Upcoming events.

Creative Heritage Flag Project
Jan
31
to 15 Feb

Creative Heritage Flag Project

Join us for an artist-led creative project to make story flags that celebrate the history and evolving story of The Freight House.

Be part of creating Rochford’s living history.

Across four relaxed and welcoming sessions, participants will research, design and create textile patches inspired by the building, its historic stories and its community. These patches will be sewn together to form a series of flags and pendants that will become a lasting visual legacy of the space.

Suitable for all ages and abilities. Children must be accompanied by a supervising adult.


No previous experience needed — just curiosity and creativity.

Book your place is essential via our website!

Book Now!
View Event →
Rochford District Micro-Brewery Beer Festival
Feb
21

Rochford District Micro-Brewery Beer Festival

You asked, we listened.

Since opening The Freight House, many local residents have asked for the beer festival to make a return — and we’re excited to say it’s back. (In a similar format)

We’re proud to be working with Black Box Brewery to deliver a celebration of locally brewed beer and Amphora to bring the very best wines, bringing together independent breweries, great food, and live music in one vibrant community space.

Join us from 12pm to 10pm for a full day of beer, bites, and brilliant atmosphere.

🎟 Three ticket options available:
Day Session: 12pm – 5pm
Evening Session: 5:30pm – 10pm
All Day Ticket: 12pm – 10pm

Whether you’re stopping by for a daytime pint or making a day of it, this is your chance to support local brewers, enjoy fantastic food, and experience live music at The Freight House.

Terms and Conditions
Door Policy
Rochford District Micro-Beer Festival is looking forward to welcoming you to The Freight House. However, to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time we do have a few rules of entry. Generally, these are common sense, and in addition can save you money, so are worth remembering.

  • Re-admittance is allowed subject to venue capacity

  • This event is child-friendly

  • All under-18s must be accompanied by a parent or carer

  • All under-18s must vacate the premises by 5:30pm

  • Photo ID will be required to gain entry

  • No drinks / food is to be brought onto site

  • No dogs or animals are allowed into the venue unless they are assistance animals

  • All visitors will be searched on entry to the venue by our door security for public safety


Identification
Our licensing policy states that you must be either be at least 18 years of age to be admitted into the venue or be accompanied by an parent or carer who are over 18yrs. Therefore, we need to see photo ID for you to gain entry. Identification will need to be a valid photographic ID that shows your name, date of birth and has an expiry date.

Unacceptable Behaviour
If you are drunk or appear drunk, WE CANNOT LET YOU IN. We are sorry if this ruins your day, but it is the law, and we need to ensure your behaviour does not spoil the enjoyment of everyone else. Similarly, if your behaviour is likely to cause offence or endanger other people, we will ask you to leave.

Book Now!
View Event →
The Day Before Tomorrow by N-Act
Feb
26

The Day Before Tomorrow by N-Act

A gripping one-woman play about the unseen pressures facing young people today — honest, moving, and unforgettable.


“Conversations may happen that otherwise would not have — and these conversations may save lives.”

— Ian Russell MBE, father of Molly Russell, Chair of Molly Rose Foundation.


N-Act Theatre Company presents The Day Before — a gripping one-woman play inspired by a true story. Told with warmth and honesty, the play explores the hidden pressures of online worlds, manipulation, and the devastating consequences they can have.


“A moving and thought-provoking performance that stayed with me long after the show.”
— Audience member.


The performance blends powerful theatre with space for reflection, leaving audiences deeply moved and inspired.

Format of the Evening

  • Performance: 55 minutes

  • Interval: 20 minutes

  • Post-show Q&A: 30 minutes (an integral part of the experience)


Essex wide tour

This one-night-only performance is part of our Essex-wide rural tour in 2026. All proceeds will support N-Act’s future community and schools work, helping ensure these vital performances remain free to those who most need them.


Audience Guidance

  • Suitable for ages 15+

  • Contains sensitive themes, including suicide

Book Now!
View Event →
Brazilarte Carnival
Feb
27
to 28 Feb

Brazilarte Carnival

Join Brazilarte Academy for a vibrant Carnival evening at Freight House, Rochford, celebrating Brazilian culture through movement, rhythm and live music.

This intimate, cabaret-style show features performances of Capoeira, Samba de Roda, Maculele, Samba, Samba Reggae, and more. Brought to life by live musicians and performers from the Brazilarte community.

