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Hello Basildon!

Hope your week is off to a great start, Basildon! There’s plenty happening across the borough this week, from community updates and family-friendly activities to local events, workshops, markets, and outdoor fun for all ages.

This week, we’re loving this beautiful photo …….

P.S: If you have any recommendations for this newsletter, please reply this or email them to [email protected]. Every single email is read by a real person :-)

Weather in Basildon this week

According to the Met Office weather forecast, a warm and mostly pleasant week ahead with predominantly sunny skies. Temperatures begin comfortably at 27°C today before surging through the early part of the week, peaking at a scorching 33°C on Tuesday. A notable mid-week cool-down brings temperatures back down to 20°C on Wednesday, before a steady recovery through Thursday and Friday. Saturday rounds off the week with a touch of cloud cover, staying warm at 26°C. Dry and bright conditions dominate the entire week, with no rain expected — just wall-to-wall sunshine giving way to a partly cloudy finish on Saturday. 

What’s New?

Essex Community Talent Awards - Entry closes 31st May
Whether you sing, dance, perform magic, play an instrument, act, or have a unique talent to share, Essex Community talent wants YOU!
🎤 All ages welcome
🌟 Solo acts & groups welcome
📍 Essex community talent
⏳ Deadline: 31st May @ 11:59pm
💷 FREE TO ENTER! —> ECTA 2026 - Official Application Form

The World Cup is Coming to Basildon
Football fever is set to take over as part of the Summer of Sports programme. Licensed venues can stay open later for Home Nation knockout matches, with some venues trading until 1am or 2am depending on kick-off times. Group stage games are not included.
For more info: https://orlo.uk/jm2tE or send an email to [email protected] 

May Bank Holiday Waste Collection Update
All waste and recycling collections will take place one day later than usual over the May Bank Holiday period. Services return to normal from Monday 1 June. Residents are reminded to put bins out by 7am and use the Our Streets Basildon app for reminders.
Full details: https://orlo.uk/ZhQBx

Free Five-Minute Health Checks Return
Free digital health checks are back at the Unity Centre, Eastgate Shopping Centre from 22 May – 12 June. Residents aged 18+ can check blood pressure, BMI, stress levels, cardiovascular risk and more using the SiSU Health Station, with instant results in just five minutes.

Basildon Council Confirms New Leadership Team
At the 2026 AGM, Cllr Andy Barnes was confirmed as Leader of Basildon Council, while Cllr Sam Journet became the borough’s youngest ever Mayor. The meeting also welcomed new Youth Mayor Kuukua Aidoo and Deputy Youth Mayor Diamond Akinbo for the year ahead.

Things to do in Basildon this week

Free Online Courses – Essex Libraries

Access LinkedIn Learning, language courses, Driving Theory, Life in the UK and more. All FREE with your library card. 🔗 https://libraries.essex.gov.uk.

Little Loungers Free Breakfast Club – Orleto Lounge
📅 26th – 31st May
Children can enjoy a free breakfast station each morning with cereals, toast, fruit, juices and babychinos as part of Orleto Lounge’s community half-term initiative.
🕘 9am – 10:30am
📍 Orleto Lounge, Basildon

Basildon Emotional Geography Art Project
📅 Saturday 30th May
Residents are invited to help create a collaborative artwork exploring memories, stories and experiences connected to Basildon town centre and Gloucester Park. No booking required.
🕚 11am – 2pm approx.
📍 Exact Basildon location to be announced

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What to do this bank holiday/rest of the week

Monday

Bike repair session at the Spring Bank Holiday Market – Langdon
Essex Pedal Power will be joining us for our Spring Bank Holiday Market on Monday 25th May. If you've got a bike that's in need of repair, bring it along and get it fixed just in time for summer
📍 Nature Discovery Centre, Langdon, SS16 6EJ
📅 Monday 25 May
⏰ 11am–3pm

