Below are some hopefully helpful answers to questions you may have about Essex Pride.
Key Essex Pride 2026 Timings
• 10:00am Taking part in the Pride March: Arrive at Chelmsford Theatre (Marconi Plaza)
The theatre is open for ticket purchase, wristband collection, refreshments and facilities
• 11:30 am The march departs from Chelmsford Theatre – Fairfield Road CM1 1JG
• The Central Park Pride Festival runs from 12pm to 10:00pm
• Last Entry to park 8:30pm.
• Live acts on Festival Stage from 12:00pm to 9:30pm
• Live acts on Cabaret stage from 12:30pm to 6:15pm.
Getting to Essex Pride
Where is Essex Pride being held?
The festival is held in Central Park, Chelmsford (CM1 1JJ).
The What 3 words reference ///scenes.bonds.option will take you to main entrance to the festival.
You cannot drive on to Central park but it is easily accessed via paths that come directly from the city centre and side roads around the park, all of which are step free.
More information on how to get to Essex Pride can be found here
Can I park at Essex Pride?
There is no parking on site at Essex Pride; however, there are car parks very close by including High Chelmer multi storey (short stay), Fairfield Road and Coval lane (both long stay). Click here for more information
There is a step free route from High Chelmer car park through Bell Meadow.
Can I get to Essex Pride by bus or train?
Both Chelmsford train station and Bus station are only an 8-minute walk from Central Park.
Buses are run by First Bus Essex and trains by Greater Anglia. There are no planned engineering works for this weekend between London Liverpool street and Colchester, however there is rail replacement between Colchester and Ipswich.
Coming into Central park
How do I pick up my ticket?
You will need the E-ticket from our ticketing partner – Chelmsford Theatre
This will be scanned on entry and exchanged for the correct wristband.
You can also collect your wristband at Chelmsford theatre before the march departs.
I am over 18 but do not have any I.D. can I come in/ can I drink alcohol?
We operate a Challenge 25 policy. Everyone (over 18) must have ID to prove their age.
If you do not have valid ID you may come in but will be issued with and under 18s wristband and will not be able to purchase or consume alcohol on the premises.
Date of Birth to be 18 must be on or before 21st June 2008.
Can I bring in a bag?
You can bring in a bag / backpack; however, it will be subject to a search by SIA security guards.
We encourage you not to bring large or bulky bags as these take a long time to be searched and slow down the entry process.
Can I bring in a chair to sit on?
Yes if you need a chair for mobility reasons, then you can bring one to the event.
You may bring in blankets to sit on.
Can I bring in alcohol?
No: as part of our licence all alcohol must be purchased from one of our licensed bars.
Can I bring in soft drinks?
Yes, but they must be in unopened plastic bottles or cans. No glass is allowed on site.
You can also bring an empty water bottle, and this can refilled for free at the water stations provided by Essex and Suffolk Water.
Can I bring in food/ picnic?
Yes you can bring in your own food.
Please check you do not have alcohol or glassware or metal knives.
Is the event dog friendly?
Yes Essex Pride is dog friendly, but please keep you dog on a lead, and clean up after them!!
Can I go off site if I need to (e.g. to get more cash or to meet a friend)?
Yes, as long as you keep your wristband on you will be allowed to re-enter the park.
You will be subject to security checks again before you re-enter the park
If you lose your wristband or take it off, you would have to purchase a new one at the full gate entry price.
Re-entry is at the discretion of our security team, and may be refused if you appear intoxicated through alcohol or drug use, or are rude/ abusive.
Can I take my drinks out of the park with me?
No: this is part of our licensing.
What is the latest I can come into the park?
Last entry is at 8:30pm.
Facilities and support
Are there cash machines on site / cashback available?
There are NO cash machines or cashback facilities on site.
There are cash machines in the town centre or at the bus station and railway station.
Card payments for drinks are available at both bars and most vendors (we encourage contactless payment).
Where are the toilets?
Toilets are located to the Right of the festival stage and also near cabaret stage.
Are there disabled / accessible toilets?
There are accessible toilets at both sets of toilets.
Are there separate gender toilets?
All our toilet facilities are gender neutral: individual cubicles.
I am a carer for someone, can I get in for free?
Yes, but you must have carers wristband and are not allowed to purchase/ consume alcohol for your own consumption: You may purchase alcohol for your client if they are over 18. To find out more, click here
Is there an accessible viewing?
There is raised accessible viewing area near to the festival stage.
What should I do if I become physically or mentally unwell during the event?
Our first aid tent is located under the trees to the rear left of the park when facing away from the festival stage. First aid support will be provided by PFA services.
We also have a wellness area where volunteer mental health first aiders will be on hand to support you in a separate area near to first aid.
Where is lost and found?
During the day lost and found will be at the main entrance.
I am bringing my family / younger children with me. Can I leave them in the family zone ?
You must supervise younger children yourself (under 13s) and they should not be left unsupervised in the family zone or at the circus skills area.
What time is X act onstage?
You can see the running order in the digital pride programme here.
Can I go backstage to see an act?
No, your wristband only gives you access to the main park.
The March
I am going on the march: where do meet up for the start of the march?
The meeting point for the march is at Marconi Plaza – Chelmsford theatre, Fairfield Road, Cm1 1JG
What time does the march set off?
The march is leaving from Chelmsford Theatre at 11:20am and should take about 30 minutes.
Meet at Chelmsford Theatre from 10:00am
If I attend the march, do I still need a ticket to go into the Essex Pride event?
The march is free to attend, but you will need to purchase a ticket for the Central Park pride festival. Tickets acan be purchased in advance online, or pay full price on the day.
I have already bought my ticket: how will I pick up my entry wristband?
You can redeem your ticket for a wristband either inside Chelmsford Theatre at the march starting point at Chelmsford Theatre, or at the Pride Festival event Main Entrance Gate at Central Park,
You will still need to pass through security before you enter the park though.