Energetic, expressive and welcoming, this is Carnival experienced up close. Shared, joyful and full of connection.

Food
Guests can also choose to enjoy a traditional Brazilian Feijoada, served throughout the evening.
Feijoada is Brazil’s most iconic dish. A slow-cooked black bean stew, rich in flavour and made for long conversations, laughter and shared tables.
Traditional meat & vegan options available.

Event details
Venue: Freight House, Rochford, Essex 
 Date: Friday 27th February 2026 
🕖 Doors open: 7.00pm till Midnight 
 Food served: 7.30pm - 8.30pm 

This is a family-friendly event. All are welcome. 

Book Now!
View Event →
Harmonie Concert Band
Feb
28

Harmonie Concert Band

Harmonie Concert Band and The Design Cabin are delighted to present Harmonie in Concert, a relaxed and uplifting evening of live music at The Freight House, Rochford.

Enjoy a carefully curated programme of familiar classics and much-loved music from stage and screen, performed by the talented Harmonie Concert Band. The evening also features a special guest appearance from singer Shannon Darcy, bringing an extra layer of warmth and emotion to an already memorable concert.

Perfect for music lovers of all ages, Harmonie in Concert promises an inviting, informal atmosphere where audiences can sit back, relax, and enjoy the joy of live performance.

📅 Saturday 28 February 2026
🕖 7pm
📍 The Freight House, Rochford (SS4 1BU)

As this is the final show in The Freight House before it is closed to have building work completed, we will be remaining open until 12am. So join us after for our closing party!

Book Now!
View Event →

Jack and the Beanstalk Panto
Dec
28

Jack and the Beanstalk Panto

With a Sprinkling of Panto Magic we are pleased to announce
Our Jack will climb the Beanstalk in Rochford's Freight House!

Our cast of six will bedazzle you with incredible vocals, and with ingenious set pieces and brand new comedy routines - this is a panto you’ll remember for years to come!

We are bringing theatre to Rochford!!! We'll be transforming The Freight House into a panto wonderland, with a maximum capacity of 100 people our pantomime will be a intimate experience.

You'll be greeted in the foyer by our friendly Front of House team who will check your name off the guest list, no need to print your tickets but feel free to have them ready on your phone. Then you'll head through the main door into the hall - there's no separate front of house area so when you're in you'll be in the auditorium. Feel free to grab a drink from the Bar or check out our panto goodies stall - there'll be snacks and ice creams available too!

The show will run for approximately 2 hours including an interval. The whole venue is on one level including the toilets.

There is a large car park next to the venue but please check out the FAQS on our website for more information on parking and public transport options.

Get your tickets here.

View Event →
Christmas Night Market by Make Your Market, Rochford
Dec
19
to 20 Dec

Christmas Night Market by Make Your Market, Rochford

🎄✨ Step into the magic of Rochford’s Night Market! ✨🎄

Join us on Friday 19th December from 6pm to 9pm at The Freight House, where twinkling lights, local makers, and festive cheer come together for a cozy evening of community celebration. Browse unique gifts, handmade crafts, and seasonal treats from talented local traders — perfect for last-minute Christmas shopping or simply soaking up the atmosphere.

🎶 Enjoy live music, warm drinks, and good company — with the Freight House Bar open till 10pm to keep the merriment flowing.

Whether you're shopping, socializing, or just strolling under the stars, this is a night to remember. Free entry, family-friendly, and full of festive spirit!

This is a free event to attend.

The Freight House Bar will remain open until 10pm.

To apply to be part of the market, please visit: https://eventaly.com/event/make-your-market/

View Event →
Folk Herbalism Workshop
Dec
7
to 21 Dec

Folk Herbalism Workshop

Step into the world of wild plants, nature wisdom and creativity with Brazilarte’s Folk Herbalism Course – a 3-week immersive journey into local herbal traditions, connecting with nature and creative journaling.

Held in the beautiful grounds of The Freight House in Rochford, each session invites you to explore and identify native herbs growing around us. With expert guidance, you'll learn how to respectfully harvest, record, and use these plants – creating your own handmade book along the way.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a curious beginner, or someone looking to reconnect with the land, these workshops offer a grounding, hands-on experience rooted in the rhythms of the earth.

Join us for the 3-week course.

