
What’s on in Essex 2024
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 The 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

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

Creamfields South
When: June 2-4, 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: June 21
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!
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

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.