Things to do this Bank Holiday weekend

The weather might be a bit of a let down this weekend but there is certainly no shortage of events and things to do in Essex this Bank Holiday. See below for a comprehensive look at what on up and down the county.Jousting with the Knights of Royal England & Fair Castle Heddingham Sunday 25 and Monday 26, 10am to 5pm

• Seven hours of action packed entertainment will take place at Hedingham Castle, near Halstead this bank holiday weekend. Watch medieval jousting, take a tour of the stunning Norman castle and try your hand at archery. There will also be birds of prey demonstrations, face paints a coconut shire and other family fun.

For more information visit: www.hedingham castle.co.uk/events/Open Air Concert Ingatestone Hall Ingatestone Sunday 25 August, 4:15pm-10pm Tickets £20-£25

• Five talented artists take to the stage in the gardens of Ingatestone hall. Featuring Soprano Jackie Pittman, Soul Singer Irie J & his band Pure klarse, Phil Cavill, Amy Langmead & singer song writer Mike Summer's, the evening is set to be an evening of musical wonder. There will be a beer tent, crepe stand and other refreshments available at the hall. The organisers also welcome you to bring your own picnic to enjoy while you watch the musical line up. The event is raising money for the Brian Norris charity appeal in support of the Scleroderma Society. For more information ring: 01277 841667

Fifth Annual Maldon Crabbing Competition By the boating lake, Promenade Park Maldon Saturday 24 August, registration 2:30pm, competition 3pm Entry £1.50

• Open to children and adults of all ages, come along to the park and take part in the annual crabbing competition to catch yourself a bit. Part of Maldon Carnival, prizes are awarded to one adult and one child under 13 years old. Bring your own buckets, bait and line and participate in one of the snappiest competitions there is. For more information visit: www.maldoncarnival.co.uk

Family Fun Day King George's Playing Fields Saturday 24 August, 11 am- 5pm Free

• The Love Food Hate Waste food show will be hosted by a top chef who will teach families some handy tips and ideas for cooking. There will also be face painting, bouncy castles and the SX urban games from 3pm, which will be hosting a range of urban sports including BMX racing, cheer leading and Free running. They advise to bring skate gear and a helmet to get involved! For more information visit: www.brentwood.gov.uk

Sid's Show Towngate Theatre Basildon Sunday 25 August, 11am and 2pm Tickets £11

• Sid from Cbeebies will be live on stage for an exciting adventure to find his favourite socks and shoes. Venturing deep into the jungle and even to the bottom of the sea, join Sid as he meets an array of funny characters. Packed with games, songs and magic, the show is perfect for kids aged 3-7. For more information visit: www.towngatetheatre.co.uk

A Summer Evening of Soul, Classical & Pop Music Ingatestone Hall, Hall Lane, Ingatestone August 25 4:15pm – 10pm

• An opportunity to see five talented artists in the beautiful gardens of Ingatestone Hall. Including a beer tent, crepe stand and ice cream as well as general refreshments or bring your own picnic. All in support of Brian Norris charity for Scleroderma Society. Booking required. Tickets £25 / Concessions £20. For more information, call: 01277 841667

Sam's The Reunion Eclipse Nightclub, Ongar Rd, Town Centre, Brentwood August 25 9pm – 3am

• Old school classics with live performances on stage. Arrive before 10:30pm and choose from either free entry, or pay £10 for entry plus five drinks. Entry before midnight £5. For more information, call: 01277 200000

Family Fun Day Basildon Upper Academy, Wickford Avenue, Basildon August 24 12pm – 4pm

• A family fun day with a BBQ, raffle draw, bouncy castle, face painting and much more. All proceedings go to charities involved with Sickle Cell disease. £10 per adult, £5 per child (under 13 years) and a family (2 adults & 2 children under 13 years) £25 £1 per child to use the bouncy castle £1 per child to have their face painted. For more information, call: 01268 552536

Art, Craft and Flower Festival St Giles Church, Old Church Lane, Mountnessing August 24 – August 26 11am – 5pm

• Hymn themed flower displays along with exhibitions and sales of paintings, patchwork, quilting and craft stalls. Games and activities for children with live music and refreshments available until 4pm. Free admission. For more information, call: 07740871185

Disco/Karaoke Night The Wick Community Centre, Silva Island Way, Wickford August 25 7pm – Midnight

• Enjoy a sing and dance and a guaranteed laugh or two! Possibility of a BBQ during the day weather permitting. Free entry for members, guests £1. For more information, call: 01268 572727

Wild Camping weekend Hatfield Forest, Takeley, Bishops Stortford August 23 – August 25 6pm

• Camp in the heart of the Forest in a tent or shelter you have built yourself. Learn how to light fires, track and forage. Water is provided but food will need to be brought, enough for the weekend. Suitable for adults and accompanied children aged 8+.

Pre booking required. Car parking fee (£5) applies for all events for non-NT members. Members park free. £28 per person For more information, call: 0844 249 1895Burnham Week Burnham-On-Crouch Quay August 26 10am – 5pm

• This event comes just after the start of Burnham Week Sailing Regatta. Watch the race, and compete in a crabbing tournament from 1pm – 4pm. Water-walking for children and many other activities to keep the whole family entertained. For adults, indulge in The Seafood Festival, beer tent and BBQ. For more information, call: 07767807156

Colchester Free Festival Castle Park, Colchester August 24

• Outdoor celebration with live music and arts. Including horror make up, a well-being tent, roller disco and yoga field, there is something for everyone. Free entry but donations are accepted. For more information, go to: www.colchesterfreefestival.org.uk

Fun in the sun! Clacton-on-Sea August 24 11am – 3pm

• Bring everyone along and revel in to the street theatre, workshops, circus skills, drumming and lots more surprises. Free entry. For more information, call: 01255 686633

Open Mic Club! Palace Theatre, Southend-on-Sea August 25 7:30pm

• The Palace Theatre is looking for acts of all genres to perform at their live music event. Come along to see the acts, doors open at 7:30pm, first acts at 8pm. Free entry. To book a slot, contact: openmic@southendtheatres.org.uk For more information, call: 01702 344553

Treasure Island Hatfield Forest, Takeley August 26 2:30pm – 4:30pm

• Cambridge Touring Theatre perform the classic pirate tale. Open for picnicking from 12pm with a chance to join a Treasure Island workshop before the show at 1pm for ages five-ten. £13 for adults, £10 children, family ticket (2 adults/2 children) £40. Call: 01279 870678