Entertainment in Chelmsford

If you’re looking for live music and a slightly alternative venue away from Chelmsford’s mainstream nightlife scene, The Bassment – just one minute’s walk from the train station – offers a great atmosphere within a low-ceiling basement setting. Gigs and events showcase a variety of music, including jazz, funk, blues, indie, rock and reggae, in a small and intimate space (max 150 people in the live music room) and bands on the same level as the audience. Continue your night after the live gigs with weekend club nights lasting until 4am.

For a more casual pub setting with a variety of live music, bands and DJs (including all of the indie and rock classics), try The Golden Fleece on Duke Street. It’s only five minutes from our Chelmsford City Centre hotel and there’s a large bar space, a beer garden to retreat to and a variety of free events, including regular silent discos. It’s also worth checking out if you’re looking for a casual drink during the day or the best place to watch sports – you can even catch the Super Bowl or WrestleMania live.

With a variety of theatre spaces on offer, the city has a jam-packed schedule of shows, screenings and performances. Read more in our guide to theatres in Chelmsford.

For a night filled with food, drink and plenty of laughs, check out Chelmsford Comedy Club. Events are held roughly once a month at The Lion Inn, less than half a mile away from both our Premier Inn Boreham and Springfield hotel. Part of a countrywide network of comedy clubs, the venue attracts a great variety of stand-up acts to this charming Chelmsford venue. Guests can enjoy dinner at The Lion Inn gastropub, then take a stroll through the grounds to catch the comedy at The Lion House. Shows start at 9pm and it’s a good idea to arrive no later than 7pm if you’re planning on eating beforehand.

Located just out of the city centre and right next to Chelmsford’s Central Park is the Essex County Cricket Ground, home to Essex County Cricket Club since 1967, with matches taking place from April to September. As a small ground, the site is suited to big-hitting batsmen, and is very popular for its Twenty20 games during the summer. With a variety of fixtures and ticket prices starting from just over £10, it’s certainly a nice way to spend a sunny summer afternoon.

The Chelmsford City Racecourse is also a great day out for those who enjoy horse racing. Celebrate in style with special packages available, including your food and drinks, with race days scheduled throughout the year. There’s also a variety of events that you can enjoy at the venue even if you’re not a horse racing fan, such as beer festivals, an open-air cinema and concerts throughout the summer.

Football fans can easily reach Melbourne Stadium, home of Chelmsford City FC, by catching a bus from the city centre station. Football is a longstanding tradition in the city, dating back to 1878 when Chelmsford FC was founded by members of the Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club to give them something to do in the winter! Although not a large team, (they’re members of the National League South within the sixth tier of English football), they have strong local support and it’s always a good day out. There are often live music events held at the clubhouse Claret’s Bar, from tribute acts to rock bands, so both home and away supporters are always welcome.