From the ‘wideboys’ and ‘Essex Girls’ of recent jokes to years of snobbery from the rest of the UK, Essex has suffered from something of an image problem for some time now. This is a shame, because the region itself matches any other county in England for variety; Essex offers everything from beautiful landscape to historic towns and buildings, and from cultural attractions to quiet medieval villages to well, yes, the ‘kiss ‘n’ cuddle’ of Southend–on–Sea. Get past the stereotype and there is a region waiting to be discovered and which should be as lauded as some of the more famous tourism destinations across the UK.
One of the home-counties, Essex sits on the Thames and looks out on the North Sea. It is to the north-east of Greater London and borders Hertfordshire to the west, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire to the north. The Essex landscape varies greatly making for some wonderful scenery, from jagged coastline and low salt marshes and streams to gently undulating pastoral countryside and farmland populated by sheep and cows. The rural land that borders Suffolk is quite beautiful and the landscape offers up views recognizable from a number of famous Constable paintings.
Essex is one of the oldest counties and was at one time part of the East Saxon Kingdom. Originally held by the Trinovantes tribe, Essex was the first region to be taken over by the Romans in 43 AD and Colchester is the oldest recorded town in Britain. Consequently the region offers a wealth of archaeological riches - in particular the Roman remains of Colchester, capital of the province of Britannia. Colchester Castle has an extensive exhibition on Roman Colchester and there are remains of a unique Roman Circus in the city.
There are also an astonishing 14,000 buildings with listed building status in Essex and those worth visiting include Colchester Castle, Hylands House, Audley House, Thaxted Guildhall, Hedingham Castle and the 7th century Saxon Church of St. Peter–on–the–Wall.
From its gentle seaside resorts to gaudy Southend, and from Epping Forest to Waltham Abbey to the elegant county town of Chelmsford, Essex is a charming corner of England offering history, beauty, culture and, yes, a little bit of slap and tickle.
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on SeaJames Morrison, a BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter hails from Warwickshire, is a critically acclaimed artist who has produced several chart topping singles and albums that appeal to a large audience. Influenced by the likes of Otis Reading, Al Green and Stevie Wonder, he has built up a loyal army of fans, and his concerts and gigs often sell out quickly, so if you want to see James live in action here at "&venue_name&", you need to get tickets quick!…
Southend Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-SeaRe-live the sights and sounds of sixties as the world’s premier Beatle band returns to Cambridge with their spectacular two hour multi-media stage production featuring all the classic Beatle hits. Using film footage of the period and 'with a little help from' their regular brass and string ensemble the show traces the history of the Fab Four from Liverpool's Cavern Club through Sgt Pepper to The Apple Rooftop in what has now become one of the ‘not to miss’ annual traditions of the seasons calendar. …
Matt Cardle is a British singer-songwriter who rose to fame after winning the seventh series of X Factor 2010, winning a £1 million recording contract with Simon Cowell's Company Syco. Matt’s debut single ‘When We Collide’ was released immediately after he won the X Factor, it sold more than 439,000 in the first week making it 2010’s UK Christmas No.1. Matt Cardle released his debut single ‘Run For Your Life’ on 9 October 2011 ahead of his debut album ‘Letters’ which was released on 17 October 2011. He collaborated with various writers on this album which included Eg White. ‘Letters’ charted a…
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on SeaFor over five decades The Osmond Brothers have been entertaining sold out crowds throughout the world and 2012 marks the year of their biggest ever UK Tour. The Osmonds are unique in their success as a band and as solo performers. They have recorded over 200 albums, selling over 100 million copies with 59 gold and platinum recordings. They have sold out venues worldwide, breaking box office records and received countless awards; most notably in 2003 when they were honoured by the industry, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.…
The band - whose Top 10-charting third album Last Night On Earth was released in March and has so far borne two huge singles in the shape of Tonight's The Kind Of Night and L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N., which took up residence in the Top 40 for a mightily impressive 12 straight weeks.…
Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff-on-SeaAustralian Pink Floyd is the band to see when it comes to Pink Floyd tributes. More than just an average cover band, Aussie Pink Floyd meticulously strives to recreate the ground-breaking work of the iconic band and put on mind-blowing live stage shows. Lasers, lights, on-screen visuals, and huge inflatables give lucky audience members a chance to really feel like they're at an authentic Pink Floyd concert. In 2011 they became the first band to debut a new stereoscopic 3D element as part of their show and 2012 is sure to bring more jaw-dropping innovations to the delight of their large fan bas…
