Essex

Phone diaries at the ready! We&#8217;ve a multitude of July Essex things to do, from art exhibitions and bottomless fizz to music acts that have been going so long they&#8217;re super-cool again. Scroll, book and enjoy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-amp-exhibitions">ART &amp; EXHIBITIONS</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hylands-estate"><a href="https://hylandsestate.co.uk/events/hylands-estate-open-day-6/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hylands Estate</a></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/22/2023/06/4-1.jpg" alt="Hylands House July Open Day" class="wp-image-12694" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/4-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/4-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/4-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/4-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



First on our July Essex things to do is head to&nbsp;<a href="https://hylandsestate.co.uk/events/hylands-open-estate-day-6/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chelmsford’s Hylands House</a> 21 July Open Day. Start with their &#8216;events through the years at Hylands Estate’ exhibit, then enjoy kids&#8217; activities in the banqueting room. The Stables are open to explore artist and designer work, and there&#8217;s live music in the courtyard. Come hungry, as there&#8217;s street food available – plus Hawthorn Heavy Horses provide estate carriage rides throughout the day.



You should also check out Southend&#8217;s Beecroft Art Gallery for their <a href="https://www.southendmuseums.co.uk/exhibitions/toma---energy-console" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TOMA – Energy console exhibit</a> (until 14 July). Here you see work that explores a range of themes such as disability, science fiction, motherhood, the body and more.



Colchester way? Wladyslaw Mirecki has his collection of paintings for sale now until 8 Sept over at <a href="https://www.chappelgalleries.co.uk/exhibitions-11/waj-mirecki/waj-mirecki-leaves.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chappel Galleries</a>. 



Then just up/down (no idea what&#8217;s the correct saying) the road is Firstsite&#8217;s <a href="https://firstsite.uk/event/concrete-dreams-just-cant-get-enough/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Concrete Dreams: Just Can&#8217;t Get Enough</a> free showing until 10 Nov. Presented 75 years after Basildon was designated a &#8216;New Town&#8217;, it explore the experiences of those who moved there and the communities affected by such developments.



Over in Manningtree, from now until 31 Aug you&#8217;ve North House Gallery&#8217;s <a href="https://northhousegallery.co.uk/art-exhibition/artist/north-house-gallery/25th-anniversary-summer-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">25th Anniversary Summer Show</a> featuring work by some of the artists they enjoyed working with over the years. 



And check out Great Braxted&#8217;s Sculpt Gallery and their <a href="https://www.sculptgallery.com/exhibitions/209/the-abstract-figure-maurice-blik-gus-farnes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Abstract Figure</a> exhibit (until 6 July), which explores new abstract bronzes by figurative sculptures,&nbsp;Maurice Blik PPRSS, and rising Suffolk sculptor,&nbsp;Gus Farnes.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-jesus-christ-superstar-with-julian-clary"><a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/musical/jesus-christ-superstar-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jesus Christ Superstar with Julian Clary</a></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/22/2024/06/1-7.jpg" alt="Jesus Christ Superstar with Julian Clary" class="wp-image-17294" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/06/1-7.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/06/1-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/06/1-7-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Entertainment wise, when it comes to July Essex things to do visit Southend&#8217;s Cliffs Pavilion from 9-13 July for <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/musical/jesus-christ-superstar-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jesus Christ Superstar</a>. With&nbsp;Julian Clary&nbsp;as Herod (Thurs, Fri and Sat),&nbsp;Ian McIntosh as Jesus,&nbsp;Shem Omari James&nbsp;as Judas and&nbsp;Hannah Richardson as Mary, this reimagined production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival.



Frinton’s McGrigor Hall has plenty of things to watch, but we say see <a href="https://fst-odes.co.uk/products/view/29/the-winslow-boy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Winslow Boy</a> (23-27 July); a play about young Ronnie, sent home from college after being accused of stealing a five shilling postal order. 



To Colchester now, with the 70th anniversary of <a href="https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/the-mousetrap-70th-anniversary-tour/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Agatha Christie&#8217;s The Mousetrap</a> tour headed to the Mercury Theatre (16-20 July). Or, for the little ones, there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/the-tiger-who-came-to-tea-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tiger Who Came To Tea</a> (26 to 28 July), complete with lots of magic, and lots of songs. And a real-life tiger (OK, so a grown up in a tiger costume).



Over at Halstead, Hedingham Castle’s hosting two crackers for you to pick from (we say do both). First is <a href="https://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events/the-importance-of-being-ernest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Importance of Being Earnest</a> on 10 July, with best friends Jack and Algy creating alter-egos to win the affections of their beloveds. Then there&#8217;s Shakespeare&#8217;s <a href="https://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events/as-you-like-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">As You Like It </a>on 31 July. Both plays are set in the grounds, with the Castle encouraging you to take a picnic and make a night of it.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colchester-city-carnival"><a href="https://www.colchestercitycarnival.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester City Carnival</a></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/22/2024/06/2-6.jpg" alt="Colchester City Carnival 2024" class="wp-image-17295" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/06/2-6.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/06/2-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/06/2-6-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Held on 13 July, the <a href="https://www.colchestercitycarnival.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">City Carnival</a> is a procession by the community for the community. Prepare to be wowed by 45 communities representing 25 nationalities in a parade of traditional costume, music and plenty of carnival atmosphere. Kicking off at Circular Road North, it eventually hits the High Street to the Firstsite gallery where there&#8217;s food, dance, art and more celebrations. 



