Chelmsford is getting ready for a bustling few months of festivals, music concerts and celebrations! It’s been a bumper year so far for the district so let’s have a look at all the fantastic events Chelmsford is hosting this summer!
Radio 2 in the Park is coming to Chelmsford!
This week, the incredible news that Radio 2 in the Park will be coming to Chelmsford’s Hylands Park in September 2025 was revealed, but that’s not all there is to enjoy in the city this year!
Take a look at some of the fantastic events Chelmsford is hosting this summer.
Radio 2 in the Park at Hylands Park from 5 to 7 September 2025
For music lovers
Chelmsford is set to host a diverse range of music events this year – offering something to cover all music genres!
Next month, world-renowned singer Justin Timberlake, pop music legends Duran Duran and Essex boy Olly Murs will perform at Chelmsford City Racecourse.
As the summer goes on, there are other events like Fake Festival, Writtle Festival, Ibiza Orchestra, and Country Calling Festival to look forward to:
Chelmsford City Live from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 July 2025 at Chelmsford City Racecourse
Chelmsford Fake Festival on Saturday 5 July 2025 in Central Park
The Ibiza Orchestra Experience on Friday 25 July 2025 in Central Park Chelmsford
Writtle Festival Sunday 27 July 2025 Old Chelmsfordians, Roxwell Road, Writtle
Country Calling at Hylands Park from Saturday 16 to Sunday 17 August 2025
For foodies
Chelmsford loves a good food market and there are some mouthwatering events coming up around the city this summer.
Later this month, the popular Foodies Festival returns to Hylands with top TV chefs and music stars set to make appearances. In July there’s Chelmsford Vegan Market, and Chelmsford Beer & Cider Festival, while in September, Street, Eats ‘n’ Beats is back with more delectable street food and popping DJ sets. In October, RHS Hyde Hall shares a passion for fresh, homegrown food at the Festival of Flavours.
Foodies Festival at Hylands Park from 20 to 22 June 2025
Chelmsford Vegan Market in Bond Street on Saturday 5 July 2025
Chelmsford Beer and Cider Festival from Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 July in Admirals Park Chelmsford
Sausage and Cider Festival Saturday 26 July 2025 Central Park
Street, Eats and Beats Festival on Saturday 6 September 2025 in Central Park Chelmsford
Festival of Flavours at RHS Garden Hyde Hall from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 October 20252025
For families
Little ones and their big adults can look forward to a summer of fun with several family-friendly events coming up.
From next weekend, Marsh Farm will be entertaining toddlers with 11 days of activities, from foam parties to bouncy castles. Then, in July, there’s a free Family Fun Day in Market Square, featuring a petting zoo, soft play, and a treasure hunt, and don’t forget the return of Adventure Cinema at Hylands Estate.
Marsh Farm Toddler Festival Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 June 2025
Kidz Fair on Saturday 28 June 2025 in Chelmsford High Street
Adventure Cinema at Hylands Park from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 July 2025
For the curious
Curious minds will be indulged in this summer, with festivals focused on science and heritage.
The Essex Book Festival is already in full swing for June, with author events yet to come including a talk from former police officer turned author, Blessin Adams. In September, Heritage Open Days will return to Chelmsford to celebrate our shared histories and in October the beloved Chelmsford Science Festival will present a week of educational entertainment for kids and adults.
Essex Book Festival in various venues in Chelmsford in June 2025
Heritage Open Days 12 to 21 September 2025 various locations in Chelmsford
Chelmsford Science Festival Inspire. Discover. Innovate. Tuesday 21 to Tuesday 28 October 2025
For outdoor explorers
A brand-new outdoor walking trail is coming to the city centre this July. Buzz in the City will transform Chelmsford into a fun, free art space, featuring colourful bee sculptures for residents and visitors to enjoy.
Later in August, RHS Hyde Hall will celebrate all things horticultural at their annual flower show. Explore hundreds of varied nursery plants and discover exceptional craftwork as you immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings of the gardens.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show from Wednesday 30 July to Sunday 3 August 2025
Buzz in the City from Thursday 5 July to Tuesday 9 September 2025 throughout Chelmsford
For sports fanatics
A collage of photos of marathon runners, a cricket ball and bat, and a DJ set.
Sports fans and fitness enthusiasts can even get in on the action this year, with plenty of sporting events coming up.
Essex County Cricket Club is celebrating 100 years in Chelmsford in 2025 with some special celebratory matches, as well as their first ever live music event, while Chelmsford City Racecourse is providing opportunities to relish a crisp drink and dance the night away as you watch the races.
As the summer comes to a close, Chelmsford Marathon and Half Marathon returns in October, to raise money for Little Havens Children’s Hospice.
Summer Sessions closing party on Saturday 30 August at Chelmsford City Racecourse featuring Armand Van Helden
Essex County Cricket Club Centenary Events 15 to 16 August 2025
Little Havens Chelmsford Marathon and Half Marathon