Things to do in Essex this September with family and friends

Classic Vehicle Show at Colchester Castle Park

It’s not breaking news that charities have been hit hard by the pandemic and more than ever they really need our help and support.

On September 5, Headway Essex, a charity that supports survivors of brain injury, their families and carers in the county, is hosting its Classic Vehicle Show at Colchester Castle Park. Returning bigger and better than ever, it will feature more than 220 classic vehicles from across the decades.

Team Kinetix will also be making an appearance, with impressive parkour and an acrobatic performance. Plus, a wonderful selection of craft stalls, refreshments and entertainment for the children.

Sunday, September 5; ticket prices from £2; High St, Colchester CO1 1UG; headwayessex.org.uk

The Farm Mud Run, Colchester

This farm mud run is an exciting event for the kids. It’s a 1.5km multi-lap obstacle course that will have them passing through trials of fields with lots of mud!

Sunday September 12; prices from £1.67; Green Lane, CO6 3PR; foxesfarmproduce.co.uk

All well and good, Billericay

Pandemic fatigue is real, and I’m sure you are looking forward to feeling rejuvenated again.

On Sunday, September 5, from 11am, Soul Spirit & Wellbeing Festival is hosting an array of lovely ways to help people feel healthier, fitter and spiritually in tune again.

Based at Ramsden Bellhouse in Billericay, it will have more than 30 stands, including health and beauty, vegan food, nutrition advice, fitness and more.

Tickets are £5 on the door and it includes an entry into a raffle of wellbeing goodies in support of Essex Wildlife Trust.

Sunday, September 5; Ramsden Bellhouse Village Hall, Church Road, Ramsden Bellhouse, CM11 1RN, tickets £5 available here.

Cream Teas at St Andrew's Church, Althorne

All in aid of the church repair fund, come and enjoy a lovely afternoon of delicious cream teas with loved ones. Don’t miss out on the raffle and tombola.

Tea will be served from 2pm; Saturday, September 4; Fambridge Rd, Althorne, CM3 6BZ; crouchvalleychurches.com

A journey through music, Colchester

Mercury Theatre in Colchester is hosting something fantastic and informative that you don’t want to miss.

On September 2, join comedian John Simmit as he narrates RUSH: A Joyous Jamaican Journey, which tells the story of Reggae music from the arrival of the Windrush Generation and how their stories, history and music have massively evolved throughout the decades.

It will also be a night full of music and dancing to ska, rock steady, calypso, gospel, lovers rock, dancehall and reggae played live by the JA Reggae Band.

Thursday, September 2; Balkerne Gate, Colchester, CO1 1PT; mercurytheatre.co.uk

Eco Festival, Colchester

Created by local volunteers for the Colchester community and beyond, they welcome you to join them in learning new ways to try to live more sustainably. Every change counts!

Saturday, September 4; admission is free; Lower Castle Park, CO1 1UW; eco-festival.org

Copped Hall, Epping

This stunning Georgian mansion is opening its fine doors for you to see some of its beautiful gardens and sights.

Sunday, September 5; gates open from 2pm; £6; Copped Hall Trust, CM16 5HS; coppedhalltrust.org.uk

There's nothing better than a good book (Image: Maldon Books)

Book Hut pop-up by Maldon Books, Maldon

Make sure you head to Maldon Promenade Park before October 3 to check out the fabulous pop-up Book Hut by Maldon Books.

When the pandemic struck, owner Olivia Rosenthal didn’t know what would be in store for her lovely new High Street book shop.

However, in January 2021 she came up with the plan for the pop-up, which is currently open seven days a week.

‘You’ll find books for both adults and children and some reduced titles,’ Olivia says. ‘There will be regular author events, signings and story time sessions too.’

Visitors will also find Maldon’s first refill shop, Silo, right next door.

Monday to Saturday 9.30am-4.30pm; Sunday 11am-4pm; 23 High Street, CM9 5PE; maldonbooks.com

Belly laughs await at The Chelmsford Comedy Club (Image: Getty Images)

Comedy Club at The Lion Inn, Boreham, Chelmsford

Chelmsford’s original comedy club is back at The Lion Inn, Boreham.

Since 1996, The Comedy Club has played host to some of the biggest star in comedy, including Stephen Merchant, Jimmy Carr, Zoe Lyons, Michael McIntyre, Nina Conti, Lee Mack and hundreds more.

After we’ve all faced such difficult times, this is the perfect excuse to have a few belly laughs.

Each show features four comedians, reserved space for your party and drinks service to your candlelit table.

Shows are on September 23, with more dates in October, November and December; gig starts at 9pm; tickets £20; Main Road, Boreham, Chelmsford CM3 3JA; thecomedyclub.co.uk

The National Country Show, Chelmsford

This is a country show for the whole family to enjoy. Returning to Hylands Park, the two-day outdoor event boasts country shopping, food, entertainment, live music, stunning arena displays and plenty more traditional country show finds.

September 18 and 19; 10am-5pm; tickets from £5; Hylands Park Estate, Chelmsford, CM2 8WQ; nationalcountryshow.co.uk

Walking in Memory Event, Hastingwood

West Essex and East Herts charity St Clare Hospice is inviting locals to attend its Walking in Memory Event. A special day for the whole family, you’ll walk a 5k route through fields and footpaths to raise funds and celebrate lives.

September 19;10am-2pm; £10 St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood, CM17 9JX; stclarehospice.org.uk

Plant Sale, Billericay

Chelmsford Local Group is hosting a very special plant sale with some amazing new specimens for your garden or botanical haven.

September 22, 10am-3pm; Hanningfield Reservoir Nature Discovery Centre, CM11 1WT; contact 01245 471 576 for more information.

Jumble Sale, Great Maplestead

Who doesn’t love a rummage to find that special hidden gem? Especially when it’s all in aid of the Village Hall. There will also be refreshments and a raffle.

September 25; 3pm; Great Maplestead Village Hall, CO9 2FJ; email Doreen for more information.