Witham has a full programme of local activities this weekend, from free family entertainment in the town centre to live music, library sessions and an autumn fayre. Friday 18 September 2026 also marks the start of the early-autumn social calendar, with further community, cultural and wellbeing events taking place throughout September and October.

Whether you have lived in Witham for years or have recently moved into the area, these events offer straightforward ways to get involved, meet people and make the most of local facilities. Details can change, so check the relevant organiser before travelling, particularly where tickets, bookings or venue arrangements apply.

This weekend in Witham

Friday 18 September: live music at Witham Public Hall

The weekend begins with Money For Nothing, a Dire Straits tribute at Witham Public Hall on Collingwood Road.

Doors open at 6.45pm, with the performance starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £27.50, and the box office telephone number is 0345 017 8717.

It is a useful option if you are looking for an evening out without travelling into London or one of the larger Essex towns. Check ticket availability and the venue’s latest arrangements before setting off.

Saturday 19 September: Witham Street Entertainment Festival

The main community event this weekend is the Witham Street Entertainment Festival, running from 10.30am to 2.30pm on Saturday.

The free event takes place across Witham town centre, including:

• Newland Street
• The Grove Shopping Centre
• The Newlands Shopping Centre

Newland Street is closed between Collingwood Road and Maldon Road while the festival is taking place. The programme includes street performers and acts suitable for all ages.

The event was formerly known as the Puppet Festival and continues the tradition of taking place on the third Saturday of September. The annual date gives the town a reliable early-autumn focal point, bringing residents into the centre and supporting local shops and businesses.

You can check the latest information on the Witham Town Council events page.

Saturday morning: library activities

Witham Library, at 18 Newland Street, CM8 2AQ, also has several free activities on Saturday 19 September:

• Chess Club at 9.30am
• Family Storytime, Rhymetime and Crafts at 11am

These are drop-in style sessions, making them suitable for families who want to try something local without committing to a longer course or membership. The library is also a practical first stop for new residents looking for information about local services, groups and activities.

Essex Libraries listings can change, and some sessions may introduce booking requirements. Check the Essex Libraries events listings before attending.

Sunday 20 September: The Little Loves Autumn Fayre

On Sunday, The Little Loves Autumn Fayre takes place at Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre, Evans Way, Witham CM8 2FX, from 11am to 2pm.

The fayre brings together local traders, seasonal products and refreshments. Entry and parking are free, so it is an accessible option for a relaxed Sunday outing. You can browse at your own pace, pick up seasonal produce or gifts, and support independent sellers close to home.

As with all event information, check the organiser before travelling in case timings, stall arrangements or parking details change.

Put these dates in your diary

Witham’s community calendar continues into autumn. The following dates are currently listed:

• Thursday 24 September: Community safety public meeting hosted by the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner and Witham Town Council, at Witham Community Centre, 7pm–8pm.
• Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September: Real Ale and Gin Festival at Witham Public Hall. It opens from 4pm on Thursday and from midday on Friday and Saturday. Admission is £4, including a souvenir glass while stocks last. There will be beers and ciders from around the country, international gins and food. Proceeds support Witham Public Hall Trust.
• Wednesday 30 September: Afternoon Tea Dance at Witham Public Hall. Doors open at 1.30pm, with a 2pm start. Tickets are £7.50, including afternoon tea and unlimited tea and coffee. Live music is provided by Jeff Short and his Musicians.
• Thursday 1 October: NHS Blood Donor session at Witham Public Hall, 1.45pm–4pm and 5pm–7.45pm.
• Friday 2 October: The Best in Comedy at Witham Public Hall, 8pm. Tickets are £22.50. The line-up includes Mark Watson, Angela Barnes, Julian Deane and Steve Hall. This is an over-18s event.
• Tuesday 6 October: Autumn Job Fair at Witham Public Hall, organised by Braintree District Council.
• Thursday 8 October: Witham Age Well Fair at Witham Public Hall.
• Saturday 31 October: Witham Town Council Halloween Trail, 10am–3pm.
• Saturday 8 November: The Little Loves Christmas Fayre at Rivenhall Oaks Golf Centre.
• Saturday 21 November: Witham Christmas Fayre, 3pm–7pm, including entertainment and the Christmas lights switch-on.

For the latest venue information and ticket availability, check the Witham venue’s What’s On page and Witham Town Council’s event listings.

The regular local rhythm

For many residents, community life is built around regular, low-cost activities rather than occasional large events. Witham Library hosts a regular programme at 18 Newland Street, including:

• Baby and Toddler Rhymetime on Mondays at 11am and Fridays at 11am
• New Baby Rhymetime on Wednesdays at 11am
• Block Builders Construction Club on Wednesdays at 3.30pm
• Crafternoon and an Art and Wellbeing session for adults on Fridays at 2pm
• Saturday morning Chess Club and Family Storytime, Rhymetime and Crafts
• Dads and Doughnuts on selected Saturday afternoons

There is also a Dads and Doughnuts session on Saturday 26 September at 2.30pm for children aged 0–6.

Check the Essex Libraries listings before attending, as times, age ranges and booking requirements can change.

Renters’ corner: simple early-autumn updates

Early autumn is a good time to make a rental feel more comfortable without carrying out permanent work. The safest approach is to use removable, freestanding or textile-based changes and to follow your tenancy agreement.

1. Add warmth through textiles

A washable throw, cushion covers or a small rug can make a room feel more seasonal without altering walls or fittings. Choose colours such as rust, olive, mustard or warm beige, then store summer textiles carefully so they are ready to use again.

Check that rugs do not create trip hazards, particularly near entrances, stairs or walkways.

2. Use removable display options carefully

If your tenancy permits them, removable adhesive hooks or strips can be useful for lightweight items. Follow the product instructions, check the wall surface first and remove them slowly at the end of the tenancy.

For a lower-risk option, lean framed prints on shelves or furniture rather than attaching them to walls. Avoid heavy mirrors or objects above beds and seating unless they are securely installed with the landlord’s permission.

3. Bring in seasonal texture with plants

A small houseplant, vase of dried grasses or bowl of pine cones can add texture without taking up much space. Use a tray beneath plant pots to protect windowsills and flooring from water damage.

If you live in a flat or a property with communal entrances, keep plants, pots and decorative items inside your home. Do not place them in shared corridors, stairwells or near communal doors.

4. Improve evening lighting without changing fittings

Table lamps, rechargeable lights and warm-toned LED bulbs can make darker evenings more comfortable. Do not overload sockets, cover heaters or place lamps close to curtains and soft furnishings.

Keep communal areas, escape routes and fire doors clear. Fire safety responsibilities apply to landlords and managing agents, but tenants also have a practical responsibility not to obstruct shared access or introduce avoidable hazards.

If you are looking for a new base in the area, WitLet’s current properties to let in Witham and the surrounding area include houses and apartments. For example, the agency currently lists a two-bedroom semi-detached home at Upper Acres and an apartment at Crittall Court, subject to availability.

Witham’s local lifestyle is one of its practical advantages. You can attend a free town-centre festival, use the library, support local traders and take part in community meetings without needing to travel far. For renters and new residents, these everyday connections can make a property feel like home more quickly.

If you are considering a move, explore the latest houses to rent in witham and local homes available through WitLet, including flats to rent in witham. Always check the event organiser and property listing details before making arrangements, as availability and timings can change.

Witlet

September 18, 2026