Main Stage live
Live music, performance and a poem celebrating ten years of Bond Street.
Where: The Bowl
Meet the performersSaturday 26 September 2026
Bond Street Turns 10
Ten years in Chelmsford. One big day to celebrate. Join us for free live music, street theatre, family activities and special experiences across Bond Street.
At a glance
DateSaturday 26 September
Time10am–5pm
EntryFree
Main Stage11am–4.30pm
WhereAcross Bond Street
Drop in for a favourite performance or stay for the whole celebration. There will be something to enjoy from 10am to 5pm.
One big party across Bond Street
The celebration stretches from the Main Stage in The Bowl to street performances, free family activities, shops and restaurants.
Plan your visit
What's happening and when
Throughout the day
Free family activities
Coconut Shy, Hook a Duck, Hoopla, Ball in a bucket and creative activities.
- Carnival games10am–5pm
- Candyfloss10am–4pm
- Face painting10am–4pm
- Arts & crafts10am–12.30pm
Face-painting queue closes at 3.30pm.
More around Bond Street
Special offers, tastings, giveaways and pop-ups from Bond Street's shops and restaurants.
See the birthday extrasWhat's on, hour by hour
Find the street performances and Main Stage appearance you don't want to miss.
- Celebration beginsAcross Bond Street
- No Limit Street BandA high-energy roaming brass performance.RouteHigh Street entrance → The BowlStreet performance
- Stilt walkersLook up for a larger-than-life roaming performance.WhereRoaming Bond StreetStreet performance
- Charlotte Tilbury Beauty EditJade from Charlotte Tilbury shares bestsellers and the new Airbrush collection on the Main Stage.WhereMain Stage, The BowlMain Stage
- No Limit Street BandA second roaming set in two locations.RouteEntrance → The MallStreet performance
- Dress CircleA mobile theatre and circus spectacle.WhereRoaming Bond StreetStreet performance
- Stilt walkersTheir second appearance of the day.WhereRoaming Bond StreetStreet performance
- No Limit Street BandBig brass, familiar tunes and party energy.WhereMain Stage, The BowlMain Stage
- Dress CircleA second chance to catch the moving theatre.WhereRoaming Bond StreetStreet performance
- MAC Beauty EditAn eye-focused make-up demonstration with a MAC artist and model, featuring new launches and appointment services.WhereMain Stage, The BowlMain Stage
- Stilt walkersTheir final appearance of the day.WhereRoaming Bond StreetStreet performance
- Dress CircleThe final roaming performance.WhereRoaming Bond StreetStreet performance
- Celebration endsStay for shops, food, cinema & games
Who you'll see
Meet the performers
Meet some of the musicians, performers and local talent joining us for the celebration.
Louise Parker
Main StageChelmsford country-pop singer-songwriter combining heartfelt stories and catchy melodies.
Greene
Main StageGuitarist and songwriter Joe Anderton moves through blues, rock, soul, folk and country.
Rachel Brooks
Main StageChelmsford singer-songwriter and pianist creating emotive alternative music with a pop-opera edge.
Razzamataz Theatre Schools
Main StageYoung performers bringing dance, acting, singing and plenty of energy to the stage.
Street performers
Dress Circle
12.30pm · 2.30pm · 4.30pmA moving theatre hidden beneath an enormous brocade skirt. When its doors open, expect acrobatics, plate spinning, fire, globe walking, songs and comic surprises, with plenty of audience participation!
“I haven't laughed so much for ages. It was such a fantastic act that I made a point of going back to see the second showing with some of my friends!”
Audience member
No Limit Street Band
10.30am · 12pm · 1.30pmSeven-piece brass party band playing singalong pop and familiar party tunes.
Stilt Walkers
11.15am · 1pm · 3.15pmMeet Cindy Coppersmarts, the tail-coated ringmistress, and Olga Stroganoff, the impossibly strong woman. Expect grand announcements, comic feats of strength and plenty of circus razzmatazz.
Your Main Stage hosts
Meet Sara and Ryan
Sara Tupper and Ryan Mitchell from Chelmsford For You will guide you through the day’s live music and performances.
Sara TupperMain Stage host · Chelmsford For You
Ryan MitchellMain Stage host · Chelmsford For You
Birthday extras
Our shops & restaurants join the celebration
Bond Street’s shops and restaurants are helping make our 10th birthday even more special, with complimentary tastings, special offers, experiences and prizes throughout the day. Our thanks to every team taking part.
Ann’s Smart School of Cookery
Win tickets to a two-hour cookery class
Six pairs to be given away, worth £129 per person.
ASK Italian
Pop-up Spritz Bar
Bond Street Spritz from the Al Fresco bar, 10am–5pm.
Bravissimo
Win a £60 Bravissimo voucher
The go-to destination for D cup and up lingerie and swimwear.
Bubbling Burkes
Butterbeer samples
Win a Magic Potion class for four
Giggling Squid
Free samples throughout the day
Hotel Chocolat
In-store samples
Chocolates, ice cream and liqueurs.
John Lewis
11.30am · Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Edit
Jade, a Charlotte Tilbury make-up artist, shares bestselling products and the new Airbrush collection.
In store: discover the seven-day Airbrush Foundation trial.
3pm · MAC Beauty Edit
An eye-focused demonstration with a MAC artist and model, showcasing new launches and MAC appointment services.
Complimentary 30-minute appointments will also be offered, bookable for a later date and subject to availability.
More to discover in store
Look out for additional John Lewis promotions and giveaways throughout the day.
Tiptree Tea Rooms
Spin the wheel
Tiptree tasting
10% off food and drink all day
And there’s more to come. We’ll add further birthday extras as they’re announced.
Make a day of it
Come for the party. Stay for more.
Stay for shopping, lunch, dinner, a film or games after the celebrations.
Before you visit
Good to know
When and where is it?
10am–5pm on Saturday 26 September 2026, across Bond Street. The Main Stage runs 11am–4.30pm in The Bowl.
Is it free?
Yes. The celebration and listed family activities are free.
Where should we park?
There is underground parking beneath the shops, open 24 hours, with lifts to the main level.
Is Bond Street step-free?
Yes. Bond Street is on one level and step-free, with lifts from the underground car park.
What if it rains?
Any weather-related changes will be posted on this page.
When does face painting finish?
Face painting runs until 4pm. The queue closes at 3.30pm.
Saturday 26 September
One big party. One date for the diary.
Join us from 10am to 5pm for a free celebration across Bond Street.
View the programme