Summer fun at Stansted Summer Festival 2023

It takes place on Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16 from 10am-6pm. Now in its third year, it offers the chance to “immerse yourself in the life of a country estate.” The Napoleonic Association will offer mock battles with musketry, cannon fire, cavalry charges and a living history camp. Speakers’ Corner will be a dedicated space to hear distinguished authors and historians debate world affairs and military campaigns.

Admission will allow you the chance to see range of classic cars, a real T34 Tank and a Ferret Scout Car on display. There will also be live jazz, concert bands and other musicians. You can test your accuracy at archery and see a Punch and Judy show; try your hand at paper flower making and rural crafts; dance to the beat of Batala Drummers (Sunday only); drink craft beers and gin or enjoy a cup of tea; learn about the forest operations and get up close to the tractors; and be amazed by Marco the Magician.

Mandy Earle, house & events assistant at Stansted Park Foundation, said: “This is our third festival, though under a different name as previous years. This year is set to be bigger and better than ever with lots of family friendly activities and entertainment.

‘The idea is to create a quintessentially British family event, set within the beautiful Stansted Park ground - something that everyone can enjoy. The Napoleonic re-enactors are returning again this year with their Living History Camp. Their re-enactments also move around the festival to give visitors a real immersive experience.

“You can also discover your wild side with the event’s Forest School; try a selection of street food, pizza and local delights; pit your wits against your family in traditional garden games; ride the Stansted Park Light Railway and get lost in the Stansted Yew Maze. For additional charges, you can practise your aim at laser clay pigeon shooting; test your putting skills with miniature golf or explore the historic house for a real Upstairs/Downstairs experience.”

“Music wise, we have Amy Baker and the Swing Beats, the Iron boot Scrappers which is an Edwardian Rock Band, Emsworth Concert Band, Southdowns Concert Band and Vintage78 DJ.

Mandy added: “Hampshire based Batala Portsmouth are a samba-reggae percussion band playing authentic afro Brazilian samba-reggae music and are powerful to watch. Stansted Park has got lots to enjoy outside of the festival also, including the Garden Centre, Pavilion Tearooms, Farm shop, Physiological, Light Railway and Maze.”