About the Wivenhoe May Fair

The Wivenhoe May Fair is a community-based festival, run by volunteers of all ages, that supports local music, crafts and performing arts and raises money for local, national and international charities.

Since 2000 the May Fair has raised nearly £35,000 for local and International causes.

It started as a peace festival 25 years ago and still aims to follow that ideal as well as promoting green, organic and sustainable lifestyles.

The Wivenhoe May Fair (occasionally dubbed 'Wivstock') is a non-profit making free festival traditionally held on the last bank holiday Monday of May on King George V (KGV) playing field in Wivenhoe, Essex. All proceeds from the Fair are donated to local, national and international charities.

Over the winter the team has been working closely with the local authorities and emergency services to create a safe and relaxed event. As a result there will be an increased police presence in the vicinity and double the number of trained security personnel on the field. The venue will operate a restricted alcohol policy and no glass is permitted on site.

Reflecting both the ethos of the May Fair and a total absence of parking in Wivenhoe on the day, organisers are also encouraging festival goers to leave their cars behind. An increased train service to Wivenhoe will drop people off 2 minutes away from the event or come by bike, where plenty of bike storage areas will be available. Buses will also be offering a regular service to and from the event.

The May Fair depends on the efforts of local volunteers. If you would be interested in participating in anyway, take at look at the volunteers page or email us on info@wivenhoemayfair.com.

Artists interested in performing at the May Fair should also see the volunteer page for more details.

How to get here

By Train from Colchester to Wivenhoe leave at 11.43, 12.43, 13.43 14.43 & 15.43.

Trains from Wivenhoe to Clacton leave at 14.50, 15.50, 16.50, 17.50 & 18.50.

Trains from Wivenhoe to Colchester leave at 13.57, 14.57, 15.57, 16.57, 17.57 & 18.57.

By Bus from Colchester to Wivenhoe Co-op;

First Essex Route 61A leaves Colchester High Street at 11.20, 12.20, 13.20, 14.20 & 15.20.

First Essex Route 62 leaves Colchester High Street at 11.50, 12.50, 13.50, 14.50 & 15.50.

First Essex Route 74 leaves Colchester Bus Station at 12.20 & 14.20.

Network Colchester Route 78 leaves Colchester High Street at 11.30, 13.30 & 15.30

Leaving the festival by bus

To Brightlingsea - Network Colchester Route 78 at 17.49.

To Arlesford, Thorrington & Clacton – First Essex Route 74 at 16.39 & 18.39.

To Colchester & Essex University –
First Essex buses (Routes 61A, 62 and 74) at 15.03, 15.33, 15.46, 16.03, 16.33, 17.03, 17.33, 17.46, 18.03 & 18.33.
Network Colchester Route 78 at 16.38 & 18.38.

Information correct at 10th May 2011, however we would recommend you check before you travel at www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk. Services on the day may be subject to last minute changes. Wivenhoe May Fair takes no responsibility for visitors travelling to and from the event.

By Cycle or Foot -
The Wivenhoe Trail runs from Colchester Castle Park to Alresford Creek along the banks of the River Colne and is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. It takes about 30 minutes to cycle to Wivenhoe from Castle Park and about 90 minutes to walk. There will be fencing at the May Fair to chain-up bicycles, but this is at the owner's risk.

By Car -
As mentioned elsewhere on this website, only disabled parking is available on site and parking space is limited in Wivenhoe. In particular drivers should avoid driving into Lower Wivenhoe (beyond the Co-op) or parking on or near The Avenue and Belle Vue Road. Traffic wardens will be on duty and any vehicles found to be illegally parked or causing an obstruction could be removed. Our advice is to leave your cars at home and walk, cycle or use public transport.

***Please note that the May Fair field closes at 6pm prompt and that pubs in Wivenhoe will also close at 6pm on that day.***

Links to related sites

www.myspace.com/wivenhoemayfair - The MySpace page

The Facebook Group

www.narbeth.com - Music and May Fair photography

www.wivenhoe.gov.uk - The Wivenhoe Encyclopaedia

www.brightlingseamusicfest.co.uk - Brightlingsea Music Festival

www.kelvedonfreemusicfestival.co.uk - Kelvedon Music Festival

www.snakeinthegrass.co.uk - Colchester Music Events

www.bikehirecolchester.co.uk - Bike to the May Fair!