Spring Bank Holiday Market – Langdon
Shop local eco-friendly products, enjoy live brass music from Thurrock Spectrum Brass, family pond dipping, café treats and gift shop discounts.
📍 Nature Discovery Centre, Langdon, SS16 6EJ, Basildon
📅 Monday 25 May
⏰ 11am–3pm
🎺 Live music from 11am
🎟 Pond dipping booking: https://www.essexwt.org.uk

Bank Holiday BBQ & Live Music – Billericay
Family-friendly afternoon with BBQ, live music and free meals for kids.
📍 Billericay Constitutional Club
📅 Monday 25 May
⏰ From 3pm

Spring Bank Holiday Market
📅 Monday 25th May
Browse eco-friendly stalls, handmade products and local makers both indoors and outdoors at Essex Wildlife Trust. Families can also enjoy seasonal trails and pond-dipping activities throughout the day.
🕚 11am – 3pm
📍 Essex Wildlife Trust Nature Discovery Centre
🌐 https://www.essexwt.org.uk

Sing Club – Billericay
Fun daytime singing sessions. No experience needed.

🗓 Mondays or Fridays
⏰ 1:30pm – 2:30pm
📍 Billericay Theatre
💷 £6 per session
📧 [email protected]

Fitness Class – Bounce Billericay (BOUNCE)

Trampoline workouts, boxing, circuits and drumming-based exercise. Suitable for all abilities.

📍 HK Dance Studio, Summerhill Farm, Hardings Elm Rd, Billericay CM11 2UJ
🎟️£6.95 per session. Book now: www.bookwhen.com/bouncebillericay

Daily Group exercise classes at the Fit Lab, Essex (First class free)
Wrexham rd, Laindon. SS15 6PX @ 6am
📅 Book here: https://thefitlab.as.me/schedule/4867abca

Sing Club Billericay (first session free)
Join singing sessions – all ages and abilities welcome, no experience needed! Sessions are £6 pay-as-you-go, run by professional musicians, and no auditions, uniforms, or dancing required. Sessions run on

• Mondays (1.30–2.30pm, Queens Park Community Church) and

• Fridays (1.30–2.30pm, Mayflower Hall). For more info, email [email protected]

Gymophobics Pitsea – Women’s Gym Sessions 

A fun, supportive gym space just for women; no judgement, no pressure, just fitness, friendship and feeling good. Scarves flying, smiles wide, and lots of laughs.
Build stronger bodies and real friendships in a safe environment.

📍 Gymophobics, Pitsea
Free consultation available.  Inbox to book your free consultation.

Woodlands School, Basildon (Sporting Village)

⚽ 6:30 PM
Weekly friendly football for local lads — all abilities welcome (16-18yrs).
Balls, bibs & ref provided. Great for fitness, stress relief & fun.
📍 Woodlands School, Basildon
£10 per player | 1-hour game on 3G pitch
📲 WhatsApp: 07723 615546
🔗 Join online: https://footyaddicts.com/football-venues/1489-woodlands-school-basildon-essex

Weekly yoga @6:30pm
Fryerns Community hall, Whitmore Way, Basildon SS14 2NN
📅 Book here: Yoga Classes | Treatments | Southend-on-Sea | Yoga4all (Check site for various other sessions)

Tuesday

Pond Dipping – Wat Tyler Country Park
Family pond dipping sessions for children aged 4+.
📍 Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, SS16 4UH
📅 Tues 26 & Thurs 28 May
⏰ 11:30am & 12:30pm
💷 £5.60 per child
📞 01268 205267

GolfTots – Langdon
Free weekly golf sessions for children aged 2.5–5. No booking needed.

🗓 Every Tuesday
⏰ 9:30am – 11:00am
📞 01268 548444
📧 [email protected]

Wellness Café Launch 9:30am–1:30pm
Open every Tuesday (term time), 9:30am–1:30pm at The Beech, SS14 3RZ. Free sessions with tea, activities, armchair exercise & community support…everyone welcome! Contact: [email protected]

Wednesday

FREE Summer Fun in the Park – Wickford
Enjoy Punch & Judy and face painting at this free family event.
📍 Wickford Memorial Park
📅 Wednesday 27 May
⏰ 2pm–4pm
🔗 www.wickfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Fun in the Park – Wickford Memorial Park

Wednesday 27th May
The popular FREE family event returns with activities and entertainment for children and families to enjoy during half term. Organised by Friends of Wickford Memorial Park.
🕑 2pm – 4pm📍 Wickford Memorial Park

The Hive Community Café – Basildon
A warm, welcoming space to relax, chat, and connect with others.

