A summer programme of free and low-cost events, exhibitions and festivals launches this week.
The events are made possible by our Arts and Cultural Fund. The fund supports the county’s cultural and creative sector.
Events available this summer include:
- community activities
- music festivals
- food festivals
- gallery exhibitions
- digital workshops
For food lovers, the Colchester Rice and Spice Festival at Firstsite is on 24 June. The free, one day event takes place between 12pm and 5pm.
For lovers of literature, on 25 June there will be a free book festival called Midsummer Madness. This is an Essex Book Festival event and takes place at Cressing Temple Barns.
From 23 June to 9 July the Maldon Festival offers a fortnight of art and music. This year it has a coronation theme.
Music lovers can also attend the Thaxted Festival between 16 June and 9 July. The town’s church will host a range of renowned professional musicians and artists.
In Harlow the ‘Our Community, Our Environment’ project will launch. It will see 12 artists run workshops with over 25 local schools.
Councillor Graham Butland, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for the Arts, Heritage and Culture, said:
“We are delighted that people can enjoy a huge range of arts and cultural events and exhibitions thanks to our Arts and Cultural Fund.
“With such a wide range of free and low-cost events, exhibitions and festivals there really is something for everyone.”
Take a look at the full list of events in the Essex Summer of Culture Guide 2023.