St Osyth Summer Sounds is a free annual Music and Food festival created with and for the people of Tendring. Taking place across the third weekend of July in the beautiful grounds of St Osyth Priory, the festival brings world-class performances, local food and shared community celebration to one of England’s most beautiful coastal districts.
Over two days, the Priory comes alive with headline artists, emerging talent and grassroots musicians from across the region. The weekend is a vibrant celebration filled with music, dance, food markets and creative activities for all ages.
We believe every community deserves access to world-class culture on its own doorstep. By combining live music, local food and genuine participation, St Osyth Summer Sounds celebrates creativity as a force for belonging, wellbeing and renewal.
-
Are tickets really free?
Yes, the festival is free to attend, but you must reserve a ticket. We cap each day at 5,000 people for safety and comfort.How do I get my ticket?
Once you have booked your ticket(s) you will be send an email with the ticket as a PDF, this may take a few hrs so please do wait for this.How many tickets can I book?
Up to 4 Adults and 4 Children per order. Please only book what you’ll use.How do ticket releases work?
Tickets are released in waves. If your preferred day is full, join the waitlist. When people cancel, your spot is offered automatically by email.Can I transfer or resell my ticket?
Tickets are free and non‑transferable. If you can’t come, please cancel so someone else can attend.Can I re‑enter if I leave?
Yes, re‑entry is allowed with your wristband/QR scan until last entry - 6pm time.Do children need tickets?
Yes, please book a free ticket for every person, including children and babies (for capacity counting).Age policy
Under‑16s must attend with a responsible adult (18+). Challenge‑25 applies at the bar, bring ID.Do I need to print my ticket?
No, mobile QR is best. Make sure your phone is charged or bring a print‑out if preferred. You will be sent a reminder email, with your ticket details 24hrs before the event.Why do you ask me questions when I book the Tickets?
Please if you could complete this as best you can. It’s only used to report to our funders. -
Is the site accessible?
We’re committed to access for all. The site is a mix of grass, gravel, & hardstanding with step‑free routes between key areas. Please remember that St Osyth Priory is a working farm, some ground may be uneven or challenging for wheelchairs.We are currently looking into mobility scooters, but are yet to find a provider who is available on the day.
Accessible toilets
Accessible toilets are located at across the site and marked on the maps.Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome. Please bring identification harnesses.Medication & medical devices
You may bring essential medication/medical equipment. Our Medical team can store small quantities if needed. Sharps bins available.If there is anything else we can be doing to help, please let us know.
-
Festival times
The festival open at 1pm and close 7pm. Last entry 6pm. Performance’s times are published closer to the date.Security & searches
Bag searches on entry. Thank you for your cooperation, this keeps everyone safe and us working within the lawProhibited items
No dogs, outside alcohol, glass, BBQs, gazebos, fireworks/flares, weapons, drones, lasers, or professional audio/visual gear without accreditation. -
Is the festival family‑friendly?
Yes. Expect daytime programming, baby‑change facilities, and a family meeting point.Pushchairs & wagons
Allowed. Please be mindful of crowds.Ear protection
Free disposable earplugs at Info/Medical; children’s ear defenders available to borrow in limited numbers, ID / £20 deposit required.Lost children
Visit the Info/Medical point. Wristband your child’s first name and guardian phone number at the Info Desk. -
Food traders & dietary needs
A curated line‑up of traders includes vegetarian/vegan, gluten‑free and kid‑friendly options. Allergen information is available from each trader on the day.Can I bring my own food?
Small amounts of food for your children and sealed soft drinks are okay. No alcohol and no glass on site.Bars
Licensed bars operate to Challenge‑25. Please bring ID. The Festival runs the automated beer and cider machines, we do this to help fund the festival. -
Cashless?
Most traders accept cards and contactless. A few may take cash, there are no on‑site ATMs -
Reusables & recycling
Please use general bins provided. all of the rubbish is sorted and 95% of our rubbish goes to recycling.Travel choices
We encourage public transport, cycling or car‑sharing where possible. -
Medical & first aid
On‑site Medical posts and roaming teams during opening hours. In an emergency, tell a steward or call 999 and state you’re at St Osyth Summer Sounds.Welfare Ambulance
A confidential, supportive space for anyone feeling unwell, overwhelmed or needing assistance.Harassment & safeguarding
Zero tolerance for harassment or abuse. Report issues to any steward, Security, or Welfare immediately.Weather
The festival goes ahead rain or shine. Bring weather‑appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Severe weather updates will be posted to Instagram. -
Road closures & traffic
Some temporary traffic measures may be in place around the Priory. We will be directing all St Osyth Summer Sounds Traffic away from the village via AA Road signs, towards Colchester Road where our official entrance is.Noise management
We adhere to agreed sound levels and finish times as per the St Osyth Priory site licence. Any noise or activities outside of the festival hrs is outside of our control. -
Food trader applications
Open/close dates, fees and standards: [TBC link].Arts & Crafts stalls
Apply and read criteria: Please complete this application form.Performers
Artist submissions: Please email hello@artstrust.co.uk (we may not reply to all).Volunteers
Join the team (stewarding, FOH, family area): Please click here and complete our Volunteers Application form. -
Good to bring:
Refillable bottle, bank card, sunscreen/rainwear, portable phone charger, ear protection, picnic blanket (no staking/pegs).Please don’t bring:
Glass, alcohol, drugs, BBQs, umbrellas that block views in crowds, weapons, drones, professional A/V without accreditation, gazebos.Dogs & pets
Only assistance dogs are permitted on site. -
Lost property
During the festival: Info Desk.
After: email hello@artstrust.co.uk with description and your contact details.Photography & filming
General photography is allowed for personal use. Respect other attendees and children. Commercial shoots need prior approval via press@artstrust.co.uk.Press & media
Please contact press@artstrust.co.uk -
How do you use my data?
We only collect what’s needed for ticketing, safety and evaluation. Full Privacy Policy.How do confirms/cancellations work?
If you book ticket to come and plans change, please cancel via your ticket via your account on Universe. We’ll instantly offer your place to the next person on the waitlist.
CAN YOU SUPPORT US:
We have decided that this events has to be free, but still costs us over £150k per year to put on, we have amazing support from St Osyth Priory and the National Lottery Reaching Community Fund, but we always have a shortfall to find each year. If you can contribute as a one off donation or as a regular gift we would be very grateful. We are a charity, registered with the Fundraising Regulator.
