Brightlingsea WinterFest is to celebrate brightening the town for a decade, with a month-long 10th anniversary extravaganza of music, arts, spoken word and wellbeing activities.
The much-loved annual festival, run by volunteers, began in 2015 as a small concert, which was held to bring something positive to the town following some tragic local cases of suicide.
There was such a good response that the initial concert developed into Brightlingsea WinterFest, a major attraction taking place each February to raise community spirit and help people’s mental, physical and social wellbeing.
Alix Sheppard, who co-founded WinterFest with Dave Griffiths said: “It’s incredible to see how WinterFest has gone from strength to strength in the past 10 years to become a hugely popular highlight in Brightlingsea’s calendar.
“Having something that brings people of all ages together to enjoy a wide range of events at venues throughout the town makes such a difference at what can be a difficult and isolating time of year.WinterFest is a fantastic mix of creative people giving their time free of charge to stage a whole host of events, along with constant support from our wonderful community.
“We are proud that most of our events are free and we have championed inclusivity, so that WinterFest can be enjoyed by all. We are also delighted that, thanks to generous donations, WinterFest’s Wellbeing Fund, which was established in 2019, has raised thousands of pounds to help families, individuals and organisations in Brightlingsea.
“The grants we have been able to give include funding for music lessons, sports equipment, tickets for our local Lido, days out for families, activities for local groups and help for individuals with items to support their wellbeing. It is gratifying to know that WinterFest is creating a legacy to go back into the community, helping in practical ways all year round. Each year WinterFest also gives a substantial donation to the mental health charity, Mid and North East Essex Mind.”
For the 2025 event WinterFest once again runs alongside the Brightlingsea Literary Festival, following the success of the first collaboration between the two organisations in 2023.
Dave Griffiths said: “We have got a fantastic programme of events lined up for the special 10th anniversary WinterFest and we want everyone to come and join us to make it a year to remember.
“With the combination of Brightlingsea WinterFest and Literary Festival there is something for everyone, ranging from art and story sessions for children, a wellbeing weekend, music events from punk to sea shanties, writing workshops, a short story competition, an art exhibition and a candlelit concert.
“WinterFest has had a brilliant time brightening Brightlingsea over the past 10 years, but our work isn’t done yet and we think the best is yet to come.”