🗓 Every Wednesday
⏰ 9:30am – 12:00pm
📍 The Hive Community Café

The Hive Gardening Club – Basildon

Wednesdays | 10 AM–12 PM
Weeding, soil rotation, painting, building veg patches & more!
📍 6 Honeypot Lane, Basildon SS14 2JZ

Women’s Cycle Ride 

Beginner-friendly cycle around Gloucester Park, followed by refreshments and a chat.

🕥 10:30am – 12:00pm
📍 Basildon Sporting Village, SS14 3GR

• Open to all women
• Safe and supportive environment
• Learn local routes & build confidence

Need a bike? Limited bikes available to borrow.
📧 [email protected]
📞 07749 491638

Seated Yoga – Basildon Library

An hour of gentle chair-based exercise at seated yoga class. The friendly classes are suitable for adults of all ages and abilities

13.30am - 14:30am | Basildon Library, town centre | No booking required - find out more here

Social Community Football – Friendly Men’s Games (Woodlands school)

⚽ 7:00 PM
Keep fit, meet mates & enjoy friendly competitive football.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village
£7 per player
📲 WhatsApp: 07723 615546
🔗 Join online: https://footyaddicts.com/football-venues/289-basildon-sporting-village-essex-basildon

Ladies Netball – Social League
🏐 7–10pm
Fun, friendly and open to all abilities.
📍 St Clere’s School
🔗 Basildon Wednesday - Play Netball

Thursday

Speed Dating at The Bootmaker
📅 Thursday 28th May
A relaxed speed dating evening for singles aged 30–50, offering a fun way to meet new people in Chelmsford.
🕖 Registration from 7pm
📍 The Bootmaker, Chelmsford

Art & Sip Sunset Session
📅 Thursday 28th May
Enjoy a relaxing evening of painting, cocktails and creativity while being guided step-by-step through your own acrylic landscape artwork. Suitable for beginners and experienced creatives alike.
🕢 7:30pm – 9:30pm
📍 Billericay Theatre
💷 £50 per person
🌐 https://www.thebillericaytheatre.co.uk

Sewing Group
🧵 10am–12pm
Learn knitting, crochet or sewing. £4
📍 The Pavilion, Great Berry
📞 Ann: 07802 161021

Friday

Make Space for Girls Consultation Event
📅 Friday 29th May
Girls and young women are invited to share ideas on how to make public spaces safer, more welcoming and enjoyable. Creative activities, discussions and local organisations will all be part of the event.
🕒 3pm – 6pm
📍 Vange Hill Community Centre
📧 [email protected]

Men’d Model Making – Happy Hub
12pm. Enjoy a relaxed creative atmosphere with good company.
📍 Unit 11, Eastgate SS14 1AE

Knit, Natter & New Friends – Happy Chatters
10:30 to 11:30am. Bring your yarn & join the fun.
📍 Happy Hub, Eastgate (by Asda)

Yoga for Mental Health – FREE
🧘 11:15am
📍 King Edward Centre, Laindon SS15 6GY
✉️ [email protected]

Where to make friends this week - young people

Tuesday

Bird Song Walk – Wat Tyler Country Park
Guided nature walk learning to recognise birdsong. Suitable for all ages (recommended 7+).
📍 Wat Tyler Country Park
📅 Tues 26 & Thurs 28 May
💷 £8.50 per person
⏰ Duration: 1 hour
📞 01268 205267
📧 [email protected] 

Mini Athletics

Indoor sports sessions for children.

• Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday: Ages 2–4

Fun running, jumping & throwing games.
Locations: Billericay, Basildon, Wickford, Grays, Brentwood.

