Here are just 10 of the fun things to do in our county this weekend:CARNIVAL
COLCHESTER CARNIVAL AND FAMILY DAY, Town centre and Castle Park, Colchester. Saturday, July 19, 11am-8pm. Free entry. Click here for more details
Join in the fun and frolics at this year's Colchester Carnival. The day starts with a family fun day from 11am in Castle Park where there will be loads to do for the kids and the grown-ups. There will be performances, bands, dance displays, Zumba, stalls, sideshows and attractions. Little ones will love the children's area with displays from Colchester Zoo, rides and storytelling. More than 20 local groups will be riding on beautifully-decorated floats in the carnival procession, which has a Magic of the Movies theme.CHARITY MUD RUN
MULBERRY MUD RUN, Mulberry Harbour, Southend. Saturday, July 19. 10am, COST. Click here for more details
A different, slightly more dirty, take on your average charity run. This is a brilliant event for individuals and families who like to have fun. There are two routes: Route 1 is the main, 2.5 mile route for over 12s, and Route 2 is the family run for all ages. And you don't have to run, you can walk, skip or crawl through the mud if you prefer. Funds raised go to Havens Hospices.OPEN AIR THEATRE
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Hedingham Castle, Baley Street, Castle Hedingham, CO9 3DJ. Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20, 6pm, tickets £17.50 adults, £12 children and concs.Click here for more details
This is the first outdoor production of the summer at the glorious Hedingham Castle. Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare's most popular plays with lots of drama, comedy and a pair of his most charming lovers, Beatrice and Benedick. Guests should bring blankets, chairs and picnics. The play is performed in front of the keep for extra dramatic effect.MEDIEVAL COMBAT WEEKEND
STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET CASTLE, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8SP. Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20, 10am – 5pm. Admission: Adults £9.95, children (3-13yrs) £7.95, concs £9.50. Click here for more details
Bring the whole family to marvel at medieval life complete with knights in armour doing battle for the hand of a fair maiden. Visitors can also watch displays, archery and traditional dancing, as well as listen to olde worlde music. You'll be able to get hands on with costumes, try on helmets and lift a heavy sword. CAR SHOW
STANCISM SHOW, Battlesbridge Antiques Centre. Sunday, July 20, 11am – 5pm. Advance tickets from £6.50, under 16s go free. Entry on the day £10.
Anyone interested in lowered and clean modified cars will love this car show. Expect a huge range of cars on display from modern hatchbacks to hot rods. Traders will be selling everything from car detailing kits, accessories and clothing brands. Watch the fun 'car limbo' to see who has the lowest car and they'll be trophies on the day for the best cars on show. Refreshments will be available.WILDLIFE
PAMPER YOUR WILDLIFE DAY, (in collaboration with National Feel Good Day). Thurrock Thameside Nature Park, Stanford-Le-Hope, SS17 0RN. Saturday, July 19, 10am-3pm, Suggested donation £5 per person. Book on 01375 643 342 or rebekahb@essexwt.org.uk. Click here for more details
It's National Feel Good Day on Saturday so why should the wildlife miss out? Join in the fun to make a pretty, handmade mosaic bath and dustbath for the birds so they can have a little pampering too. Booking essential. NATURE CLUB:
DANBURY COUNTRY PARK: Danbury Country Park, Woodhill Road, Danbury CM3 4AW, Saturday, July 19, 10am start, £3 per child. Click here for more details
This monthly nature club gives kids the chance to learn all about the outdoors and things to make and do. Activities range from building a den and toasting damper bread, to making bird feeders and Christmas wreaths. Led by Andrea the Ranger, this club is suitable for children from 7-11 years old.BIRDWATCH:
KIDS' BIRDWATCHING CLUB: Rainham Marshes nature reserve New Tank Hill Road Purfleet RM19 1SZ. Saturday, July 19. 10am – 12.30pm, RSPB Wildlife Explorers members £2.50, non-members £5. Click here for more details
If your little ones love birds then this is the club for them. They'll get to explore the reserve and learn all about the birds that live and visit there. Perfect for your budding birdwatchers. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No need to book.DANCE SHOW
ESSEX DANCE THEATRE ANNUAL SHOWCASE 2014 ,
Civic Theatre, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG, Sunday, July 20, 3pm and 6.30pm, Tickets £10-12. Click here for more
Get ready to be impressed as renowned local dance company, Essex Dance Theatre, present their national annual tour for 2014. The group, which has been called "the best youth dance company in the UK today", will be showcasing their talents with a range of dance genres. A must for all dance fans, young and old.SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
MYTHICAL MAZE BOOK CHALLENGE, Essex Libraries, Saturday, July 19 – Wednesday, September 3, free. Click here for more details
Kids can visit any Essex library over the summer holidays and take part in this fun, free reading challenge. All they have to do is read six books while school's out and they'll collect a stinky sticker as they complete each one. There's a certificate and a medal for those that read all the books. This is for all ages and there's a special folder and stickers for the under 3s. There's also a Mythical Maze app with lots of extra activities for the whole family to enjoy.
