Anne Suslak

The Robin Cancer Trust is inviting people to join its sixth annual Pants to Cancer Walk on September 20, traveling seven miles from Clacton Pier to Walton Pier, with a 14-mile round-trip option. Participants are encouraged to wear brightly colored pants over their clothes and raise funds for awareness and support related to germ cell cancers. Entry costs £12 for adults and £6 for under-18s, with medals provided; the route is wheelchair accessible and welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads. The event is sponsored by East Coast 5, the Daniel Connal Partnership and Hayes Garage.

Students at Clacton County High School are celebrating strong GCSE results, with Marika Wremble achieving seven grade 9s, three grade 8s and a distinction*. Daniel-Xi-Lin Ma and Sydnie Joyce also achieved grades 7 to 9 in their top eight subjects, while several other students were recognized for high achievement or significant progress. Head of school Chris Taylor praised the students, families and staff, noting that students are progressing to Sigma Sixth, apprenticeships and other further-education providers.

NHS Essex is urging residents to order repeat prescriptions at least seven working days before the August bank holiday, when GP practices and many pharmacies will be closed. Pharmacist Tunde Sokoya recommends using the NHS App or contacting a GP practice early, and ensuring sufficient medication for overseas travel, including extra supplies for unexpected delays.

The touring tribute show Celebrating Celine will be staged at Clacton's West Cliff Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 26. Lisa Harter will perform as Celine Dion alongside a live band led by musical director Stephen “Stretch” Price, with sound, lighting and screen effects. Tickets cost £31, or £29 for concessions, and the production is not affiliated with Dion or her management.

Clacton's West Cliff Theatre will stage its 2026 Summer Show on selected dates in August, headlined by ventriloquist Steve Hewlett and magician Danny Lee Grew. The production will include dancers, young performers from The Company, and vocalists Kira MacCarter and George Grant. The theatre says the show will offer family-friendly comedy, variety, costumes and staging in an air-conditioned auditorium. A child ticket will be free with each adult or over-60 ticket purchased.

WildArts will stage an open-air opera performance in the Walled Garden at Alresford Hall on Saturday, August 29. The programme will feature well-known arias and ensembles by Mozart, Puccini, Handel, Rossini and Delibes, along with songs from musical theatre, performed by opera singers and accompanied by a live string quintet. Guests can arrive from 5:30 p.m. for prosecco and canapés, with the performance beginning at 6:15 p.m. Tickets cost £65, and early booking is recommended.

Two care workers from Edensor Care Centre in Clacton, Samyuktha and registered nurse Kaushila, will join 11 others in a charity skydive at Headcorn Aerodrome in Kent on September 18, 2026. The event aims to raise £25,000 for the Diagrama Foundation, supporting vulnerable children and adults through accessible learning spaces, sensory and wellbeing resources, therapeutic support, enrichment activities and outdoor learning. The challenge was inspired by Graham, a resident with learning disabilities, and is intended to help create opportunities for people supported by the charity.

Essex County Council has announced multiple traffic restrictions and temporary road closures across Colchester and Tendring in August and September 2026. The measures cover event-related closures, construction and utility works by Anglian Water Business, Cadent Gas, UK Power Networks and Openreach, as well as a longer-term closure of Footpath 39 in Myland until February 2027.

The 33rd Clacton Airshow will take place on August 27 and 28, 2026, above the Essex Sunshine Coast. New acts include The Starlings, flown by former British Aerobatic Champions Tom Cassells and Michael Pickin, and the Turbulent ‘Turb’ Team. Returning attractions include the Bronco Demo Team, the P-51D Mustang Moonbeam McSwine, the RAF Red Arrows, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Flying Comrades, the MiG-17F Fresco and an expanded twilight programme. Organized by Tendring Council, the event is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors and will also feature food, ground attractions and family entertainment.

A team from the Ghost and Paranormal Society North Essex investigated Clacton Pier’s Jolly Roger Theatre, a venue built in 1893, after staff and contractors reported unusual experiences. Investigators reported sensing spirits, cold spots and unusual readings in the theatre and its upper balcony. Clacton Pier communications manager Nigel Brown said the building had recently been made safe for access after nearly 50 years of abandonment. The investigation took place ahead of the Clacton FEAR Halloween event, featuring themed walk-through attractions, live actors and special effects.

Clacton Airshow introduces a refreshed twilight display featuring the Desert Spitfire, Otto the Helicopter’s pyrotechnic routine, and the Firebirds Aerobatic Team, forming part of a broader Celebration of Aviation theme. The event, returning on August 27 and 28, aims to boost tourism and community engagement along the Essex Sunshine Coast. Additional highlights include performances by the RAF Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, alongside ground attractions and family entertainment.

St Osyth Social Club has applied for a new premises licence allowing extended alcohol service and permissions for live and recorded music throughout the week. The application is open for public consultation until August 10, with written representations to be submitted to Tendring District Council. The public notice is available online and can also be viewed at the council offices during regular hours.

Thousands of University of Essex students graduated in ceremonies at the Colchester campus, joined by family and friends and receiving degrees across a range of disciplines. Vice‑chancellor Frances Bowen praised their achievements and the efforts of staff and volunteers. Honorary degrees were awarded to actor and director Clint Dyer and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 tournament director Beth Barrett‑Wild, with celebrations taking place across campus.

Dig4 Jaywick Community Garden marked another successful year with an open day showcasing its development into a thriving community space supported by volunteers, local colleges and Tendring Council. Visitors explored garden features, community stalls and programs aimed at building skills and confidence. Speakers highlighted the project’s role in bringing residents together and promoting wellbeing.