Essex Summer Fest

Essex Summer Fest returns for July 2026!

80s Classics, Family Fun & Live Entertainment in Essex

Get ready for one of the best value music festivals in Essex, bringing together iconic 80s sounds, family-friendly entertainment, and a full festival experience — all while supporting a vital local mental health charity.

Taking place this July in Essex, this two-day music and family festival offers something for everyone, from legendary 70s and 80s artists to children’s entertainment, live bands, and festival fun for all ages.

Saturday – 80s Music Festival in Essex

Saturday 11th July

Saturday is all about big tunes, bigger vibes, and pure throwback energy at this 80s festival in Essex.

Main Stage Line-Up

Headlining the main stage are 70s and 80s legends Odyssey and Heatwave, bringing timeless soul and disco classics to Essex.

They’re joined by seven incredible tribute acts, celebrating:

• Blondie
• Madness
• Elton John
• Boy George
• Whitney Houston
• The Blues Brothers
• Fleetwood Mac

Leading the journey through the decade is legendary DJ Ska n Mash, spinning all your favourite 80s anthems throughout the day.

Second Stage – Sponsored by Solar Radio

Included with your ticket is a second stage sponsored by Solar Radio, featuring their best soul DJs and live acts — perfect for music lovers looking to soak up feel-good grooves all day long.

Festival Experience

Expect:

• Professional live acts
• A great festival atmosphere
• Food and drink vendors
• Sunshine, dancing, and classic hits

It’s the perfect Essex music festival for couples, groups of friends, and anyone ready to party like it’s 1989.

Saturday timings

• Gates open: 12:00pm
• First act: 1:00pm
• Last entry: 7:30pm
• Event finishes: 10:30pm

VIP Tickets – Saturday Only

A limited number of VIP tickets are available for Saturday’s 80s festival in Essex.

VIP Benefits

• Prime viewing area at the front of the main stage
• Complimentary drink on arrival
• Exclusive chill-out seating with excellent stage views
• Luxury toilets so you can “posh pee”
• Private VIP bar
• Fast-track festival entrance
• Complimentary face painting and glitter
• Sunday – Family Festival in Essex

Sunday 12th July

Sunday is packed with fun at this family festival in Essex, designed for kids, parents, and grandparents alike.

Main Stage – Family-Friendly Tributes

Enjoy amazing, family-safe tribute acts celebrating:

• Taylor Swift
• Harry Styles
• K-Pop Demon Hunters
• Charli XCX
• Ariana Grande
• Olivia Rodrigo
• Chappell Roan

All performances come with full festival-style production, including confetti, bubbles, and visual effects.

Kids Party Tent

Included in your ticket is access to the Kids Party Tent, featuring a fantastic lineup of children’s entertainers:

• Party Monsters
• Jelly Jade
• The Science Dude
• AJ Entertainer

Included Attractions

Also included in your Sunday ticket:

• Petting zoo
• Live wrestling
• Birds of prey
• Punch and Judy shows
• Dinosaurs and more

Additional Paid Attractions

Available at an extra cost:

• Fairground rides
• Inflatables
• Market stalls
• Food vendors

Rock Stage – Sunday

By popular demand, the Rock Stage returns, featuring local bands including:

• Expose
• Blue Mantis
• Half Stoned
• Born Wild
• Dylan Lee
• The Sweetest Kill

All included with your Sunday ticket.

Sunday timings

• Gates open: 11:00am
• First act: 11:30am
• Last entry: 4:00pm
• Event finishes: 7:00pm

Best Value Festival in Essex – Supporting Local Mental Health

With cheaper ticket prices, the ability to bring your own food, and very reasonably priced bars, this is widely regarded as one of the best value festivals in Essex.

All money raised supports Mind in Havering, Barking and Dagenham, helping fund vital local mental health services.

By attending this charity festival in Essex, you’re enjoying an unforgettable weekend while directly supporting your local community.

Join Us This Summer

Join us once again for a brilliant weekend of music, family fun, and festival vibes in Essex.

Whether you’re coming for the 80s music festival, the family-friendly Sunday, or the incredible value and atmosphere, this is one summer event you won’t want to miss.