Between the Tides: Walton Arts Festival

After the roaring success of the first Walton Arts Festival in 2024, ‘Between the Tides’ will return this September for another jam-packed weekend of live music, dancing, art, storytelling, performance, and fun for kids. Against a backdrop of beach activities, a celebration of coastal community and creativity across Walton-on-the-Naze will be a welcome dose for wellbeing before the season’s change. 

Now’s the time for people to save the weekend date in their diaries. Between the Tides: The Walton Arts Festival will open on the evening of Friday 18th September, and will run through to Sunday 20th September 2026, transforming the beaches, promenade, Naze Tower, and community spaces into a vibrant celebration of local talent and seaside culture. The festival will feature a wide range of activities designed to showcase Walton’s unique landscape and creative community. Events and activities will again be led by the tides of the Autumn Equinox, and will involve businesses, venues, churches, community groups and organisations, artists, performers, schools from Walton, and the surrounding areas, for a spirited last of the summer hurrah!

Organisers say the festival is designed to bring people together, support local artists, and shine a positive spotlight on Walton and the wider Tendring coast. Eleanor Brown from The Nose Bookshop said: 

“We hope to build on the success of the last Festival, bringing together creative communities to showcase our impressive local talent and help make the town feel alive. Walton‑on‑the‑Naze has an incredible creative spirit and a coastline that inspires artists, writers, and musicians. This festival is about celebrating the town, giving local people something to be proud of, and welcoming visitors to experience Walton at its best.” 

Inspired by Walton’s heritage of September folk festivals and upholding its famous reputation for being ‘Britain’s friendliest seaside resort’, the Walton Arts Festival plans to offer a vibrant mix of opportunities and activities for residents and visitors of all ages, to connect, create, and enjoy the wonderful coastal town during the autumn equinox. 

The festival will start with a selection of live music around the town on Friday evening when visitors will be arriving on a specially arranged ‘Old School Disco Train’ (running from Colchester North to Walton-on-the-Naze) organised by the Essex and South Suffolk Rail Partnership. There will be a host of fun family activities across Walton-on-the-Naze over the festival weekend. Walton beach will be filled with ambitious sandcastle building for the Sandcastle competition. The Naze Tower will be holding its favourite Teddy Bear Parachute jumps, where families will have the opportunity to decorate their own parachutes and launch them from the top of the tower. Local eco-artist Jane Stewart will be hosting a ‘Shoe Box Carnival’ along the prom and Lisa Strong’s ‘Walton Feel Good Choir’ will be hosting a Walton Choir Showcase. 

‘I had my first singing solo in the All Saints Church with Walton Primary School carol concert, aged just 10. Now a professional singer and community singing leader, I am looking forward to showcasing the beautiful, creative community spirit that is so buoyant here in sunny Walton through our vibrant choir!’ said Lisa Strong.

To help the Walton Arts Festival weekend take shape, there will also be fun, family workshops, activities and events happening throughout the Summer to create a fantastic showcase of community celebration and expression.

To find out more about the volunteer-run, grassroots family festival, people can go online at www.waltonartsfestival.com or follow the Walton Arts Festival Facebook page. With planning starting in earnest, anyone with ideas or suggestions for activities and events can register their interest on the festival website or enquire at The Nose Bookshop in Newgate Street, Walton on the Naze. Most events will be free or low‑cost, ensuring the festival is open to everyone in the community. People who would like to show their support for the Walton Arts Festival can do so by donating on and sharing the festivals go-fund-me page on the festival website. The volunteer festival team will also be organising fundraising pots at upcoming events across Walton.

Event Details

Times and Dates: High tide (16:56) Fri 18 Sep – High tide (19:20) Sun 20 Sep 2026 

Locations: all around Walton on the Naze 

Website https://www.waltonartsfestival.com/  

Socials: https://www.instagram.com/waltonartsfestival/;  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558753035524 

Press contact: Charlie Inskip inskipcharles@gmail.com 07940527934