The Street Eats ‘n’ Beats Festival is set to return to Chelmsford’s Central Park on Saturday, 6th September 2025, marking its 11th year as a standout event in the Essex calendar. This family-friendly festival, founded by local resident Jules Pinkney, was created to fill a gap in the market for an electronic dance music event that could be enjoyed by all generations.
A Fusion of Food, Fun, and Flavour
The festival’s ethos is simple: a good old-fashioned street food party. It promises an eclectic mix of top-tier street food vendors, serving up a diverse range of international cuisines from the coolest, quirkiest vehicles. Previous years have featured mouth-watering offerings from vendors such as:
- Oh Babu Indian
- Made of Dough Pizza
- Hide & Greek
- Burnout BBQ
- Waffle Wands (for a sweet treat)
- Falafel Street (with plenty of vegan options)
- Flavas & Jerk (for authentic Jamaican cuisine)
To wash it all down, a selection of boutique pop-up bars will serve everything from craft cocktails at the Chin Chin bar to a range of ales and wines from The Black Bull mobile bar.
Beats for Every Taste
Living up to its name, the festival’s musical line-up is a key highlight, going beyond a single stage. This year’s event will feature Kiss FM’s Majestic and a live performance from dance music icon Alison Limerick on the main stage. The event also boasts a variety of other musical zones:
- Tropical Soul: Dedicated to funk, reggae, and soul.
- Cultural Quarter: A vinyl-only stage for electro, jungle, DnB, and tech.
- Disco Soul Zone: A new addition for 2025, promising funky, feel-good vibes.
A crowd-favourite is the silent disco, which showcases the talents of up-and-coming DJs, some as young as eight, creating a unique and supportive atmosphere.
Family-Friendly Fun
This festival is designed for the whole family, with a range of activities to keep everyone entertained. Beyond the music and food, there is a giant doodle wall for creative expression and a dedicated kids’ area with a variety of games and activities. The festival’s commitment to the community extends to its charitable partnership with the local Kids Inspire Charity.
Essential Information
- Dates: Saturday, 6th September 2025
- Location: Central Park, Chelmsford, Essex
- Time: 12 noon to 9:30 p.m.
- Tickets: Available for purchase online, with tiered pricing and options for VIP access. It’s noted that there will be no tickets available on the gate, so it’s essential to book in advance.
The Street Eats ‘n’ Beats Festival has proven itself to be a Chelmsford institution, offering a vibrant, inclusive, and fun day out that celebrates the finer things in life: food, drink, music, and friendship.