Following a string of sold-out intimate gigs to celebrate the release of their fifth studio album Above The Noise, McFly return to play first arena tour in two years. Having recently conquered colossal venues around the world, McFly are excited to return and showcase their infectious and soulful electro-pop sound across UK venues. …
Southend Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff-on-SeaAmerican stand-up comic Doug Stanhope brings to audiences his hilarious comedy material that ranges from 'true-life graphic perversion to volatile social criticism'. Vulgar, opinionated and brutally honest, his material shocks but entertains, and is certainly not for everybody. Doug was selected by both Variety and the Hollywood Reporter as one of the Top Ten Comics To Watch.…
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on Sea…
Rizzle Kicks are a hip-hop duo from Southend in London. The duo consists of Jordan “Rizzle” Stephens and Harley “Sylvester” Alexander-Sule . They released their debut album ‘Stereo Typical’ on 31 October 2011. Rizzle Kicks have been making music together since they attended school in Sussex. They realised that their style fitted together when Alexander-Sule sang over one of Stephens’ tracks. A promotional single ‘Miss Cigarette’ was released in December 2010; they then released their debut single ‘Prophet (Better Watch It) in May 2011, which was offered as a free download on their website. The…
James MorrisonSunday, 12 February 2012Pop And Rock - watch James Morrison live at Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on sea, Essex on the Sunday, 12 February 2012. Compare ticket prices and save on the best seats in the house!
Other concerts, music and gigs in Essex are:
Urban Folk Quartet2 Mar, MaldonRecord and CD Collector Fair3 Mar, ChelmsfordHayley Westenra7 Mar, Southend-on-SeaMatt Cardle12 Mar, Southend on SeaThe Osmonds24 Mar, Southend on SeaThe Rifles24 Mar, Southend-on-SeaNoah And The Whale26 Mar, Southend on SeaMcFly4 Apr, Southend-on-SeaProfessor Green30 Apr, Southend-on-SeaRizzle Kicks1 May, Southend-on-Sea
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Sport in Essex
Charter HallOur spotlight theatre/performing arts centre of the week is Charter Hall, located in Colchester. See what shows and performances are on this week at Charter Hall.
Other theatres and performing arts venues in Essex are:
Colchester Arts Centre
Kids KingdomKids Kingdom has approximately 8,000 square feet of play including a 14 foot vertical drop slide and our own 14 foot JELLY MOUNTAIN as well as obstacle course climbs and run. And a dedicated pre-school area which has soft play and small twist slides. We have a fully equipped kitchen and a large t…Location: Southend on Sea
Some other fun family days out in Essex are:
Sealife AdventureMole Hall Wildlife ParkBoydells FarmGreat Bardfield MuseumSaling HallMarsh Farm Country ParkBlake House Craft CentreBocking WindmillBraintree District MuseumSouthend PierThorndon County ParkSouthend Central MuseumAdventure IslandHanningfield Reservoir
Ingatestone HallOpen to the public on certain days during the summer, this 16th-century building was built for Sir William Petre in 1558 and was visited by Elizabeth I in 1561. One of the finest Tudor mansions in the country and the seat of the present Lord Petre, it is built of red tudor brick with leaded lights. …Location: Ingatestone
Some other notable historic attractions in Essex are:
Great Bardfield MuseumColne Valley RailwayBeth Chatto GardensPrittlewell PrioryHouse on the Hill MuseumNorth Weald Airfield MuseumHadleigh CastleSouthend Central MuseumBattlesbridge Antiques CentrePaycocke HouseColchester CastleBraintree District MuseumAudley End House and GardensWaltham Abbey
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Pancake CustomsPancakes have a long tradition in England with the celebration of Shrovetide. This particular fried cake was made in this country as early as the 13th century. We take a look at some of the rural traditions of Shrove Tuesday, also known famously as Pancake Day.
Day out at West Midlands Safari ParkVoted best attraction in the Midlands by both parents and their children, Bewdley's West Midlands Safari Park is fun for all the family. We sent BritEvents' Lucy Middleton to see what all the fuss is about, and to enjoy an ice cream or two, on us!
London's blue plaquesMany well known people have lived in London, and many of their former homes are indicated by a distinctive blue plaque, displayed on the outside of the house they once occupied or were born in. BritEvents reveals a little history behind these interesting blue plaques.
Scottish Fire FestivalsThroughout Britain on the 5th November the skies are lit up with the sound and colour of fireworks. In Scotland fireworks events take place frequently throughout the year to celebrate Celtic traditions. We take a look at the oldest and most loved Scottish fire festivals.
