The May Day Carnival was a long established event that was held in Saltcoats Park every May Bank Holiday. It was the most well attended event in the town, with hundreds of people turning out to see the parade, visit the stalls and participate the many activities. It was an excellent opportunity for the town's many organisations to raise money for charity. Anyone who has been involved in the parade or associated activities will know what a huge amount of work went into making this day a success. There were fancy dress competitions for the children, performances and displays, things to buy, raffles, numerous smaller competitions, things to buy and to eat. However, no Carnival in 2001 due to lack of funding.  It will be missed.

Another annual charity event is the Victorian Evening which is usually held towards the end of November. A section of Hullbridge Road, in between the Village Hall and the level crossing is closed to traffic for that evening as market stalls are set up with goodies of all kinds. Many households in the street, very kindly, put up their Christmas lights early to add to the air of festivity. Stallholders dress in Victorian costume for effect and generally attempt to persuade the good folk of South Woodham to part with their cash in aid of charity. There are always carol singers or musical performers of one kind or another, sometimes a band. The local solicitors put on a light show of the history of South Woodham, Smiths, the butchers do a roaring trade in hamburgers and hotdogs. At least one of the stalls will be providing hot drinks (mulled wine too.. shhh).

Other events

There's always something going on in South Woodham, be it a quiz night, entertainment at the village hall or something special organised by one of the clubs or societies. Events are generally advertised in the town's two free magazines that are delivered weekly; the Focus (Tel: 01245 426555) and the Focus (01245 323741, email: focus@maypolepress.co.uk, and posters displayed in shop windows around town.

Events Listing 2009

Saturday 21 March
Danbury Country Park
March Nature Club Saturday
For children aged 7-11. We will be making masks and theatre to welcome the coming of spring and the end of winter.
Time: 10am – 12noon
Cost: £3 per child
Contact: 01245 222350.

Friday 27 March
Marsh Farm Country Park
Lambing Night Watch
Be lucky enough to join our shepherd for this rare opportunity to help out in the lambing shed at night. Get close to the sheep and lambs and help bottle feed the lambs. Refreshments will be provided. Tickets will be available by ballot on our lambing weekends (7,8,14,15,21,22 March) and successful participants will be informed on Monday 23 March.
Time: 9pm – 11pm
Cost: £10 for a ticket for 2 allocated by ballot
Contact: 01245 321552. Enter ballot in person at our lambing weekends.

Monday 6 April to Friday 17 April
Marsh Farm Country Park
Beaks, Bunnies and Baa Lambs
See the newborn chicks, bunnies and lambs. Bottle feed the lambs. See how many bunnies you can find hiding in the log cabin and follow the duckling trail.
Time: 10am–5pm
Cost: adult £6.25, child £3.75, under 3 free, concessions £4.50
Contact: 01245 321552.

Monday 6 April to Friday 17 April
Marsh Farm Country Park
Beaks, Bunnies and Baa Lambs
See the newborn chicks, bunnies and lambs. Bottle feed the lambs. See how many bunnies you can find hiding in the log cabin and follow the duckling trail.
Time: 10am–5pm
Cost: adult £6.25, child £3.75, under 3 free, concessions £4.50
Contact: 01245 321552.

Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
Marsh Farm Country Park
Easter Egg Hunt, Bonnets and Bobtails
Come take part in our popular Easter Egg Hunt. Follow the clues and collect your chocolate prize. Meet our gorgeous bunnies and see if you can spot the Easter Bunny. Bring along your Easter bonnet or make one at the farm and enter into our Easter bonnet parade and competition.
Time: 10am–5pm
Cost: adult £6.25, child £3.75, under 3 free, concessions £4.50
Contact: 01245 321552.

If you would like your event published on this site, or a link to it, please send details via email to info@countrycottagesonline.com