Free Witches of Chelmsford Festival Returns for October Half Term 2026
Families can enjoy a week of free Halloween activities in Chelmsford city centre this October half term, with a magical treasure trail, witchcraft exhibition, science shows and creative workshops.
The Witches of Chelmsford festival will run from Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, with a programme of activities organised by Chelmsford For You in partnership with the Essex Witch Museum.
The event will transform parts of Chelmsford city centre into a Halloween-themed adventure, offering activities for children and families without the need to spend money on admission.
Follow the Witches of Chelmsford Tarot Trail
One of the festival's main attractions is a free Tarot Trail through Chelmsford city centre.
Families can collect a special spellbook from the Essex Witch Museum pop-up at Shire Hall before searching for ten numbered tarot cards hidden around the city.
By finding the cards and putting them in the correct order, participants can reveal a secret spell word and claim exclusive Witches of Chelmsford stickers.
New for 2026, visitors can also look out for giant magical objects displayed above the streets, using clues in their spellbooks to find them.
The trail runs throughout the festival and does not require advance booking.
Free Essex Witch Museum exhibition at Shire Hall
The Essex Witch Museum will host a special pop-up exhibition inside Shire Hall, exploring the county's history of witchcraft accusations and trials.
Visitors will discover why Essex became known as 'Witch County', what life was like for people accused of witchcraft and the historical differences between witches and so-called Cunning Folk.
The exhibition will be open daily from 10am to 4pm, between 26 October and 1 November.
Admission is free, with no advance booking required.
Free activities throughout October half term
Alongside the trail and exhibition, families can enjoy a different activity each day.
Most activities are free to attend without booking, although the stop-motion workshop on Monday and magic bath bomb making on Wednesday require free tickets booked in advance.
Visitors should check the organiser's programme for individual session times, locations and booking availability.
Halloween events for adults too
The festival also includes events aimed at adults, with a mixture of free and ticketed activities.
These include a yoga and herbal workshop at Patch on Saturday 24 October, a discussion about witchcraft history on Wednesday 28 October, and a psychic evening at Queenies on Thursday 29 October.
A free-to-visit witches-themed pop-up market will take place in Market Square on Saturday 31 October, from 10am to 4pm.
Some adult events require paid tickets, and the historical panel discussion is already listed as sold out.
When and where is the Witches of Chelmsford festival?
Dates: Monday 26 October – Sunday 1 November 2026
Location: Chelmsford city centre, with the trail starting at Shire Hall, Tindal Square.
Cost: Free for the main family trail, museum exhibition and family activities.
Booking: Not required for the trail or museum. Two family workshops require free advance tickets.
Museum opening times: 10am–4pm daily.
The festival offers families an opportunity to explore Chelmsford, enjoy Halloween-themed entertainment and discover a lesser-known part of the city's history.
For the full programme, session times and booking information, visit the official Witches of Chelmsford festival website.
Source: Chelmsford For You — The Witches of Chelmsford 2026.