With miles of countryside and beautiful coastlines, Essex is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to visit in the United Kingdom.
The county also offers an extensive events programme designed to suit people of all ages. Without further ado, here are five unmissable events in Essex in 2026.
A Night at the Darts – Circus Tavern, Purfleet – April 10
Several of the players featuring in the ongoing 2026 World Darts Championship in London are scheduled to appear the Circus Tavern in Purfleet on April 10.
They include Michael van Gerwen, who has been tipped by Spreadex Sports to be one of the tournament’s top 180 scorers at the Alexandra Palace.
Nathan Aspinall, Stephen Bunting, Fallon Sherrock and Richie Howson complete the line-up for what promises to be a special occasion.
A Night at the Darts is family-friendly event, which makes it the ideal way to introduce the next generation of talent to this hugely popular sport.
Tottenham Hotspur Legends – Cliffs Pavillion, Southend – May 13
Six former players with more than 2,000 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur will discuss their respective careers at the Cliffs Pavillion in Southend on May.
Glenn Hoddle and Graham Roberts are the standout names who will offer unique insights into what it takes to play for one of the top clubs in English football.
There will be a chance to pose questions during the event, which sets up the possibility of at least one of the players revealing something juicy.
A limited number of VIP tickets are available, affording the opportunity to meet the players and grab some photographs before the events starts.
State Fayre Festival – Hylands Park, Chelmsford – June 26-28
Kings of Leon and The Lumineers will headline an American-themed music festival at a new 30,000-capacity music festival in Essex next June.
State Fayre will be held at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, and features a line-up spanning rock, country and folk music across three main stages.
Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts are also headlining, adding further allure to an event inspired by state fairs, long summer nights and tailgate parties.
The Black Crowes, Counting Crows, KT Tunstall and The Coral are other acts who have been booked to appear at this ambitious three-day festival.
Essex Farm Fest – White House Farm, Chelmsford – July 24-25
Essex Farm Fest offers something for all age groups, with great live music, DJ’s and family-friendly entertainment throughout the event.
If dancefloor classics are your thing, talented local DJs will keep the tunes spinning during a spectacular Wild Fest dance party.
Live bands and open mic sessions add further depth to an event that is guaranteed to leave you feeling breathless when the music stops.
The organisers offer seven nights of cheap camping around the event dates, making it the perfect place to spend part of the summer holidays.
David Essex – Cliffs Pavillion, Southend – September 11
Legendary British music star David Essex will bring his ‘Thanks for the Memories’ tour to the Cliffs Pavillion in Southend on September 11.
Essex has enjoyed a remarkable career, writing and producing a plethora of albums which have sold millions of copies worldwide.
He also boasts a wide range of acting credits including That’ll Be The Day, Stardust, Traveller, The Guvnors and Black Prince.
While the 78-year-old is inevitably not quite as physically energetic as during his pop idol heyday, he still retains an uncanny ability to put on a good show.
