Burnham retirement village: family days out in Burnham on Crouch
Are you thinking of moving to the coastal town of Burnham on Crouch? Perhaps, you’re already set to become a part of our Burnham retirement village at Burnham Waters? If so, rest assured that you are making a great decision.
Burnham has a wonderful reputation; it’s known for its quaint town centre, picturesque views, not to mention an abundance of maritime history. Burnham on Crouch is made even more hospitable by the evident community feel that resonates throughout the town.
This is only enhanced by the family friendly events that are on offer to locals around this time of year! With National family day fast approaching on 26th September, we thought we’d detail some of the brilliant things the whole family can enjoy around the area!
Burnham Week - August/September
It’s currently Burnham week! Beginning on the last bank holiday weekend of August and running into the first week of September, Burnham week marks the end of the main sailing season. Founded in 1893, it involves a week-long series of sailing events, water sports, fun and entertainment in the yacht clubs, pubs, restaurants and shops of Burnham! During the 1970s, Burnham Week enjoyed the status of being one of the most high-profile regattas in the world, with royalty, politicians and even celebrities visiting the town.
During this week, Quay Day is on bank holiday Monday and marks the end of the first weekend of Burnham Week. Celebrating the waterfront and the River Crouch, Quay Day offers live music all day, great stalls, paddle-boarding demonstrations, children’s rides, children’s fancy dress and more. On Quay Day, locals are encouraged to dress up as a pirate or wear maritime gear to get into the spirit!
The prestigious ‘Town Cup’ prize is awarded by the Town Mayor to the winner of the Town Cup yachting race, held on Burnham Week’s final Saturday – that’s in two days’ time, so if you’re already in the area, be sure to get yourself to the quay to see the presentation!
According to the Burnham residential community, one of the best parts of Burnham week is the annual firework display that commemorates the end of festivities. Starting around 9pm on the final day, the fireworks are launched from a raft in the middle of the river, for optimum viewing impact. Tradition is to stand along the quay to watch the display amongst the local community.
Burnham Carnival - September
The Burnham Carnival is the biggest annual event in the Dengie Hundred! Traditionally taking place on the last weekend of September, this four-day fiasco includes a funfair, stalls, rides, music, fun on along the high street and one of the largest night-time illuminated processions in Essex!
It’s a weekend attended by many of the Burnham residential community and kicks off with the arrival of the Funfair. This opens on the Thursday before the much anticipated weekend begins, and runs until the Sunday.
Local shops also join in the fun with the annual ‘Window Competition’, which sees them compete for prizes in three categories – Novelty, Trade and Artistic. The novelty activities in Burnham Town open at 10am and include pop-up stands, food stalls, a market and local bands.
Burnham Light Procession - September
Each year, Burnham on Crouch hosts a wonderful illuminated procession on the last Saturday in September. The event, organised by the Carnival Committee, draws thousands of visitors to the town. The procession usually starts as dusk falls around 7.30pm at the Clock Tower. It then runs up the length of the High Street and much of Station Road.
Local and regional groups create a vast array of themed, illuminated floats accompanied by professional performers. Before the procession, the Carnival Queen is crowned and begins her reign over local carnivals in the area over the next 12 months. To end Carnival Weekend, another firework display is held on the Sunday at dusk, which people can watch from the West Quay.
Festival of Food and Drink – July
The Crouch Valley Festival of Food & Drink is a celebration of local produce. Locally produced beer, wine, pies, pastries, meats and vegetables are available, all home-made or grown by local sellers!
Although not for another few months, the food and drink festival is a day of family fun that’s not to be missed! Live music and activities along the coast are also thoroughly enjoyed by the community during the chosen weekend in June. Not to mention, entry is completely free – what’s not to love?
Burnham Art Trail – June
The Burnham Art Train is held each year, in the last week of June, where Burnham residential community art-lovers host a wonderful week of artistic delight. Local volunteers open up their homes as art galleries to the public, offering a colourful display of the artworks created by local artists.
The Burnham Museum also host art exhibitions during this week to mark the occasion, featuring artwork from resident artists. There’s even an activity spot for families to create their own masterpieces in the museum. It’s a brilliant event that you can re-visit time and time again if you are local to the area!
Get in touch
We hope this has given you a helpful insight into the Burnham retirement village and some of the wonderful things that the town offers for the whole family! If you’re thinking of relocation or retirement, Burnham on Crouch offers a wide variety of scenery and fantastic local amenities.
Here at Burnham Waters, we’re adding to the strong community feel residing in Burnham. Our luxury retirement homes in Burnham are the perfect place to enjoy everything the town has available, with the benefits of a low maintenance, social lifestyle. If you’re interested in hearing more about our bungalow properties, then we’d love to hear from you!
Simply send us an email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk, or get in touch with our sales team on 01621 861559. We look forward to hearing from you!
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