All our events include a Pay It Forward scheme. If you're able, you can purchase an extra ticket that will be gifted to someone who may be having a tighter month. Our team makes no judgments and never asks for proof—it's all built on the goodwill and generosity of our community.

To apply for a Pay It Forward ticket, please email events@tdc.community

View Event →
Cloths swap, Rochford
Nov
30

Cloths swap, Rochford

 Join us for our next Clothes Swap event, where you can refresh your wardrobe sustainably by exchanging or choosing from donated items— with leftovers going to Lady McAdden Breast Cancer Charity, additional donation drop-offs available at Launchpad Southend and The Mill Hall on 27th Nov, coat hanger contributions welcomed.

This event was made possible with the support of Roche South Ward Councillors Cllr Mike Steptoe, Angelina Marriott and Arthur Williams through the Rochford District Council grant fund. 

This is a free event to attend. 

View Event →
Rochford Global Village
Nov
23

Rochford Global Village

Global Village regularly tours the East of England, bringing an explosion of colour from all corners of the world. This Autumn we will be at the Freight House, a beautifully restored former British Rail goods shed in the centre of Rochford, Essex.

There will be lots to see throughout the afternoon…
Come along and enjoy Giddha female Punjabi dance with the Saheli Group; traditional dance and music from Molodova and Romania with Vedance Studio; storytelling from Sierra Leone with Usifu Jalloh; a Bollywood Dance class with Jaymini Nakum; a djembe drumming workshop with Samantha Everitt; as well as dance, entertainment and music from Southend Tamil School, Southend Sivan Kovil and the newly opened Rochford Hindu Temple.

View Event →
Candlelight Christmas Concert
Nov
15

Candlelight Christmas Concert

Join us for a heartwarming evening of seasonal music at our Candlelight Christmas celebration. Set in a beautifully lit venue filled with the glow of candlelight, this special event is the perfect way to ease into the festive season.

We are delighted to welcome Harmonie Concert Band, a talented group of musicians based in Rayleigh, Essex. Known for their rich musicality and community spirit, Harmonie Concert Band will perform a magical selection of Christmas classics and winter favourites, guaranteed to get you in the festive mood.

Whether you're coming with loved ones, friends, or flying solo, Candlelight Christmas promises a cosy, joyful atmosphere for all ages to enjoy.
All tickets are non-refundable. However, if you can no longer attend, your cancelled ticket will be made available through our Pay It Forward application. This system gives those who are a little short the opportunity to enjoy our events free of charge. 

Get your tickets here.

View Event →
Drumming Workshops
Nov
4
to 16 Dec

Drumming Workshops

Unleash your rhythm and reconnect with your inner beat in this energising 8-week Drumming Workshop Series led by Brazilarte.

No matter your experience level, these 2-hour sessions offer a welcoming space to explore the ancient art of drumming. Learn how rhythm can become a powerful tool for stress relief, creative expression, and personal wellness. Each week we'll dive into the traditional rhythms from Brazil, the different drums, their role and how to play them. Each session will invite us to come together as a community band.

Feel the beat, find your flow, and discover the transformative power of percussion.

🎶 Come to one workshop or join us for the full experience – every session brings something new to explore.

Get your tickets here.

View Event →
Spooktacular by Make Your Market, Rochford
Nov
1

Spooktacular by Make Your Market, Rochford

🎃👻 Get Ready for a SPOOKTACULAR Saturday! 👻🎃
 📣 Join us at Spooktacular by Make Your Market in Rochford on Saturday 1st November from 11 am to 3pm at the Rochford Women's Institute Hall. 🕰️✨

🛍️ Discover a treasure trove of spooky delights, from frightfully tasty treats to enchanting handmade decorations that will make your Halloween celebrations unforgettable! 🍬🕷️💀

🏆 Show off your skills in our Pumpkin Carving Competition! Arrive at the WI Hall by 11 am sharp with your pumpkins, ready for judging at 12 pm. The winner will take home a £20 Voucher (of your choice) to make your Halloween extra special. 🎨✂️🎃

Don’t miss out on this frightfully fun day! Mark your calendars, bring your family and friends, and join us for a spooktacular celebration with Make Your Market. 👻🌟
To apply for a stall, apply via our application form here, email us on hello@makeyour.market or call us on 0333 335 5369

View Event →
Folk Herbalism Workshops
Oct
5
to 26 Oct

Folk Herbalism Workshops

Step into the world of wild plants, nature wisdom and creativity with Brazilarte’s Folk Herbalism Course – a 4-week immersive journey into local herbal traditions, connecting with nature and creative journaling.

