There's fun for all the family on offer in Essex this weekend as summer gets into full swing - whatever the weather.
See what you fancy from the list below.Paddington Bear at Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar
Bring your marmalade sandwiches along to Epping Ongar Railway as a very special guest is coming to visit. The one and only Paddington Bear will be making his first trip to North Weald Station to meet all the children (and grown-ups) who are there. There will be teddy bears picnics, face painting, bouncy castles, free balloons and a goody bag for any child bringing a teddy bear. Both steam and diesel trains will be operating on the day.
Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6
Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar, CM5 9BN
Tickets: £12 adult, £10 concs, £6.50 child, £32 family ticket.Click here for more detailsVintage and Handmade Fair at Leigh Community Centre, Leigh-on-Sea
Come along to browse and buy from this pretty selection of vintage clothes, jewellery and homewares. There will also be vintage-inspired fashion and designers selling their goods. Shoppers will be able to pick through more than 40 stalls so you're guaranteed to find a beautiful bargain. Don't forget to pop into Elsie's Café which will be selling a selection of lunches, tea and cakes.
10am – 4pm on Saturday, July 5
Leigh Community Centre, Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1SP
Admission is free.Click here for more detailsFree Entry Day at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Brentwood
Don't miss this chance to visit the wonderful Hopefield Animal Sanctuary for free. There have been lots of improvements made, and babies born, over the spring months so the sanctuary staff are opening their doors to the public free of charge. There are more than 300 animals to see including donkeys, gorses, pigs, rabbits, reptiles and more. Kids will also love the free activities such as inflatables, arts and crafts, tombola and raffle. You can also adopt an animal which makes a great birthday present for any animal lover.
1-4pm on Sunday, July 6
Hopefield Animal Sanctuary, Sawyers Hall Farm, Sawyers Hall Ln, Brentwood CM15 9BZ
Admission: Free on this day only.Click here for more detailsHaven House Children's Hospice Summer Fayre, Woodford Green
Come and join in the fun of the fayre for this good cause. Attractions include a rodeo bull, bouncy castle, live music and lots of tennis-themed activities to celebrate Wimbledon final day. There will also be a great selection of stalls, food and drinks.
11am – 5pm on Sunday, July 6
Haven House Children's Hospice, The White House, High Road, Woodford Green IG8 9LB
Admission: Suggested donation: £2 (under 3s free).Click here for more detailsRemus Memorial Horse Sanctuary Open Day & Dog Show, Ingatestone
All canine lovers are welcome to take part in this fun dog show. Your furry friend does not have to be a pure bred to enter as the categories include best dog hero, cutest puppy and best tail wagger. Who will be named the prestigious best in show? Visit the sanctuary while you are there and see the beautiful horses and new foal. There'll also be live music, stalls, children's corner and refreshments.
1pm onwards on Sunday, July 6
Buttsbury, Stock, Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9NZ
Admission: Adults £4, members with card £3, children under 16 are free.Click here for more detailsRailway Weekend at Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey
Big or small, if you love trains then this is the event for you. There is now a new, 2.6 inch railway line and some very unusual engines at Royal Gunpowder Mills. You can take a ride on 'Uncle John's' 7 inch gauge mini railway and the military truck. You can also see exhibitions and take tours of the railway yard. Don't forget all the usual fun attractions at the Mills including museum, science lab, hands-on experiments, rockets and rifles.
Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6
Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JY
Tickets: £9.50 adults, £7.30 children up to 16, under 3s go free.Click here for more detailsBeeleigh Abbey Gardens Open Day, Maldon
Don't miss your chance to marvel at these beautiful gardens attracted to the old abbey. There are three acres of gardens in this peaceful setting which boast woodland walks, cottage gardens, a wild flower meadow and formal garden. You can also see a wisteria walk, David Austin roses and specimen trees such as magnolia and Indian bean.
10.30am – 4.30pm on Friday, July 4
Beeleigh Abbey, Abbey Turning, London Road, Maldon, CM9 6LL
Prices: £5 adults, Children 5-16 £2.50, under 5s go free. Click here for more detailsSouthend Robin Hood Country Show, Southend
Thousands of visitors flock to this countryside event every year to enjoy the range of attractions on offer. There are jousting displays, horseback stunts, BMX and bike stunts, dog agility and much more in the arena. There's a Viking re-enactment village, animal petting areas, shooting and fishing and hundreds of shopping stands. There really is something for the whole family at this show.
Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6
Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, Southend, SS2 4FA
Admission: £7.50 adults, £7 concs, £2 children 5-16, under 5s are free. (These prices are for advanced booking online).Click here for more details Classics on the Promenade, Maldon
Fans of classic cars will have plenty to keep them busy at this event. There will be everything from classic, vintage and sports cars, to American cars, military and commercial vehicles and retro cars and bikes, all presented with a beautiful view from the Promenade. Live entertainment from Saint FM will keep everyone amused. If you're need a part or contact, you'll be pleased to see a selection of auto jumble and auto trade stands.
Sunday, July 6
Maldon Promenade Park, Maldon
Admission: Free.Click here for more detailsMoulsham Street Independents Day, Chelmsford
Moulsham Street will be transformed into a world of fun on Saturday for its Independents Day. Attractions will include fairground rides, bouncy castle, free face painting and trader stalls. There'll be a fascinating story trail with professional storyteller Mike Dodsworth (who appears at the 3 Foot Festival and The Fling). And don't miss the Jester's Show Choir, food and drink, and the finale of the Balloon release race. The whole street will be closed to traffic throughout the fun, which will mark the importance of independent shops.
12 noon – 5pm on Saturday, July 5
Moulsham Street, Chelmsford
Admission: Free.Click here for more details
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