Kids want to be mesmerised while you chill/are also mesmerised? There&#8217;s <a href="https://trafalgartickets.com/cliffs-pavilion-southend/en-GB/event/family/madagascar-the-musical-tickets" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madagascar The Musical</a> on at the Cliffs from 1-4 Aug. We also love the sound of <a href="https://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events/wind-in-the-willows" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wind in the Willows</a> at Hedingham Castle on 24 July. Marsh Farm is also ready and waiting (well, nearly) with their <a href="https://www.marshfarm.co.uk/events/bubble-n-bop/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bubble ’n Bop event</a> (23 July-1 Sept), complete with foam parties, train rides and animals. 



Speaking of animals, Brentwood charity Remus Horse Sanctuary has its <a href="https://www.remussanctuary.org/events/open-day-at-the-sanctuary-july/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Day &amp; Dog Show</a> on 7 July, with 200+ animals, stalls, face painting and close up magic. You could also head to another charity event, Havering&#8217;s <a href="http://Essex Family Fest!https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/essex-family-fest-2024-tickets-850864327107" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Essex Family Fest</a> on 14 July. Run in aid of Mind in Havering, Barking and Dagenham, there&#8217;s shows and tribute acts, dinosaurs, animals, fun fair, kids&#8217; zone, stalls and more.



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cork-house-bottomless-bubbles-amp-old-skool-garage"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/898088498621312" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cork House Bottomless Bubbles &amp; Old Skool Garage</a></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/22/2023/06/23.jpg" alt="The Cork House Stansted Mountfitchet Bottomless Prosecco " class="wp-image-12723" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/23.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/23-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/23-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2023/06/23-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Bottomless bubbles are always a hit in Muddy Essex HQ – hence this being on our&nbsp;July Essex things to do.&nbsp;Stansted Mountfitchet’s <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/898088498621312" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cork House is in on the action</a> with this 20 July event. On from 3:30-5:30pm, you get unlimited bubbles or beer and a selection of tapas. And all with the best Garage bangers while you enjoy your boozy brunch.



This one&#8217;s different – but in a good way. Colchester&#8217;s Other Monkey Brewing has a <a href="https://othermonkeybrewing.com/events/brinner-taster-evening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brinner Tasting Evening</a> (nope, that wasn&#8217;t a typo). Held on 17 July, enjoy your favourite breakfast dishes – for dinner – paired perfectly with craft beer.



Afternoon tea fan? RHS Garden Hyde Hall&#8217;s got a <a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall/viewevent?EFID=4581&amp;ESRC=CMS" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tasty one all set</a> for 14 July. It&#8217;s £26.50 for their Classic option/kids up to 12 £15.95, or £31 for the Prosecco variety. We&#8217;ll see you at the bubbles.



Markshall Arboretum &amp; Gardens has a <a href="https://www.markshall.org.uk/whatsonevent/summer-bbq/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summer BBQ</a> to book for 20 July. There&#8217;s meat, veggie and vegan dishes, garden games, live music and lots of summer drinks available at the bar. 



Or why not get wined and dined at Chelmsford&#8217;s Pig &amp; Whistle restaurant? They&#8217;ve <a href="https://www.pigandwhistlechelmsford.uk/summer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Taste Of Summer event</a> on 18 July with seven courses that, you guessed it, celebrate the flavours of summer.



Moving on to the flavours of Spanish summer (well pretty much all year round). Saffron Walden&#8217;s Sparrows End Farm Shop have their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C66lqo2I3sW/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">annual paella evening</a> set for 7 July. £30pp, with a chef flying over from Spain to cook it!



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lumos-love-sunset-candle-experience"><a href="https://bookings.kaboodle.co.uk/book/21844/ticket" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lumos Love Sunset Candle Experience</a></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/22/2024/06/3-5.jpg" alt="Lumos Love Sunset Candle Experience" class="wp-image-17296" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/06/3-5.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/06/3-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/essex/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2024/06/3-5-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Held at Chelmsford&#8217;s Hylands Estate on 5 July, this <a href="https://lumoslive.co.uk/listing/sunset-candlelight-experience-in-essex🕯%EF%B8%8Fcoldplay-hans-zimmer-taylor-swift🎶/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sunset Candlelight Experience</a> is the UK’s first independent illuminating concert experience. It&#8217;s a three-hour long performance from a string trio playing the best hits from Hans Zimmer, Taylor Swift and Coldplay – but with over three thousand LED candles. Bar and food vendors available, too.



Ocean Colour Scene, Cast, Embrace and The View float your boat? They&#8217;re all playing at <a href="https://colchester-events.co.uk/event/summer-sundays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colchester Castle Park&#8217;s Summer Sundays event</a> on 14 July.



Mental health charity Mind in Havering, Barking and Dagenham have also pulled out all the stops for <a href="https://www.essexfest.co.uk/essex-pop-fest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Essex Pop Fest</a> on 12 July, with live performances from Atomic Kitten, Gareth Gates, East 17, Big Brovaz and Booty Luv.



Returning on 26-27 July at Burnham on Crouch&#8217;s Creeksea Place Farm, the <a href="https://parlour-cafe.co.uk/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Midsummer Music Festival</a> has a brilliant line up of singers and bands, local food vendors, beer tent, cocktail bar and fun for the kids.



In need of more July Essex things to do? The Rocket Man (well not quite; the next best thing) is at Braintree Theatre The Institute on 5 July with <a href="https://theinstitutebraintree.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173639203" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Elton John Show</a>. Or head to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wivenhoehouse.co.uk/event/wivenhoe-live-summer-bbq/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wivenhoe House</a>&nbsp;for music and food, starting on 14 July and running every Sunday until 1 Sept. Costing £32.95pp, book your spot and enjoy a BBQ, garden games and performances by local musicians.

Oh hi, July! 30 July Essex things to do

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