Step into a world where art and nature intertwine. Our 2026 season begins on Wednesday 1 April. Enjoy the changing colours of the landscape with us throughout the year. We are open every Wednesday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until the end of October, 2026. Check below for the events and family activities coming up…
Get ready to raise a glass because the Beer Festival is returning to the beautiful Gibberd Garden. This year we are going bigger than ever by expanding to a full three-day weekend of brews, bands and family fun. For just £10, you’ll gain entry and receive your very own commemorative pint glass to use and take home.
The festival kicks off on Friday 19th June from 2 to 8pm with an afternoon of live music to set the mood.
On Saturday 20th June, we open from 12 until 8pm for a full day of garden exploration and tasting.
We wrap things up on Sunday 21st June from 12 until 7pm with a special Father’s Day celebration that includes dedicated children’s entertainment to keep the little ones busy.
We have partnered with local experts to bring you a stellar lineup of real ales and craft brews. CAMRA will be on-site serving a wide-ranging selection of authentic real ales, while The Gate from Sawbridgeworth brings their own unique mix of favorites. Additionally, The Rising Sun from High Wych will be featuring a dedicated bar of exceptional brews specifically from Oakham Ales.
Mayfield Farm will be fired up and serving a delicious variety of meat and vegetarian burgers. For those looking for something other than beer, the Barn Tearoom offers chilled Prosecco, a selection of wines, and light refreshments. We will also provide plenty of non-alcoholic options including teas, coffees, soft drinks and ice cream for a perfect summer treat.
Don’t miss out on the highlight of the summer season. Whether you are coming for the live music, the local ales, or a family Father’s Day outing, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. The link to book will be live soon.
The Essex Book Festival comes to Harlow for a weekend of art and storytelling. Join us on Sunday 28th June for an afternoon exploring 1950s Bohemia and trailblazing art with Maggi Hambling and Darren Coffield. See more details about each event and book tour ticket below!
Maggi Hambling in conversation with James Cahil
2.00pm – 3.00pm
Maggi Hambling, one of the most influential artists of her generation, will be talking with author, writer and art critic James Cahill about a new monograph of her work recently published by Rizzoli New York. Join us for an afternoon to celebrate and shine a light on Hambling’s fearless spirit and trailblazing art.
Find out more and book tickets at essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/maggi-hambling/
Darren Coffield – Hen, Mistress of Mayhem: A Portrait of Henrietta Moraes
4.00pm – 5.00pm
Darren Coffield will be exploring his book, Hen Mistress of Mayhem: A Portrait of Henrietta Moraes, providing a unique insight into 1950-60s Bohemia and the key players of the fashion, music and art scene. Uniquely told from the viewpoint of the women who knew her, including Maggi Hambling, not the famous male artists who painted her.
Find out more and book tickets at essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/hen-mistress-of-…henrietta-moraes/
The Gibberd Garden is welcoming visitors for 2026, and will be open from April 1st to October 25th every Wednesday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 2 – 6 pm.
Admission Prices:
For more information about our events please check here, or on our Facebook or Instagram pages.
