Festivals in and Around Chelmsford

If you are moving house to Chelmsford, then you are coming to a city which has a thriving economy with excellent links to London, while the beautiful Essex countryside is also on your doorstep. You can also enjoy a range of festivals and events catering for a variety of ages and tastes.

As a leading Chelmsford removal company, at Greens Removals we offer a top-quality, professional removals service to and from the city, whether you are moving from another part of Essex or any other part of the UK.  Here is our guide to five of the city’s principal festivals.

V Festival

The most famous of Chelmsford’s festivals, this modern music extravaganza gets its name from main sponsors Virgin. It is a weekend event held at two venues. Hylands Park, Chelmsford, has been the mainstay since the festival was first held in 1996; the second location has changed over the years, with Weston Park, South Staffordshire, the current host. The festival regularly attracts more than 150,000 music-lovers to Essex in late August.

The acts play at both venues over two days. Many of the pop world’s big names have appeared on stage at Hylands Park over the years, including Pulp, Blur, Kylie Minogue, Coldplay, Oasis and Rihanna. There are several stages, including some for more up-and-coming acts. In recent years big names in the comedy world, such as Frankie Boyle, Alan Carr and Eddie Izzard, have also been on the bill.

Chelmsford Summer Beer and Cider Festival

This festival started out in 1977 in the function room of the Lion and Lamb pub. It moved around over the following years, from Anglia Polytechnic College to the football ground next to Moulsham Mill. Since 2008 it has been based in Admirals Park. Lovers of real ale can sample a wide variety of local, national and international beers and ciders.  

Live music is an integral part of the event, and there is also a family fun day with lots of activities for children. The summer festival is usually held over five days in early July. It is organised by the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale. They also hold a smaller winter beer festival, whose current home is the King Edward VI Grammar School in the city.

The Fling Festival

This adults-only festival has been running since 2008 and also takes place in Hylands Park, usually in early July. The mixture of alternative entertainment includes music, theatre, comedy and cabaret.

The emphasis is on having fun and participation, and visitors are encouraged to try activities as diverse as calligraphy, drumming and space hopper racing! Festival-goers have a choice of stages to pick from and camping tickets are usually available for those who want to stay overnight. 

The 3ft People Festival

As the name suggests, this is an event aimed at pre-school children, with scores of individual activities being held in domes, tents and tepees. Organisers Chelmsford City Council have laid on a range of attractions, including art and drama workshops, storytelling, gym classes and a huge sandpit. Previously it was held in the city’s Central Park, but in recent years the venue has switched to Hylands Park, as this offers more space.

Chelmsford Cathedral Flower Festival

For something a bit more relaxing, Chelmsford Cathedral holds an annual Festival of Flowers. Talented arrangers from around the diocese are given a theme to work around. This creates a magnificent spectacle around what is one of the youngest cathedrals in England, although parts of the building date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Refreshments are available for festival-goers.

If you are moving to the area, Chelmsford removals company Greens Removals can help organise your house move to the city. We provide an efficient, reliable service tailored to your individual needs. We are also experienced in commercial removals to Chelmsford, if you are thinking about moving your office to the city, and we provide secure storage. Click on the link above if you would like to know more about our services and to receive a free, no-obligation quote.