Wednesday

Baby & Toddler Rhyme Time – Basildon Library

Songs, stories and rhymes for babies and toddlers.

10am - 10:30am | Basildon Library, town centre | No booking required - find out more here

SEND sensory stay and play – Basildon Library

Come and enjoy our safe SEND area, meet other parents and make friends!

15:30 - 16:30am | Basildon Library, town centre | No booking required - find out more here

Rhythm Time – Babies & Toddlers

🎵 Music • Movement • Instruments • Bonding
Confidence-building sensory play for babies & toddlers in a calm, friendly setting.
📍 Meadow Croft Garden Centre
🍼 Wednesdays
Limited spaces… Message Zoe on 07778213315

FREE Kids Chess Trial Classes

• 🕓 4:30pm

• 📍 George Hurd Activity Centre, Audley Way, SS14 2FL

• Perfect for beginners wanting to learn strategy & make new friends!

FREE Fun & Teatime at Briscoe

• 🕓 4:30–5:30pm

• 📍 Briscoe Primary School, Felmores End, SS13 1PN

• Football, crafts, board games & a warm snack. Families welcome! 📞 Kelly: 07701 365822

Thursday

Soft Archery – Wat Tyler Country Park
Fun archery sessions for children aged 4+.
📍 Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, SS16 4UH
📅 Wed 27 & Thurs 28 May
⏰ 1:30pm
💷 £5.60 per child
📞 01268 205267

Leapsprogs for Toddlers (18 months–5 yrs)

• 🕥 10:30–11:30am

• 📍 Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX

• Fun, active sessions for early learners

Free Yoga for Children. Ages 6 - 12

• 🕓 4 to 4:45pm

• 📍 Northlands Park Family Centre

• FREE 🔗 Book: https://www.yoga4all.co

Buzz & Bloom – Parent & Toddler Group 

Warm, friendly stay-and-play group.

🕤 9:30am – 11:00am
📍 The Hive, 6 Honeypot Lane, Basildon SS14 2JZ

Fun, play and connection for parents and toddlers.

Sports & Activities at James Hornsby (Ages 12–24)

• 🕔 5–7pm Football, basketball, archery, cricket, dance & fitness + snacks.

• 📞 Jay: 07794 329833

Messy Madness at Monkey Madness

• Messy play & crafts… without the clean-up!

• 💷 £7 per session (soft play included)

• £40 per term 📞 01268 288211 to book

Junior Badminton 🏸

Sports School Badminton Course. Ages 7–11

🕓 4:45pm – 5:45pm
📍 Basildon Sporting Village
Book via everyoneactive website

Friday

The Barnhall Under 5’s Club

Stay-and-play toddler group.

🕤 9:30am – 11:00am
📍 Barnhall Social Club, Wickford SS11 7JP
🎟️ £2.50 per child | Under 1s £1

Runs term time only. Fully insured & DBS checked.

Well Youth Club – Wickford 

Supportive weekly youth community.

🕕 6pm – 8pm
📍 Downtowner Centre, Wickford
👥 Ages 11–18
🎟️ £6 per person

📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.motivated-minds.co.uk

King Edward Teen Teatime Club

A welcoming space for teens to relax, socialise and have fun.

🕔 5pm – 7pm
📍 King Edward Community Centre, Laindon SS15 6GY

Activities include:
• Multi-sports
• Crafts
• Dance & karaoke
• Snacks provided

✨ Completely FREE

📞 07701 365822
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.atfcommunity.com

FreeStreet Cricket at James Hornsby 🏏

FreeStreet Cricket sessions for young people aged 8–16.

🕔 5pm – 6pm
📍 James Hornsby School

Delivered by qualified ATF coaches in partnership with Essex Cricket in the Community, providing a safe, inclusive and fun experience.

✨ Completely FREE
✨ All abilities welcome

🔗 Register here:
https://chancetoshine.my.site.com/s/street-registration-form?language=en_GB&qrc=0018e00000IcqWOAAZ

That’s all folks! Enjoy your week ahead!