Burnham Waters | Our guide to the Burnham Art Trail 2026
The Burnham Art Trail 2026 returns this summer, bringing another exciting week of creativity, culture and community spirit to Burnham-on-Crouch.
Taking place from Saturday 20th June to Sunday 28th June 2026, the Burnham Art Trail is one of the most popular events in the local calendar. Now in its 22nd year, the trail transforms the town into a vibrant open-air gallery, with artists, makers and creatives showcasing their work across a variety of venues throughout Burnham and the surrounding area.
Whether you are a long-time art enthusiast or simply looking for something different to enjoy during the summer, the Burnham Art Trail 2026 offers a fantastic opportunity to discover local talent, meet artists and explore some of the town's most interesting locations.
At Burnham Waters, we are fortunate to be just a short distance from the heart of Burnham-on-Crouch, making it easy for residents to enjoy everything this annual celebration has to offer.
What is the Burnham Art Trail 2026?
The Burnham Art Trail is a week-long celebration of visual arts and creativity that takes place across Burnham-on-Crouch.
Throughout the event, shops, cafés, studios and public spaces become exhibition venues, showcasing work from a diverse range of artists and makers. Visitors can explore paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, textiles, printmaking and mixed-media creations, often while meeting the artists behind the work.
One of the unique aspects of the trail is the opportunity to step inside working studios and creative spaces that are not normally open to the public. This allows visitors to gain a greater understanding of artistic processes, while discovering and purchasing original artwork directly from local creators.
The event has become a much-loved fixture within the local community and attracts visitors from across Essex and beyond each year.
Burnham Art Trail 2026 dates
This year's Burnham Art Trail will run from: Saturday 20th June 2026 to Sunday 28th June 2026.
Over the course of nine days, visitors will be able to enjoy exhibitions, open studios, creative workshops, community projects and special events taking place across Burnham-on-Crouch.
Most venues are expected to be open between 11am and 5pm, unless otherwise stated.
Art on the Quay returns
One of the highlights of the Burnham Art Trail is the ever-popular Art on the Quay event.
Taking place on Sunday 21st June and Sunday 28th June, Burnham Quay will once again come alive with artists demonstrating their work and showcasing their creative talents against the picturesque backdrop of the River Crouch.
Running from 11am until 4.30pm, Art on the Quay offers visitors the chance to watch artists at work, learn more about different creative techniques and browse a wide variety of artwork on display.
The relaxed waterside setting makes it one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the Art Trail and is ideal for combining with a stroll along the quayside or lunch in one of Burnham's cafés or restaurants.
Other events taking place include:
The Big Quiz
When: Thursday 25th June 7pm
Venue: The Canary Shed, Creeksea Place Barns, Ferry Road, CM0 8PJ
With over 30 years of quiz setting experience, Peter ‘Wizzo’ Ward brings his art-themed quiz to Burnham to test your knowledge over ten rounds of questions. It promises to be a fun evening with prizes to be won. Maximum team size of six players – if not in a planned team, you may be asked to join one to make up numbers. Players must be 14+. Bar and snacks available.
Tickets: £6
Maldon Books Pop-Up
When: Everyday 10am-5pm
Venue: Quarterdeck, The Quay, CM0 8AT
Maldon Books is an award-winning independent bookshop based in Maldon. They are open seven days a week, and their booksellers are on hand to help you find your next favourite read, so why not pay a visit to their pop-up shop on the Trail.
The Little Ships
When: Sunday 21st June – 7pm
Venue: The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, The Quay, CM0 8AX
Burnham film producer Samantha Andrews tells the story of the little ships that sailed from Burnham to Dunkirk, and the men who took part, through fragments of oral history and local memory.
Tickets: £3
An Evening with Jane English
When: Wednesday 24th June - 8pm
Venue: The White Harte, The Quay, CM0 8AS
Come and join this ever-popular summer evening with Jane English for poems, stories and songs.
