Heritage Steam Weekend at Royal Gunpowder Mills
Find out about the exciting world of steam engines at this fun event. There will be more than 50 steam traction engines from Victorian and Edwardian steam engine builders on show. This is the 9th Heritage Steam Weekend and it's back by popular demand. As well as having a ride on some of the live steam engine exhibits, there are a range of interactive display for the kids and grown-ups.
Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18
Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JY
Tickets: Adults £9.50, children 3-15 £7.50, under 3s go free, concs £8.50.Click here for tickets and more detailsFascination of Plants Day at Beth Chatto Gardens
A must for anyone interested in plants and flowers. There will be interactive activities all day thanks to the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Essex. Visitors will get to see how gardens look using thermal data equipment, what plants look like under a microscope and how to make a plant ID card using instant flower presses.
10am – 4pm on Sunday, May 18
Beth Chatto Gardens. Elmstead Market, Colchester, CO7 7DB
Entrance: £6.95 adults, free for accompanied under 14s.Click here for more information The Solid Silver 60s Show, Cliffs Pavillion, Southend
There's not a tribute band in sight at this 60s show. Relive the sounds of the swinging decade with a host of original artists singing their greatest hits. Now in its 29th year, the show features artists such as Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, Chris Farlowe, Chris Montez and Wayne Fontana. They're all backed by Vanity Fare. Don't miss this chance to hear some of your favourite 60s tracks live.
8pm on Sunday, May 18
Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex. SS0 7RA
Tickets: £27, £25, £23Click here for tickets and more detailsTudor Treasure Hunt at Layer Marney Tower
Calling all young treasure hunters! Help Professor Charles Young solve the clues and crack the codes as he searches for Tudor treasure. What goodies will you help unearth? Don't forget to visit the tower, farm and pretty gardens while you're there.
Sunday, May 18
Layer Marney Tower, Layer Marney, Colchester, CO5 9US
Normal admission applies: £7, children £4.50. Click here for more informationVintage Fair at Hedingham Castle at Hedingham Castle
There's everything vintage you could possibly wish for at this huge fair. There are many stalls selling fabulous vintage goods, hair styling, classic cars, dancers and live music. You can't fail to feel glamorous at this stylish show.
10am – 5pm on Sunday, May 18
Hedingham Castle, Baley Street, Castle Hedingham, CO9 3DJ
Normal admission prices: Adults £7.50, children £5, family £19.Click here for more details
