St Osyth Summer Sounds has revealed its family programme for this summer, with two days of activities designed to give families an affordable day out during the school holidays.
Returning to St Osyth Priory on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July, the festival is now completely free to attend and was recently secured for the next three years, making it one of Essex’s biggest free family events this summer.
Across both days, visitors can step inside Architects of Air: Arborialis, a walk-through Luminarium filled with colour and light. The installation will be at St Osyth Priory throughout the weekend, with tickets priced at £3.50 (it is one of the only activities that requires a nominal fee to take part).
Walk of the Dandelion brings an eight-foot puppet named Daniel to the festival grounds, inviting people of all ages to stop, interact and take part. The project is also running a day-long craft workshop where people can create woollen dandelions and share positive messages.
Children can try something new at Circus Skills workshops led by local artist Victoria-Anne Gunfield, while Right to Play by Pif Paf will create outdoor spaces centred around play, creativity and community.
Elsewhere, Everywhere’s a Beach brings a family performance staged on a giant revolving beach parasol, while Caspian’s Storm tells the story of a curious little crab learning about the changing world around him.
Away from the dedicated family programme, there will also be live music, street food, chef demonstrations and art installations happening across the wider site throughout the weekend.
Martin Collins, Founder & CEO at Arts Trust, says: “We wanted families to feel like they could come here and spend the day together without cost becoming a barrier. There’s lots for children to get involved in, but we’ve also built a weekend that parents and grandparents can enjoy too. It will feel relaxed, welcoming and full of things people might not come across every day.”
St Osyth Summer Sounds: Music & Food Festival takes place at St Osyth Priory, Essex, on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026. Entry and parking is free, with one or two activities requiring a nominal fee to take part.
Further announcements, including music artists, family programming and large-scale installations, will be revealed soon.
Visit stosythsummersounds.co.uk for free tickets and further information.
Follow @stosythsummersounds and @arts_trust
