Essex Street Diversions 2011 will take place in Chelmsford this year on 1st October 2011. Billed as an International Festival of Outdoor Arts, this completely free annual event is a fantastic afternoon & evening out for all the family.
Organised by the Cultural Events team at Chelmsford Borough Council, Essex Street Diversions is now is its ninth year, and gets bigger and better every year. Showcasing some of the best live outdoor arts and street theatre around, everyone will be wowed by the weird & wonderful acts and displays.
The most famous act associated with Essex Street Diversions are the infamous Coneheads, who appear every year to make people laugh at their crazy antics and strange looks. Dressed and looking exactly the same as each other, the Coneheads have become synonymous with the Chelmsford event and are now the biggest attraction. Creating a surreal sci-fi atmosphere and a feel that the town of Chelmsford has been invaded by aliens, be sure not to miss them!
Last years event in 2010 began in the afternoon with Essex Street Diversions filling Chelmsford town centre with curious characters, with walkabouts from such acts as The Ugly Bug Musical Band, Walrus & the Carpenter, Denis the Skeleton, Pigeon Poo People, Insectoids, Invisible Circus, and Ventriloquists Dummies.
Also adding to the fun and great atmosphere were floating ghosts, huge dancing antelopes, a fire breathing horse, a fat giant, twelve foot spiders, and of course, the aforementioned Coneheads.
As the evening approached and darkness fell, the Essex Street Diversions atmosphere then turned into a more dark and moody place to be.
With plenty of spooky surprises, sculptures, fire drawings and special effects, the evening came to a close with a short fireball finale in Bell Meadow.
Essex Street Diversions - When
This year's event will be taking place on 1st October 2011, between the hours of 2.00pm & 7.00pm (tbc).
Essex Street Diversions - Where
Taking place all over Chelmsford, the main centres for Essex Street Diversions are the town centre pedestrianised area, both the High Chelmer Shopping Centre and the The Meadows Shopping Centre, Backnang Square, Bond Street ‘amphitheatre', & Bell Meadow.
Essex Street Diversions - How to Get There
If arriving by bus or train, then both stations are less a 5-10 minute walk away from Chelmsford town centre.
If you are arriving by car just follow signs to Chelmsford town centre. There are several car parks in Chelmsford or alternatively you can use either of the two Park & Ride schemes which operate from North & South of the town and bring you directly into the heart of festivities.
Essex Street Diversions - Parking
There are a number of car parks within walking distance of the events, although they are expected to be very busy due the thousands of people the event attracts.
The closest parking to the centre of the town would be either the High Chelmer Shopping Centre Car Park or The Meadows Shopping Centre Car Park. Alternative parking can be found at New Writtle Street Car Park or Riverside Ice & Leisure in Victoria Road.
Use the following postcodes in your SatNav to find your chosen Chelmsford Car Park.
Last years event in 2010 began in the afternoon with Essex Street Diversions filling Chelmsford town centre with curious characters, with walkabouts from such acts as The Ugly Bug Musical Band, Walrus & the Carpenter, Denis the Skeleton, Pigeon Poo People, Insectoids, Invisible Circus, and Ventriloquists Dummies. 
As the evening approached and darkness fell, the Essex Street Diversions atmosphere then turned into a more dark and moody place to be.
Accommodation
Art and Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Charities
Community Clubs
Education
Estate Agents
Fastfood
Health and Medical
Heritage and Attractions
Leisure and Fitness
Local Services
Nightlife
Pets
Professional Services
Public Services and Government
Pubs And Bars
Religious Organisation
Restaurants
Shopping
Sports Clubs
Tradesman
Travel
Join us on
Facebook