Chelmsford Market will hold its third annual Family Fun Day in Market Square on Saturday 25 July, providing a full day of free activities for local families as the six-week summer holiday begins.
Free entertainment and hands-on activities
The event runs from 10:00 to 16:00 and brings together returning favourites and new attractions. Organisers say the programme is funded by Chelmsford City Council and Chelmsford For You and is intended both to support families during the school break and to encourage footfall for the city’s indoor market.
- Face painting and balloon modelling
- Soft play area and a teacups ride
- Petting zoo provided by Animal Workshops Mobile Zoo
- Interactive appearances from Essex Cosplayers and Pops the Penguin (Chelmsford City Sports’ mascot)
- New for 2026: opportunities to meet emergency service personnel and explore a fire engine
The market itself will be open as normal, with independent traders selling locally grown fruit and vegetables, plants, global cuisines, groceries, crafts and second‑hand goods. The market operates weekly from Tuesday to Saturday, offering residents a regular shopping destination in the city centre.
Council backing and local impact
City officials have emphasised the event is intended to ease the pressure on households during the holidays while promoting the market as a community hub. Councillor Simon Goldman, Cabinet Deputy for Cleaner Communities, highlighted those aims in advance of the event:
“Knowing the six‑weeks holidays can be a stressful and expensive time for many, the Chelmsford Market team have organised a fantastic day of free activities to help out local families. The event has been very well attended in previous years and hopefully this Saturday will lead even more people to discover the charm of our indoor market!”
The council’s financial support, together with sponsorship from Chelmsford For You, demonstrates an ongoing municipal interest in keeping the market active as both a retail and social space. For traders, larger events can produce increased footfall and sales, though the council has not published specific projections for this year’s turnout.
Practical information for visitors
Those attending are advised to arrive during the advertised hours to make the most of the attractions. The mix of free entertainment and the market’s usual traders is intended to appeal to a wide range of ages and budgets, providing a low‑cost day out in the city centre.
| What | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Family Fun Day | Saturday 25 July, 10:00–16:00 | Market Square / Chelmsford Market (indoor market open Tue–Sat) |
The event is part of Chelmsford Market’s programme of seasonal activities aimed at sustaining its role in the heart of the city and supporting independent traders. Residents seeking to plan a visit should note the start and end times and expect the usual market stalls to be operating alongside the day’s entertainment.
