Chelmsford’s beloved Bay Days Music Festival is making a grand return this year, and it’s bigger than ever! Scheduled for Saturday, August 1st, Bay Days 2026 promises an unforgettable experience with an impressive lineup of 32 artists spanning multiple genres. Hosted by local microbrewery Radio City Beer Works and Podcast In The Abyss, this festival is set to be a highlight of the summer.
The festival will unfold across three vibrant venues: Radio City Social, Hot Box Live, and Chelmsford Theatre, where 22 bands will perform throughout the day for ticketholders. Headlining the stages are London’s PENGSHUi, Hull’s Mastiff, and Bristol’s Mother Vulture, ensuring a diverse and electrifying musical experience.
But that’s not all! The fourth stage, nestled in the Festival Village on Marconi Plaza, will feature 10 local acoustic artists, including BBC Introducing’s Katy for Kings and George Bone. This part of Bay Days is completely free to the public, offering a fantastic opportunity to enjoy live music without a ticket.
In addition to the incredible music, festival-goers can indulge in delicious food pop-ups from Zorba The Greek, Squares and Circles Pizza, and Smashed Essex. Locally brewed beers from Radio City Beer Works, along with wines and spirits from The English Vine, will also be available, alongside other local pop-up stalls.
Bay Days, which originated at The Bay Horse pub and later The Golden Fleece, has been revived with the blessing of its original organisers. This expansion highlights Chelmsford’s thriving live music scene, with Radio City Social leading the charge in the alternative rock revival since its opening in 2022.
Tickets for Bay Days 2026 are available now on Eventbrite, and access to the Festival Village on Marconi Plaza is free on the day without requiring a ticket. Don’t miss out on this spectacular celebration of music and community in Chelmsford! And if you’re considering a move to this vibrant city, remember that we at Bond Residential are here to help with all your estate and letting needs.
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