When it comes to amazing events in Essex, you’re spoilt for choice in 2025. Annual highlights in the cultural calendar like Essex Book Festival are bolstered by exciting newcomers like Chelmsford City Live 2025. As the new year hits, we’re taking a look at what’s ahead. What a roster of amazing events we have to look forward to. There’s something for everyone, from Lego enthusiasts to foodie fanatics to music lovers. Across the county, there is a diverse range of unmissable events to look forward to. Here are a few of our favourites:
15th March 2025
If you love all things Lego, Southend Brick Festival is the place to be. Perfect for families, collectors and builders young or old, there are so many activities on offer - speed building competitions, large-scale displays, retired LEGO sets and dedicated building area. You get a free LEGO gift on entry too!
18th May 2025
Running events in Essex don’t come any more unique than Colchester Zoo’s 10K. The ‘stampede’ will start within the Zoo’s 60 acres of parkland before heading out onto closed roads. If you’re in need of some inspiration to start running again in 2025, this just might be it.
25th May 2025
Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome’s signature event is unmissable for anyone who’s into - well - wings and wheels. The museum’s own vintage aircraft will take the skies alongside a number of guest aircraft that have flown in from various parts of the UK. On the ground, wander among hundreds of classic cars. Our advice? Book in early!
21st June 2025
Island Fest is a highlight in the Southend event calendar and for good reason. An all-day arts festival celebrating the best local talent in live music, dance and visual art. A diverse line-up of bands, solo artists and DJs take to the stage alongside captivating dance performances and stunning art exhibits.
20th - 22nd June 2025
Essex foodie fans - there’s only one place to go in 2025: the Foodies Festival. A quality line-up of Michelin star chefs, TV foodie competition winners and delicious food & drink is heading to Chelmsford - plus some toe-tapping live music to boot. Watch top international and local chefs whip up their signature dishes, go hands-on with Cook School lessons and boogie on down at the Silent Disco.
4th - 6th July
In 2025, Chelmsford is getting a major new music festival over at the racecourse. Global superstars Justin Timberlake, Duran Duran and Nile Rodgers & CHIC will be performing alongside Blue, Lemar and local Essex boy Olly Murs. Set over one amazing weekend, there will also be bars and stalls serving up drinks and street food the whole time.
25th - 27th July
If you like your music festivals with a side of craft beverages, you’re in luck. Lazydays in Southend is a fully independent music and craft drinks event all about building community and supporting local breweries, distilleries and businesses. Headlining at Priory Park are dance music icons Example, Peter Doherty of The Libertines and Soul II Soul. It’s set to send Southend alight!
15th - 17th and 21st - 23rd August 2025
If there’s one event in Essex that is truly unmissable, it’s the Colchester Castle Summer Series. An impressive lineup of top UK artists are coming to Essex, set in the beautiful surrounds of Colchester Castle. Pop-punk legends Busted, reggae icons UB40, 90s indie greats Happy Mondays and more will make for two thrilling weekends featuring something for everyone.
Dates to be announced.
Celebrating the book in all its forms, this festival has been a highlight event in Essex’s cultural calendar since 1999. Writers and artists from across the globe take part of activities and events that span breadth of Essex. From Basildon Library to Chelmsford Cathedral to Jaywick Martello Tower, there are 100+ literary events to find and get stuck into.
With so many unmissable events in Essex across 2025, you’ll need somewhere central to stay. The White Hart offers unrivalled service in a historic building that has been home to hospitality for over 500 years. After a day out experiencing the best of Essex, rest your head in luxurious comfort in one of our 13 five gold star bedrooms.
Every stay with us will have true hospitality at its ‘hart’.