What’s On 2026

Step into a world where art and nature intertwine. Our 2026 season begins on Wednesday 1 April. Enjoy the changing colours of the landscape with us throughout the year. We are open every Wednesday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until the end of October, 2026. Check below for the events and family activities coming up…

Essex Book Festival

Sunday 28 June, 2026

The Essex Book Festival comes to Harlow for a weekend of art and storytelling. Join us on Sunday 28th June for an afternoon exploring 1950s Bohemia and trailblazing art with Maggi Hambling and Darren Coffield. See more details about each event and book tour ticket below!

SOLD OUT Maggi Hambling in conversation with James Cahil

2.00pm – 3.00pm

Maggi Hambling, one of the most influential artists of her generation, will be talking with author, writer and art critic James Cahill about a new monograph of her work recently published by Rizzoli New York. Join us for an afternoon to celebrate and shine a light on Hambling’s fearless spirit and trailblazing art.

There will a string quartet, Suma Quartet, playing in the garden from 3pm-4pm. Please do stay and enjoy some wonderful music in the enchanted surroundings of The Gibberd Garden, weather dependent.

Darren Coffield – Hen, Mistress of Mayhem: A Portrait of Henrietta Moraes

4.00pm – 5.00pm

Darren Coffield will be exploring his book, Hen Mistress of Mayhem: A Portrait of Henrietta Moraes, providing a unique insight into 1950-60s Bohemia and the key players of the fashion, music and art scene. Uniquely told from the viewpoint of the women who knew her, including Maggi Hambling, not the famous male artists who painted her.

Find out more and book tickets at essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/hen-mistress-of-…henrietta-moraes/

The Comedy of Errors

Experience the magic of outdoor theatre in one of Harlow’s most beautiful settings. Water Lane Theatre Company is delighted to bring Shakespeare’s most farcical comedy to life amidst the stunning sculptures and grounds of The Gibberd Gardens on Saturday 4th July 2026. Prepare for a hilarious afternoon of sun, slapstick, and chaotic mistaken identity.

To enjoy the performance in total comfort, please remember to pack your own picnic blankets and garden chairs to set up on the lawn. For those looking for an extra treat, you can purchase delicious tea, coffee, and cake from the Barn Tearoom both before the show and during the interval.

The performance will run for approximately three hours including an interval, and free parking is available for all guests at the venue. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy professional theatre in the heart of Harlow’s local heritage.

Jazz in the Garden

Featuring The Lotus Jazz Quintet

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of live music in the beautiful surroundings of The Gibberd Garden. Relax, unwind, and enjoy the smooth sounds of The Lotus Jazz Quintet for the perfect summer evening.

Event Details

Date: Saturday 11th July 2026

Timings: *Doors Open: 3:30pm

Performance: 4 – 8 pm

Location: The Gibberd Garden, Marsh Lane, Harlow, CM17 0NA

Ticket Information

Save money by booking your tickets online ahead of the event!

• Advance Booking Ticket: £12.50 (+ booking fee)
• Book your tickets today: https://bit.ly/JazzInTheGarden26
• On the Door Ticket: £15 (A limited number of tickets may be available at the gate on the day, but pre-booking is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.)

Essential Information (FAQ)

• Licensed Bar Available: We will be serving a selection of refreshments, including chilled Prosecco, as well as red and white wines.
• Bring Your Own: Visitors are more than welcome to bring along their own picnics to enjoy during the performance.
• Seating: Please bring your own picnic blankets or folding garden chairs, as there will be limited seating provided.
• Dogs are welcome in the garden on leads.
• On-Site Parking: Free parking is available on-site at the garden. Spaces are limited, so we encourage car-sharing or arriving early where possible.
• Public Transport: The nearest train stations are Harlow Mill and Harlow Town. From there, we recommend a short taxi ride to the gardens.
• This is an open-air event and the performance will go ahead rain or shine! Please check the forecast and dress appropriately for an evening outdoors in the garden.
• The Gibberd Garden is a historic landscape with some uneven terrain, gravel paths, and slopes. While main areas are accessible, some parts of the garden may be challenging for standard wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. Accessible toilet facilities are available on-site. If you have specific access requirements, please contact us in advance.
• Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the organisers due to extreme, unsafe weather conditions. If the event is cancelled, all ticket holders will be notified via email and issued a full refund.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic

Wednesday 12th August, 2026 12 to 6pm

Bring your favourite teddy bear, a blanket, and the whole family for this charming annual tradition! There will be crafts, games and a bug hunt, it’s a magical day out for children and their cuddly companions.

📌 No booking required – just turn up!

All activities included with garden admission.

Picnic Wednesdays

5th, 19th, 26th August, 2026 from 12 to 6pm

Bring a blanket, pack your lunch, and unwind in nature every Wednesday in August.
Escape the midweek rush and enjoy the garden with your own picnic in the peaceful surroundings of one of Harlow’s most historic green spaces.
Usual garden admission applies.

General Visitor Information

The Gibberd Garden is welcoming visitors for 2026, and will be open from April 1st to October 25th every Wednesday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 2 – 6 pm.

Admission Prices:

• Adults: £6.00
• Concessions: £5.00
• Children 5 – 16yrs: £1.00 (under 5’s free)
• National Art Pass: £3.00
• Friends of The Gibberd Garden and Historic Houses: Free

For more information about our events please check here, or on our Facebook or Instagram pages.