VISIT Essex, the county’s tourism organisation, is shining a light on the standout festivals and cultural events taking place in 2026. From top festivals with headline acts including Alanis Morisette, Fat Boy Slim and Tinie Tempah to the much-loved Maldon Mud Race and Clacton Air Show, there’s something for everyone!
Lisa Bone, Strategic Tourism Manager, Visit Essex, says: “There’s so many events to see and do in Essex this year. Whether you’re into opera, folk, rock, shanty or hip hop there’s a music festival just for you. There’s also a wide range of cultural events, so treat yourself, book your tickets, get a date in the diary and give yourself something to look forward to.”
The top 10 festivals and events in Essex are:
Essex Book Festival (28 May – 28 June)
The Essex Book Festival promises to reach the parts other festivals don’t! And with their line-up of bestselling and award-winning novelists, such as Sarah Perry and Gyles Brandreth, book lovers can enjoy a series of events in unusual places across Essex. Check out two masters of football writing Jonathan Wilson and Simon Kuper at Colchester Community Stadium. Or take a gentle poetry walk in Purfleet with local poet Rachel Morgan. Events are individually priced, some free.
Essex Summer Opera Festival (5-7 June)
Wild Arts brings the Essex Summer Opera Festival back to the stunning surrounds of Layer Marney Tower, near Colchester, for a fifth year. This year offers Mozart’s ‘The Marriage of Figaro’, a comic opera of intrigue, secret lovers and clever disguises. The event promises to be a whirlwind of joyous music and sparkling theatrical mischief and the perfect summer treat. Tickets are from £85 or £42.50 for under 25s.
Leigh Folk Festival (25-28 June)
Leigh Folk Festival is a four-day celebration of community, creativity and music. Set amongst the charming backdrop of Leigh on Sea, visitors can experience music, dance, street food, craft beer, art, spoken word and theatre. Tickets are free.
State Fayre, Hylands Park, Chelmsford (26-28 June)
Rock up to Chelmsford’s Hylands Park this summer to see world-class acts in the city’s beautiful park. The State Fayre is a new rock, country, folk and Americana festival and promises to be the UK’s largest music and barbecuing festival. Headlining is Alanis Morisette, Kings of Leon and The Lumineers. Tickets are priced from £55 (teen) and £105 (adult).
Lazy Days Festival (24-26 July)
Join a weekend of music and craft drinks at Priory Park, Southend where visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of headline acts, such as Tinie Tempah, Feeder and Sister Sledge Live plus special guests The Feeling and Natalie Imbruglia. Relax by the coast, soak up the summer vibes and enjoy a lazy day. Day tickets are priced from £54.95.
Audley End House and Gardens (6-9 August)
Set in the beautiful grounds of Audley End House and Gardens this year’s Heritage Live series sees big names hitting the historic setting. Revellers can dance to Faithless, enjoy Pete Tong’s Ibiza orchestra, listen to The Streets or party with Scissor Sisters. Tickets are from £64.15 (adult), £40.50 (child).
Colchester Castle Series (20-23 and 27-29 August)
Set in Colchester’s picturesque Castle Park this year’s series of concerts offers Billy Ocean, Becky Hill, JLS, Bastille, Richard Ashcroft and supergroup Hollywood Vampires, which will see the likes of Johnny Depp and Alice Cooper take to the stage. The series provide an intimate festival-like experience in the heart of Colchester’s historic city. General admission from £56.70.
Clacton Air Show (27-28 August)
Eyes to the skies for this annual fun family event! Watch with wonder as historic planes and aerobatic pilots take flight along Clacton’s popular seafront. Expect crowds lining the much-loved ‘Sunshine Coast’ as Lancaster Bombers and mighty Mustangs take flight. Entry is free.
Chelmsford Summer Series (28-29 August)
Central Park takes centre stage for two-nights of music over the bank holiday as noughties big hitters Sugababes and McFly headline. Support acts include Melanie C with a DJ set, plus The Ordinary Boys and Twin Atlantic.
Harwich International Shanty Festival (9-11 October)
There’s no better time than to explore historic Harwich than during the Harwich International Shanty Festival. Expect pirates, accordions galore and the enchanting sound of shanty song among the town’s pubs, parks and Ha’penny Pier. Many performances are free-of-charge.
To discover more events, go to www.visitessex.com.
