Events at Lake Meadows
Friends of Lake Meadows organise and support a friendly programme of events throughout the year, from our flagship free July Jazz in the Park evening to guided walks, children’s activities and seasonal celebrations.
Most activities are free or low-cost, and are designed to be family-friendly and welcoming to all ages. This page gives you an overview of what’s on, how to book when needed, and how you can get involved as a volunteer.
For a quick view of what’s coming up, you can also check the Upcoming Events section on our Home page.
We will be holding our Annual "Early Morning Bird Walk" on Sunday May 3rd starting at 7am.
Neil Sumner has agreed to take the walk and will be assisted by Ben Mapp. Hopefully the Park's birds will be in good voice and you will be given help in identifying their songs. Last year nearly forty species were either seen or heard.
The size of group is limited so booking is essential.
On Saturday July 11th, Friends of Lake Meadows host "Jazz in the Park" – this is a free early-evening concert in the park, with live jazz and popular music. Families, friends and neighbours bring picnics, rugs and chairs, and enjoy a relaxed evening together.
The event will start at 4pm and lasts about three and a half hours. We start early so that children can come along with families to enjoy a picnic. Do remember to bring along rugs and chairs to sit on. A collection is made to help pay for the event and support the work of the Friends
There is parking around Lake Meadows, but it can be busy – we encourage walking, cycling or public transport where possible.
For the latest information, timings and any weather updates, please keep an eye on our website.
Some Lake Meadows events are open drop-in activities, while others have limited spaces and need advance booking. Each event listing will clearly say whether you need to book.
For drop-in events, you can usually turn up on the day.
For events that require booking, we will use an online form on this website, ask you to email us, For those unable to use the website it is possible by dropping a line to [email protected] or leaving a message on our phone 07843-860135 The event description will give the exact instructions, including any closing dates.
If your question is not answered here, please do get in touch. You can email us, use the form on our Contact & Find Us page, or speak to a volunteer at the Information Centre when it is open.
We are always happy to help you enjoy events at Lake Meadows safely and comfortably.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What happens if the weather is bad? | For larger outdoor events such as Jazz in the Park, we will announce any weather-related changes as early as possible on this website and via on-site notices. Where it is safe to do so, we may continue in light rain, so please dress for the forecast. |
| Are there toilets and refreshments? | Toilets are available in the park during normal opening hours. For bigger events there may also be additional temporary facilities . |
| Is the park accessible for wheelchairs and buggies? | There are hard-surfaced paths around much of the park and to the main event areas. The grassed areas may be uneven or soft in wet weather. If you have specific access needs, please contact us in advance so we can advise. |
| Can I bring my dog? | Well-behaved dogs on leads are generally welcome in the park, but for some events (especially children’s activities or crowded areas) we may ask that dogs are kept away or remain on the edges. Please check each event listing for any specific guidance. |
| Do I need a ticket for free events? | Many events are free and do not require a ticket, but some still need advance booking to manage numbers. The event description will always say clearly if booking is required and how to do it. |
| Who organises the events? | Events organised by Friends of Lake Meadows, are sometimes in partnership with Basildon Borough Council or other local groups. We are a local charity, and most events rely on volunteers. |
Our events depend on volunteers who help with setting up, welcoming visitors, running fundraising stalls, stewarding during the event and helping to clear up afterwards.
Roles can include putting up gazebos and signage, selling programmes or raffle tickets, giving directions, supporting children’s activities, or simply being a friendly presence in the crowd. You don’t need special skills – just a willingness to help.
Time commitments vary: some people help for an hour or two on the day, others are involved throughout the event or in advance planning. We can usually match tasks to your interests and any accessibility needs.
If you would like to know more about volunteering generally, you can also read about our regular gardening team.