Clacton Air Show is an annual attraction in Essex.

What’s on in Essex 2024

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Essex combines a spectacular coastline and long stretches of sand with a range of exciting events to make it holiday destination like few others. 

The short drive from the hustle and bustle of London and the other Home Counties makes our park at Orchards a great place to base yourself and the family at any time of the year. To help you decide when to go, we’ve picked out the best events in the Essex calendar. Here’s what’s on in Essex in 2024.

Year-round

Year-round

Not sure when to head to Essex? Here are some events that happen all-year round 

St Osyth Beach Sunday Market 

Where: Beach Road, St Osyth, Clacton-On-Sea, Essex CO16 8TB 

When: Every Sunday. (Every Wednesday too during school summer holidays) 

St Osyth Beach Sunday Market is a great day out browsing for some bargains. Steps from the seafront and surrounded by amusements, a café, fish and chip shops and a play park, it’s suitable for all the family. With over 100 car parking spaces, it’s a practical option too. 

Clacton Seafront parkrun 

Where: Clacton Seafront, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO15 1NB 

When: Every Saturday at 9am 

Everyone is welcome at Clacton Seafront parkrun. This inclusive event is suitable for everyone, regardless of how fast you are. Buggies and dogs are also welcome! The 5k event happens on a weekly basis and is FREE to enter. Just head to parkrun UK’s website to register and get your barcode for the event.

March-May and August through to 2025

Colchester United football matches 

When: Generally, every other Saturday, with some Tuesday night matches too 

Where: JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester CO4 5UP 

Colchester are a much-loved local club plying their trade in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. With a smart, modern stadium conveniently located next to the A12, a match here is always an entertaining and affordable day out with the kids.

June

June

Creamfields South

When: 2-4 June, 2024 

Where: Hylands Park, Kings Farm, Margaretting Rd, Writtle, Chelmsford CM1 3PJ 

The world-famous electronic music festival’s second UK base goes from strength to strength and returns again in 2024 at Hylands Park in Chelmsford, the former venue of V Festival. Huge names like Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Becky Hill and Fatboy Slim have already been confirmed for this musical extravaganza. With more set to join them, check back and pencil this into your 2024 diary!

The Nearly Festival, Suffolk

When: 21 June

Where: Trinity Park Conference & Events Centre, Felixstowe Rd, Ipswich IP3 8UH

Head just over the Suffolk border to Ipswich to enjoy a day and night of tribute acts. Last year's treat in Colchester paid homage to everyone from Bob Marley to Bruno Mars. There are loads of Nearly Festival events in the region, so have a search, pick one that best suits and get ready for a song and dance!

Discover breaks in Essex

Orchards self catering holidays

Orchards Holiday Village, Essex

4 nights from £49

August

August

Clacton Airshow 

When: 23-24 August

Where: Clacton Seafront, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1NW 

This free airshow has been part of the fabric in Clacton for over 30 years. Step onto the seafront and enjoy the sight of everything from the Red Arrows to Battle of Britain Memorial aircraft in what is an unmissable experience. The airshow runs over two days so check its itinerary and head down to shore early to secure the best spot.

September

September

Chappel 2023 Beer Festival 

When: TBC (September 5-9 in 2023) 

Where: East Anglian Railway Museum, Station Road, Wakes Colne, Near Colchester, Essex, CO6 2DS 

Taking place in the East Anglian Railway Museum, The Chappel Beer Festival draws in beer fans with its delicious food and drink offerings, as well as its live music and impressive setting. Grab your mates and join in this relaxed festival.

Start planning your Great British break

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