Looking for the best events in Essex this June 2025? From food and craft festivals to comedy shows, car displays, and literary celebrations, Essex is bursting with cultural highlights for every taste and age group.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a foodie weekend, or an inspiring evening of theatre or stand-up, our curated guide covers the top things to do across Chelmsford, Colchester, Southend, and beyond. Don’t miss these must-visit Essex events this summer.
Top Things to Do in Essex This June 2025: Festivals, Food & Fun
Essex Book Festival
Dates: Until 30 June
Venue: Various
Essex Book Festival is one of the highlights of the county’s cultural calendar. Each year the festival hosts 100+events in a range of venues across Essex. It is now recognised as one of the leading festivals of its kind in the East of England, inviting writers and artists from all over the world to take part in its activities and events.
Discover the full Essex Book Festival 2025 lineup
Motorfest
Dates: 14-15 June
Venue: Kings Farm, Chelmsford
Motorfest is an annual family day out and motoring festival held in the heart of Essex. The event offers an unforgettable day out for the whole family, featuring diverse attractions such as live stunt shows, monster truck rides, bars, inflatable kids village, live performances, shopping and activities for all ages, making it perfect for the whole family.
Get tickets for Motorfest Chelmsford – 2025’s top motoring event
Essex Food & Craft Fair
Dates: 7-8 June
Venue: Cressing Temple Barns
This foodie extravaganza has been running for over 20 years and shows no sign of slowing down. Expect a huge range of food and drink offerings at this Witham venue with something to whet everyone’s appetite and whistle. There will also be cooking demonstrations and tastings throughout the day, and there will be some craft and gifts stands as well, set in the glorious surroundings of these medieval barns.
Explore what’s on at Essex Food & Craft Fair at Cressing Temple
Colchester Food & Drink Festival
Dates: 28-29 June
Venue: Lower Castle Park
Head to Colchester’s beautiful Castle Park for another year of this popular Food & Drink Festival. There will be lots of old favourites and this year they have some new and exciting stalls and products to tempt you. You can enjoy live music and stroll around the stalls trying some of the artisan produced local goodies, which will feature lots of different stalls with local and international food and drink.
Plan your visit to Colchester Food & Drink Festival 2025
Essex County Craft Show
Dates: 29 June
Venue: Ingatestone Hall
This event will be full of high-quality hand-crafted products, which you can enjoy alongside the food & drink marquee. Craft stalls will be located in hard floored marquees and around the grounds where visitors will be able to shop from over 100 talented craftspeople showcasing a wide range of products. There will also be craft demonstrations, bookable workshops, live music, food & drink, plus tickets include entry to Ingatestone Hall.
Book your tickets for Essex County Craft Show at Ingatestone Hall
Rory Bremner
Dates: 12 June
Venue: Mercury Theatre
For four decades, Rory Bremner has mimicked Prime Ministers and Presidents, pundits and Princes. Now, the master satirist is back with an intimate show that combines his signature stand-up with candid conversation, accompanied by a rotating cast of special guest hosts. His virtuoso display of vocal mimicry, topical satire and revealing insights will be on full display as he looks back on his career in an evening filled with acute observations, pitch-perfect impressions, and surprising revelations about the people he has imitated and his own self-discovery.
Book now for Rory Bremner live at Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Katherine Ryan
Dates: 8 June
Venue: Cliffs Pavilion
Star of UKTV’s hugely popular series Parental Guidance as well as Comedy Central’s Out of Order with Rosie Jones and Judi Love, TV’s beloved Katherine Ryan makes a hugely welcome return to the stage with her brand-new live show, Battleaxe. Katherine is also the creator and star of Netflix’s smash hit The Duchess along with two global Netflix comedy specials: In Trouble and Glitter Room as well as 2022’s Missus on Sky / Now TV.
Buy tickets for Katherine Ryan’s Battleaxe tour in Southend
World Food Photography Awards
Dates: 3 June-7 September
Venue: Museum of the Home
This summer, Museum of the Home celebrates the intimate connection between dwelling and dining by hosting a special exhibition dedicated to the World Food Photography Awards 2025 sponsored by Tenderstem® Bimi® Broccolini.
Part of the Museum of the Home’s ongoing photography season, which foregrounds the power of the photograph as a window into everyday lives and the stories of home, the exhibition will showcase finalist images from both professional and amateur photographers, hailing from all over the world.
From growing and harvesting to cooking and eating, celebrating to simply surviving, the awards’ 25 categories explore the diverse ways in which food touches our lives.
Chaired by renowned food photographer David Loftus, the awards’ judging panel includes Museum of the Home’s director Sonia Solicari. She joins a roster of leading figures from the worlds of food and photography, including James Beard Foundation CEO Claire Reichenbach, Fortnum & Mason CEO Tom Athron, low-waste chef Max La Manna, and campaigning chef Jamie Oliver.
Now in their 14th year, these prestigious awards have garnered entries from 100 countries, spanning every kind of photography – from portraiture to photojournalism, travel shots to smartphone snaps, Sonia Solicari and the Museum’s curators have curated a bold, diverse and thought-provoking selection of images for display.
See the World Food Photography Awards 2025 exhibition
How Absolutely Picks the Best for You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
