There’s always something going on in Essex! From village fêtes to food festivals, outdoor theatre to agricultural shows, our county has events to suit all tastes. As an Essex local, I try to get out and support these community happenings as much as I can.
Last summer I attended the Great Bardfield Apple Day, held on the village green under autumnal oak trees dripping with leafy splendour. The sweet aroma of just-baked apple pies wafted from the WI tent as a jazz band struck up a tune and morris dancers in white flannels clicked their sticks. Locals browsed homemade jams, ciders and delicately embroidered quilts whilst children giggled climbing the hay bales and getting their faces painted. I sampled several ciders before purchasing a bag of ruby red Bardfield apples – nothing beats the flavour of a real Essex apple!
Essex is peppered with little vilages, each with their own quirks and customs. Wimbish is renowned for its Scarecrow Festival, all created by hand by enthusiastic villagers. There’s an endearingly ramshackle charm to these patchwork personalities guarding floral cottage gardens. I’ll never forget the year they erected over 300 scarecrows throughout the village! annual May Day dances around the maypole on the village greens, the sound of local Morris men’s bells jingling as their clogs stamp rhythmically. whether in Aldham or Elmdon, these traditions connect us to past generations.
One unmissable annual event is the RHS Flower Show at Hyde Hall. A horticultural heaven for green-fingered guests, when those gates open it’s like the Chelsea Flower Show on your doorstep without the hassle. The vibrant colours and delicate perfumes of countless blooms are a feast for the senses. Hyde Hall’s own enormous orchid festival is also a must-see, with exotic species and vibrant hybrids lit up like precious jewels. For garden lovers like myself it’s paradise!
Of course no summer is complete without a few festivals featuring great music, food and merriment! Folk on the Farm down in Epping has a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with local cask ales and adult appreciators of folk music swapping instruments around campfires. Meanwhile the Sunset Festival at Saint Osyth beach draws party-goers from across the region to dance the night away on the sand to DJ sets as the sky melts through pinks and peaches.
As the leaves turn russet and days shorten, nothing beats huddling around a glowing brazier toasting marshmallows at a fireworks display. Pretty pottery town Thaxted hosts a dazzling one every Guy Fawkes night. Wrapped up in woollies against the chill, gasps turn to cheers as rockets burst in glittering rings or fizzing fish shapes above the 15th century guildhall. Then a stop at The Swan to warm up with mulled wine!
Before Christmas the sparkling white façade of stately home Cressing Temple Barns make the perfect backdrop for their traditional festive market. Wander through the Tudor barns draped in ivy admiring handcrafted wreaths, toys and decorations whilst warming your hands around mugs of spiced apple juice and listening to carol singers. Blustery winter walks are all the more magical when the cold nips your cheeks.
As you can see, living in Essex means events on my doorstep to connect with the community, appreciate nature’s calendar and make memories with loved ones. Whether enjoying a simple village fête with tea and cake or soaking up the atmosphere at a vibrant festival, there’s so much this county has to offer. Now – where’s my diary? I have some events to pencil in for 2023!