Mersea Festival returns to Essex Outdoors Centre for summer bash

Mersea Island Festival will be held at the Essex Outdoors Centre in East Mersea from August 20th to August 28th.

The event's programme will boast an array of summer activities which can be enjoyed on land, in the sea or even in the sky.

Everything from archery, zip-lining, judo, and paddleboarding to climbing, trampolining, art activities, band workshops and kayaking will be on offer.

Splash - A group paddle-boarding in the river (Image: Mersea Island Festival Trust)

Tom Brennan, chair of the Mersea Island Festival Trust, said: “Everyone gets the chance to do things they otherwise may not.

"Some of the activities challenge them and they end up doing things they didn’t think they could."

The annual gathering has been curated to accomodate people of all ages and those with or without learning or physical disabilities.

Those who may need extra help in participating in some activities such as assisted climbing and ziplining can be supported by the many festival volunteers on site.

Soar - Festival-goer flying along on the zipline (Image: Mersea Island Festival Trust)

Tom Brennan added: “Wheelchairs users are able to go up the climbing wall and down the zipwire, or out on the water.

"The feedback we get is that people can be themselves. There are no preconceptions when they come about what they can and can’t do.”

Camping provision is available and more information can be found by visiting merseafestival.org.uk.