Celebrate Essex Day with Visit Essex in Chelmsford

Essex Day is nearly here, and this year we’re taking the celebrations into the heart of Chelmsford!

On Monday 26 October 2026, Visit Essex will be at Bond Street, Chelmsford, outside John Lewis, from 10am to 2pm, celebrating the places, people and experiences that make our county so special. 

From our beautiful coastline and rolling countryside to historic towns, fantastic food and drink and brilliant family days out, Essex really is a county of contrasts. Essex Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate it all.

Where can you find us?

Look out for the Visit Essex-branded Routemaster bus at Bond Street, Chelmsford. It will form the centrepiece of our Essex Day celebrations, bringing our Which Essex Will You Choose? campaign to life. 

The main public event will run:

📍 Bond Street, Chelmsford, outside John Lewis
📅 Monday 26 October 2026
⏰ From 10am

And with Essex Day falling on the first day of half term, it's a great opportunity to pop along while you're enjoying a day out in Chelmsford. 

What’s happening on the day?

There’ll be plenty to get involved with.

Visitors can take part in our interactive favourite Essex location map, discover inspiration for days out across the county, pick up Visit Essex and Explore Essex information and enter our Essex Day competition. We'll also be chatting to visitors and capturing photos and videos throughout the celebrations. 

And keep an eye out for our Essex goodie bags too. Current promotional plans include free goodie bags for the first 500 visitors.

What do you love about Essex?

Perhaps it's a favourite stretch of coastline, a countryside walk, a brilliant family attraction or somewhere that always feels like home.

Whatever your Essex is, we want to hear about it.

Come along, put your favourite spot on our Essex map and tell us what you love most about Essex. 

You might even find inspiration for somewhere new to explore.

Which Essex will you choose?

Essex Day is all about celebrating everything our county has to offer and encouraging people to discover different places and experiences right on their doorstep. The event builds on Visit Essex's autumn Which Essex Will You Choose? campaign, showcasing Essex's attractions, experiences and destinations.

So whether you're coast or countryside, heritage or family fun, foodie experiences or outdoor adventures, come and celebrate with us.

Join Visit Essex at Bond Street, Chelmsford, on Monday 26 October from 10am to 2pm and celebrate Essex Day 2026 with us.

We’ll see you there!