We've enjoyed one of the warmest weeks on record for a September, except for a rather stormy Friday, and it will stay pleasant as we head into the weekend.
See below for our fun, family suggestions if you're stuck for anything to do in Essex this weekend
ESSEX HEAT OF THE BRITISH LAWNMOWER RACING ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIPS, Blake House Craft Centre, Blake End, near Braintree, CM77 6RA. 10am-5pm on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21.
Admission: £2 adults, £2 children.
Sir Stirling Moss, Derek Bell, Murray Walker and Chris Evans are just a few of the celebrities that have embraced the fun activity. Family events include the last chance to take the Peacock Maize Maze Challenge in the Original Great Maze, sidestalls and a bib BBQ.
Of course you can visit the craft centre itself which has a range of shops selling everything from antiques, collectibles, children's toys, farmshop goods, dolls houses, jewellery, art and crafts. There's also a café and restaurant on site, a mini golf course and a play park.
Funds raised will go to Essex Air Ambulance.
Visit www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk for more details.
ROMAN RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL, THE MINORIES, 74 High St, Colchester, CO1 1UE. Sunday, September 21. 11am. Tickets: £12.50.
Clara Biss, who led the Festival Orchestra last year, returns with a new trio, The Ravel Piano Trio. She showcases a fascinating programme of works from the period of artistic experimentation before the First World War. The festival is hosted at The Minories in Colchester, providing the perfect venue for this classical event.
AN EVENING OF PINK FLOYD'S MUSIC, BRENTWOOD THEATRE, 15 Shenfield Road, Brentwood, CM15 8AG. Saturday, September 20. 8pm-approx 10.35pm. Tickets: £15.
Any Colour You Like provides a night of Pink Floyd music in aid of charity. Their 11-piece band was formed in 1994 and they play only for charity. The self-financed band donates all proceeds to their chosen charity. Whether a Pink Floyd fan or not, a great night is to be had by all, in the name of charity at the Brentwood Theatre.
GARDENING AUTUMN PLANT FAIR WEEKEND, RHS Hyde Hall, Rettendon, Creephedge Lane, CM3 8ET. Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21, 10am-4pm.
Organised by Plant Heritage with more than 30 specialist nurseries, this relaxed and informal fair is a perfect day out for plant enthusiasts.
Autumn is the best time for planting and this event provides the perfect opportunity to stock up on a great range of plants. Normal garden admission applies. The first 250 visitors to the plant fair each day will receive free Narcissus 'Elka' bulbs.
Visit: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall
BRIDGET CHRISTIE, COLCHESTER ARTS CENTRE, Church Street, Colchester, CO1 1NF. Friday, September 19. Doors open from 7.30pm, show starts at 8.30pm. Tickets: £14, £12 concs.
Bridget Christie, who The Independent announced as one of the finest comedians around, is touring after her 2013 win at Edinburgh's Comedy awards. She doesn't take her feminism lightly and bases a lot of her comedy around gender inequality which provides a thought-provoking performance. The comedian has appeared on many TV shows such as Channel 4's Cardinal Burns.
Visit www.colchesterartscentre.com/events
FAMILY BAT WALK, Weald Country Park, South Weald, Brentwood, CM14 5QS. Friday, September 19, 7-9pm. Admission: £4 per person. Booking essential via the visitor centre on 01277 261343.
One for bat lovers - come and join the rangers on a guided night time tour to find the amazing bats which live in Weald Country Park.
Use a bat detector to hear them navigate with echolocation and watch them fly around the lake - and you! Meet at the visitor centre, and remember to wear warm, waterproof clothes.
Visit www.visitparks.co.uk
FAYRE TIMES FESTIVAL, ROYAL GUNPOWDER MILLS, Waltham Abbey, Essex Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21. 10am-5pm. Tickets: £9.50 adults, £7.50 children (discounts if booked online).
There will be historical re-enactments, live action and role playing at this celebration of history, folklore and fantasy. There will be talks by top historians, science fiction and fantasy writers and displays in the main arena by vikings, knights, men-at-arms and WW2 soldiers. Don't miss the battles between humans, dwarves, elves, goblins and orcs! Lots of stalls and refreshments too.
Visit www.royalgunpowdermills.com
CLASSIC CARS-ON-SEA, SOUTHEND SEAFRONT, Southend SS1 2EJ. Saturday, September 21.
The annual event is back with an impressive collection of up to 20 pre-booked classic vehicles which will be displayed in a spot on the seafront. The event commemorates the 64 cars that left London on a 1,000 mile trial in April 1900 and encourages owners of classic vehicles to get them up and running. Owners of classic cars can still register for them to be displayed and will receive a free breakfast.
Visit www.visitsouthend.co.uk for more details
OPERATING DAY WITH STEAM, COLNE VALLEY RAILWAY, Castle Hedingham, C09 3DZ. Sunday, September 21. 10.30am-5pm.
Tickets vary from £9 per adult, £5 per child or a family ticket for £28.
The Colne Valley Railway opens its doors for an operating day complete with steam trains and miniature railway. The visit includes unlimited train rides, the travelling post office, the railway's museum, signal box visits and the garden and model railways. A family day out, even for your dog for £2.
Visit www.colnevalleyrailway.co.uk.
GUIDED TOUR, COPPED HALL, Crown Hill, Epping, CM16 5HS. Saturday, September 20.
The tour starts at 10am and entry gates close at 11am. The tour costs £7 and lasts about 2.5-3 hours.
You are guided around all of the Copped Hall gardens, part of the vast mansion, the cellars and the stables.
DAY OUT GREAT DUNMOW CARNIVAL, The Recreation Ground, CM6 2AA. Saturday, September 20, 12pm-9.30pm.
The Great Dunmow Carnival has been running on the third Saturday of September since 1951. Summer may be coming to an end but this full day of fun is a great way to see it out and features a traditional procession, showground events, food, fireworks, stalls and an evening of concert performers.
Visit www.dunmowcarnival.com.
NIGHT OUT STARLIGHT SAFARI NIGHT, COLCHESTER ZOO, Colchester CO3 0SL. Saturday, September 20. Late opening until 9.30pm.
Colchester Zoo remains open into the evening for this twilight viewing with a timetable packed with displays, feeds and training sessions. A list of feeding times provides a glimpse of the animals as you may have never seen them before. You could also take a ride on the Lost Madagascar Express train to visit the Lemur Paradise.
Visit www.colchester-zoo.com for tickets.
