Mersea Island Festival 2026

Bookings open for inclusive summer activities at Mersea Island Festival

The Mersea Island Festival takes place between 23 and 31 August. It brings together children, young people and adults – with or without a physical or learning disability – and offers them the opportunity to try new and inclusive activities, as well as make friends in a safe and fun environment.

All the activities and workshops, from archery to zip wire, are run by highly qualified and friendly instructors. Specialist equipment and adaptations are also available to ensure the activities are as inclusive as possible.

Other activities taking place during the nine-day festival include a large art tent, a band workshop, kayaking, aerial adventure and more.

Week and weekend camping tickets for the nine-day festival are still available and include activities, meals and accommodation at the residential centre, Essex Outdoors Mersea.

Also still available are festival day tickets. These include all activities and evening entertainment for £44.50, with lunch and dinner available at an additional cost of £12.50.

Camping and cabin options are available at Essex Outdoors Mersea, which is set in 65 acres of open countryside with access to the beach.

The festival is an annual event and was launched during the United Nations ‘International Year of Disabled Persons’ in 1981.

There will be sponsored places for children attending for a day, thanks to the Colchester-based, non-profit specialist paediatric clinic, Kids’ Therapy Works.

There are also sponsored places available for groups of six or more from Mersea Island Festival Trust, a registered charity.

Tom Brennan, Chair of the Trust, said: “The festival offers a wide variety of exciting activities and workshops that are fun but also challenge and stimulate, which helps build self-confidence and develops self-esteem in participants.

“For many attending, the festival is a place where they can be themselves and push themselves to their limits, or just enjoy the less extreme activities on offer. Our great team of volunteers are on hand throughout the festival’s duration to make sure everyone has a fun and great experience, whatever their ability.”

Peter Greatorex, Kids’ Therapy Works Managing Director, said: “At Kids’ Therapy Works, we believe every child deserves the chance to push boundaries and experience the joy of doing things they never thought possible.

“The Mersea Island Festival is one of those rare places where that happens naturally – the inclusive ethos here mirrors everything we stand for as a team. We’re proud to be supporting children and families to be part of it this August.”

For more information and to purchase tickets to the Mersea Island Festival visit www.merseafestival.org.uk