Tickets: £8 (from The White Harte - includes a glass of Pimms)
Schools Concert
When: Tuesday 23rd June - 6.30pm
Venue: St Mary's Church, Southminster Road, CM0 8DA
Ormiston Rivers Academy is proud to present a musical evening with vocal and instrumental performances from a range of genres. Joined with performances from Burnham Primary and St Mary’s C of E School.
Tickets: £3
Open Mic Night
When: Thursday 25th June - 7.30pm
Venue: The Queens Head, 26 Providence, CM0 8JU
Hosted by Dan Fraser and Kevin Bassett. PA and mics provided – just bring your instruments. Everyone welcome, pro or beginner.
Free
The Every Voice Choir
When: Friday 26th June - 2pm
Venue: The Quay, CM0 8AT
Formed in 2021, The Every Voice Choir has grown to over 50 members. They are a mixed group, united by their love of singing.
Free
The Every Voice Choir
When: Friday 26th June - 7pm
Venue: St Mary's Church, Church Road, CM0 8DA
The choir sing a wide variety of music and perform regularly throughout the Dengie for various charities.
Tickets: £3
Jazz in the Vines
When: Sunday 28th June - 2pm-5pm
Venue: Crouch Ridge Vineyard, Fambridge Road, Althorne, CM3 6BZ
Crouch Ridge Vineyard annual music event in association with Burnham Art Trail, starring Essex Jazz Collective Band, a six-piece featuring saxophonist Zak Barrett. Bar, Boards & BBQ available.
Tickets: £10 on the door
For a full list of What’s On at this year’s Burnham Art Trail click here.
Exhibitions throughout the town
A key feature of the Burnham Art Trail is the wide range of exhibition spaces located across the town.
Participating businesses, cafés, community venues and independent retailers generously provide display space for artists, helping to create a trail that encourages visitors to explore Burnham-on-Crouch from end to end.
Open studios and artist demonstrations
For many visitors, the opportunity to visit artists in their own creative environments is one of the most appealing aspects of the Burnham Art Trail.
Throughout the week, selected artists will open their studios to the public, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their creative process. Visitors can see works in progress, discuss techniques and learn more about the inspiration behind individual pieces.
Why Burnham-on-Crouch is the perfect setting
Part of what makes the Burnham Art Trail so special is its location.
Burnham-on-Crouch has long been associated with creativity, thanks in part to its maritime heritage, beautiful riverside setting and distinctive character. The town's historic streets, quayside views and surrounding countryside have inspired artists for generations.
Visitors can spend the day exploring galleries and exhibitions before enjoying a riverside walk, browsing independent shops or stopping for refreshments in one of the town's welcoming cafés and pubs.
The Art Trail offers the perfect excuse to discover new corners of Burnham while supporting local artists and businesses.
Enjoy local events from Burnham Waters
One of the many benefits of living at Burnham Waters is being part of a thriving local community with a busy calendar of events throughout the year.
The Burnham Art Trail is a wonderful example of the vibrant cultural activities available on the doorstep. Whether you choose to spend a few hours exploring selected venues or dedicate an entire day to following the trail, there is something to appeal to visitors of all interests and artistic tastes.
For residents of Burnham Waters, it is another opportunity to enjoy everything that makes Burnham-on-Crouch such a special place to call home.
Keep an eye on the official Burnham Art Trail website for the latest announcements, participating artists and venue information.
About Burnham Waters
Burnham Waters is a vibrant new residential community for the over 55s, situated in Burnham-on-Crouch in Essex.
It offers the perfect blend of luxurious bungalow living, combined with the comfort and serenity of a rural village community. With the added benefits of on-site amenities and facilities for residents, everything you need is easily accessible and readily available.
View our range of new build retirement bungalows here.
Choose from a selection of one, two and three-bedroom bungalows - with homes ready to move in to.
For more information email the sales team or call 01621 861 559.
Our sales suite is open daily, 10am - 3pm.
