival 2024" class="wp-image-17036" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/4-5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/4-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/4-5-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



It&#8217;s a big year for Billericay&#8217;s <a href="https://www.barleylands.co.uk/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barleylands Farm Park</a>, who celebrate their 40th anniversary with a huge party on 30 June. Expect entertainment from Party Monsters, a massive foam gig plus all their usual activities. 



Interactive family theatre tour&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sambradshawproductions.com/current-productions/spots-birthday-party/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spot’s Birthday Party</a>&nbsp;(based on the Spot the Dog stories),comes to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chelmsford Theatre</a>&nbsp;on 2-3 June. The show, which promises songs and dance, is produced by the guys behind David Walliam’s&nbsp;Mr Stink, so it bodes well. For children 2+.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sambradshawproductions.com/current-productions/spots-birthday-party/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Book here</a>.



Ingatestone&#8217;s Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary has its <a href="https://www.remussanctuary.org/events/open-day-at-the-sanctuary-june/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Day</a> on 2 June. Pre-order a cream tea then enjoy singalong entertainment, face painting, magic and an appearance from Mickey Mouse. Adult £7; kids £5; £15 including your cream tea.



Kids want to get in on the rave action? Head to the<a href="https://www.ravertots.co.uk/event/raver-tots-outdoor-festival-maldon-promenade-essex-2023/">&nbsp;Raver Tots Outdoor Festival</a>&nbsp;in Maldon on 9 June. This family-friendly festival is suitable for all ages with a mix of garage, drum and bass. Think So Solid Crew, Artful Dodger, free funfair and Peppa Pig and you’re on the right track.



Marsh Farm, over in South Woodham Ferrers, has its <a href="https://www.marshfarm.co.uk/events/toddler-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Toddler Festival</a> on this month (15-23 June). It&#8217;s got the lot to keep little ones entertained, with animals, play area, crazy golf, hilltop play and bouncy pillows. Plus indoor animal area and soft play to escape our unpredictable weather. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music-amp-entertainment">MUSIC &amp; ENTERTAINMENT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/Untitled-design-3.jpg" alt="Elton John tribute Braintree theatre The Institute " class="wp-image-17039" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/Untitled-design-3.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/Untitled-design-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/05/Untitled-design-3-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Braintree theatre The Institute&#8217;s geared up for its <a href="https://theinstitutebraintree.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173644798" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ultra 90s v 2000s</a> dance event on 15 June. Think a trip back to the era of dance, UK garage, house, chart, club classics, drum n bass, trance and hip hop – but with live vocals and instruments, visuals, light show, dance routines and huge sound system. Groove is in the Heart, No Limits and Show Me Love? We&#8217;re there.



While you&#8217;re booking that, get ahead and nab tickets for <a href="https://theinstitutebraintree.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173639203" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Elton John Show</a> on 5 July. Flamboyant costumes; plus vocals that&#8217;ll have you believing the Rocket Man&#8217;s in the room. He&#8217;s not, but my, this guy&#8217;s as close to the real thing as you&#8217;re going to get.



Speaking of the theatre, go see <a href="https://www.sixchickflicks.com/events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Six Chick Flicks</a>, a hilarious send up of&nbsp;Titanic, Pretty Woman, Beaches, Legally Blonde, The Notebook&nbsp;and&nbsp;Dirty Dancing. It’s at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre on&nbsp;5 June so&nbsp;<a href="https://essex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on/review-six-chick-flicks-on-tour/">read our review</a>&nbsp;then book!



RHS Garden Hyde Hall has its <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/whats-on/hyde-hall-live" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Hyde Hall Live!</a> event on from 20-22 June. A programme of summer evening performances, bring your own seating and enjoy an evening of live music against the backdrop of the Winter Garden.



A 32-piece live orchestra and DJs and vocalists reimagining hits of the past 30 years? Book for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.summertimelive.co.uk/maldon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summertime Live’s Classic Ibiza</a>&nbsp;event at Maldon’s Promenade Park on&nbsp;7 June.



The next night sees Lisa Stansfield at Promenade Park on 8 June along with the Brand New Heavies and a host of other musicians and DJs courtesy of <a href="https://soultasia.com/event-essex-8th-june-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soultasia Essex 2024</a>.



Bubble, bets and Beverley (Knight)? Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://chelmsfordcityracecourse.com/the-racecourse/news/bananarama-headline-ladies-day-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">L</a><a href="https://chelmsfordcityracecourse.com/whats-on/ladies-day-2024-presented-by-champagne-collet-2404850" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adies Day at Chelmsford City Racecourse</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;20 June. Priced from £40, pop on a hat for a day of horse racing, Champers and dancing to a set from Denise van Outen before Bev makes her appearance.



We don’t know where to start with the amazing line-up at the <a href="https://www.thaxtedfestival.co.uk/concerts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thaxted Festival</a>. Kicking off on 21 June and running over dates until 14 July, there’s musicians including the London Mozart Players, as well as opera, cellists, pianists and oh-so-much more.

Joyful June! 30+ Essex things to see and do

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