Enjoy an eclectic weekend of family fun, quirky entertainment, and a little bit of the eccentric at the Stansted Summer Festival

The Stansted Summer Festival is returning to Stansted Park for its fourth year on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July, promising a weekend full of eclectic and eccentric fun for the entire family.

Marvel at the Napoleonic Reenactors and experience the thrill of battle as a 200 strong army of reenactors demonstrates cavalry charges and musketry drills. Between the reenactments, you can stroll through their living history camp and discover what life was like for those fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. For those interested in learning more about the Battle of Waterloo, Colonel Richard Charrington of the Royal Lancers will be discussing this significant military battle on the Saturday in the beautiful Chapel of St Paul. Other speakers include Lieutenant General (Retired) Sir Simon Mayall KBE CB and actor Jason Salkey, best known for his role in the popular television drama Sharpe.

Mikey’s Forest School is returning to the Stansted Park woodland, offering activities such as natural den building, whilst the Stansted Forestry Team will be displaying their machinery and discussing the work that they do to maintain the 476 hectares of woodland on the estate. Don’t forget to pause for a moment to watch a traditional Punch and Judy show from Crazy Hazee Circus Fun and marvel at Marco the Magician as he entertains the crowd with his unbelievable magic tricks. Browse the selection of food and drink vendors and treat yourself to something tasty before relaxing back on a deckchair and taking in performances from Amy Baker & The Swing Beats, The Iron Boot Scrapers, and the Emsworth Concert Band.

Photographer Credit: Philip Vile

Inside the Edwardian Mansion, you can explore the family seat of the Earls of Bessborough and enjoy a true ‘upstairs, downstairs’ experience. Admire the beautiful State Rooms, once used to entertain politicians, actors, and royalty, before discovering the extensive and fully furnished Servants Quarters. For children, there will be two new trails around the House and the opportunity to dress up as a servant in the historic Servants Hall. Especially for the Festival, treasures from the collection will be out on display, including the Countess of Bessborough’s Coronation Robe and Loelia Ponsonby’s diaries.

The Stansted Summer Festival is taking place on Saturday 13 July and Sunday 14 July, 10am-6pm. Tickets start from £12 for adults, £6 for children (with under 6’s visiting for free), and £34 for families.

For more information and to book tickets, please visit: https://www.stanstedpark.co.uk/stansted-summer-festival-2024