Kids’ zones
Free games and activities for little ones, so grown-ups can browse in peace.
Free family events in Colchester, Chelmsford and across Essex
Unforgettable moments. Cherished family memories.
We run free-entry family fundays, Christmas markets and community days out. There’s something for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
Next funday in …
Coming up
Our next events. All fundays are free to enter.
- Sun 8 Nov Early Festive Family Funday11am – 4pm · Great Bromley Village Hall, Great Bromley, Colchester Free entry →
- Sun 29 Nov Christmas Market with Kids Zone11am – 4pm · Great Baddow Millennium Centre, Great Baddow, Chelmsford Free entry →
- Sat 5 Dec Christmas Funday Layer-de-la-Haye11am – 4pm · New Cut, Layer-de-la-Haye, Colchester Free entry →
- Sun 13 Dec Christmas Family Funday11am – 4pm · Great Bromley Village Hall, Great Bromley, Colchester Free entry →
- Sun 3 Jan West Bergholt Farmers Market10am – 2pm · Orpen Memorial Hall, West Bergholt, Colchester Stalls open →
Days out that don’t cost the earth
We started Ivory Events to give local families a free, relaxed day out, and to give small Essex businesses an affordable place to sell.
- Free entry for the whole family
- Affordable stalls for local makers, crafters and bakers
- Funds and donations for Colchester Foodbank and GOSH
What you’ll find at a funday
Local maker stalls
Handmade gifts, bakes and crafts from small Essex businesses.
Meet & greets
Festive characters and special guests, from Elsa to K-Pop Demon Hunters.
Food and drink
Warming treats for every age, from tea and cake to Christmas bites.
How it works
No booking fees and no tickets to buy. Pick a date and turn up.
- 1
Get a free VIP pass
Claim a free VIP Family Pass online. It takes a minute and costs nothing.
- 2
Pick a date near you
Choose a funday in Colchester, Chelmsford or a local village hall.
- 3
Come along
Show your pass at the door, then play, shop, eat and enjoy the day together.
Charity & community
Every funday supports two local causes
Ivory Events actively supports Colchester Foodbank and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), and champions local craft makers and small businesses. Bring a donation, buy a raffle ticket, or simply come along.
Totals raised are shared on our blog after each event.
Run a craft, bake or kids’ business?
Take a stall at an Ivory Events funday. Affordable pitches, free-entry footfall and a shoutout on our social channels.
From the blog
All posts → Essex Family Guides
Free Family Days Out in Colchester & Chelmsford This Winter
Where to find free family days out around Colchester and Chelmsford this festive season, with Ivory Events’ free-entry fundays and Christmas markets.
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Event Recaps
Autumn Family Funday Recap: Great Bromley, 25 October
A look back at our Autumn Family Funday at Great Bromley Village Hall: games, kids’ activities, local stalls and autumn treats.
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Essex Family Guides
Welcome to Ivory Events: Free Family Fundays Across Essex
Meet Ivory Events: free-entry family fundays, festive markets and community celebrations in Colchester, Chelmsford and across Essex.
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Common questions
Are Ivory Events fundays really free to attend?
Yes. Our family fundays and Christmas markets in Colchester and Chelmsford are free to enter. Some activities or treats on the day may cost extra.
Where do Ivory Events take place?
Across Essex: Great Bromley and Layer-de-la-Haye near Colchester, and Great Baddow in Chelmsford, plus village halls such as West Bergholt, Ardleigh and Coggeshall.
How can I book a stall?
Fill in the stallholder form on our Work With Us page, or book through our SmartGig organiser page.
Do I need a ticket?
No. Entry is free without one. A free VIP Family Pass makes arrival smoother, and you show it at the door on the day.