Held in the beautiful grounds of The Freight House in Rochford, each session invites you to explore and identify native herbs growing around us. With expert guidance, you'll learn how to respectfully harvest, record, and use these plants – creating your own handmade book along the way.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a curious beginner, or someone looking to reconnect with the land, these workshops offer a grounding, hands-on experience rooted in the rhythms of the earth.

Join us for the 4-week course.

Get your tickets here!

View Event →
Cheeks & Cherries
Mar
23

Cheeks & Cherries

Cheek and Cherries Cabaret Show coming to The Rayleigh Mill, Essex, SS6 7ED

Comedians and Cabaret artists apply now - link to google form in bio on the Cheek and Cherries Cabaret Instagram page

https://www.instagram.com/cheekandcherriescabaret...

Casting closing at midnight 2nd March

£50 fee but as stated in the form, please note if fee is higher/travel costs and we will try our best to accommodate with what our budget allows. You know how it goes with these things, all about the ticket sales!

  • Tech: 6pm

  • Doors: 7pm

  • Show: 7.30pm

  • Curtain call: 10pm

Fully wheelchair accessible

Parking on site

View Event →
Candlelight Carols
Dec
15

Candlelight Carols

Full event details to be annouced.

Join Us for a Magical Evening!

🎄 Candlelight Christmas Carols🎄

Immerse yourself in the warmth and wonder of the season as we gather for an evening of traditional Christmas carols by candlelight. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas in a serene and beautiful setting.

Highlights:

- Live Performances of beloved Christmas carols

- Candlelit Atmosphere to warm your heart

- Community Connection in a night of togetherness

This event is perfect for all ages. All proceeds from this event is being donated to The Design Cabin Community C.I.C to support it with its project delivery across Rochford District.

🎶 Let the music and light fill your soul with peace and joy this holiday season. See you there!

#ChristmasCarols #CandlelightService #HolidayMagic #CommunitySpirit #Christmas2024

Please note due to health and safety regulations candles will be battery powered and not flame candles. 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/978353500657/

View Event →
Make Your Market, Rochford - Great Wakering
Sept
15

Make Your Market, Rochford - Great Wakering

We are so excited to be back with Make Your Market, Rochford. (Formerly Rochford Teenage Market). Being held at Great Wakering’s very own Old School!

Make Your Market is a new platform that showcases small businesses and performing talents at various themed events. Our family friendly days offer an amazing selection of local businesses, performances from local talent and creative workshops!

View Event →
Make Your Market, Rochford
Jun
23

Make Your Market, Rochford

We are so excited to be back with Make Your Market, Rochford. (Formerly Rochford Teenage Market). Being held at Rochford's very own WI Hall!

Make Your Market is a new platform that showcases small businesses and performing talents at various themed events. Our family friendly days offer an amazing selection of local businesses, performances from local talent and creative workshops!

View Event →
Make Your Market, Rochford - Canewdon
Mar
24

Make Your Market, Rochford - Canewdon

Join us for an egg-citing Easter-themed event on Sunday, March 24th, 2024.

Get ready for a day filled with joy, laughter, and egg hunts that will delight both young and young-at-heart!

Bring your family, friends, and a basket for an egg-stra special time together! Let's make this Easter unforgettable with games, activities, and a whole lot of Easter cheer.

Stay tuned for more details and get ready to hop into the springtime spirit! Can't wait to celebrate this egg-cellent day with all of you!

View Event →
May - Rochford Teenage Market
May
7

May - Rochford Teenage Market

Rochford Teenage Market are thrilled to be having a pop-up stall at Hockley Parish Councils Coronation event.

The Parish Council are holding a family fun day to celebrate the Kings Coronation on Sunday 7th May 1:30-4.30pm at the Hockley Community Centre and Playing Field, Westminster Drive, Hockley Essex SS5 4XD. They currently have booked a Face Painter, Princesses, Pony School, Dog Agility so do not require these items.

You will be supplied with a table under our Rochford Teenage Market Gazebo.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hockley-coronation-event-under-30s-traders-sign-up-tickets-622363254247

View Event →