Entertainment
Explore and Enjoy
Explore and Enjoy
There’s plenty to keep you entertained when you visit this special area of the Essex coast. Whether you’re looking for a major event to celebrate everything Harwich, hoping to watch the latest film release or just want to enjoy a bit of relaxation, you’ll find something that’s just right for you.

Harwich Festival
The Harwich Festival presents an annual Festival (rated in top 10 by The Sunday Times) and also stages a wide range of concerts and events throughout the year; these include music, spoken word and visual art exhibitions.
A Community Hub is situated in the The Harwich Arts & Heritage Centre (annexed to the Mayflower School) where you can take part in a host of activities such as workshops and see how the local community works together to celebrate its uniqueness.
Electric Palace Theatre
Historic Harwich is a lively and exciting place surrounded by wonderful history and heritage. No more is this apparent than in the Electric Palace Theatre/Cinema which is one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in the country dating back to 1911. The cinema closed in 1956 after 45 years, interrupted only by the 1953 floods, and was listed as a building of sociological interest in September 1972. The now Grade II* listed building re-opened in 1981 and runs as a community cinema showing films every weekend and special live music events. This beautiful venue can also be booked for private functions such as weddings, birthday parties, society meetings, business seminars or as a film location.
Harwich International Shanty Festival
Now in its 16th year, Harwich International Shanty Festival has become the UKs Premier Shanty Festival, attracting Artists and audiences from around the world. The streets of the old town ring with the sound of rousing shanties, with music and singing emanating from pubs, clubs and many of the towns historic landmarks. The rich maritime history of the old town makes Harwich the perfect place for this annual celebration of its relationship with the sea. Traditional shanties mix with colourful costumed actors, pirates and maritime craftspeople, all adding to the atmosphere.
There are shanty trains running between Manningtree and Harwich Town, regular trips onboard a traditional Thames Sailing Barge, walks, talks, workshops, concerts and open air entertainment, much of it free of charge. A detailed programme plus tickets for all concerts are available at the end of August, meanwhile follow our Social Media channels and website: https://harwichshantyfestival.co.uk/
House Parties at the Pier
If you are you looking for a unique place to hold a special party with friends and family, then the Pier at Harwich could be for you! The Angel has seven bedrooms and a large sitting room which lends itself perfectly to an all-inclusive house party for 14 guests
Whether it’s one, two or more nights, our entire staff and facilities will be dedicated to you and your guests, and the team will welcome you with afternoon tea on arrival, and a Champagne and canapé reception to make your stay extra-special.
The hotel can arrange ‘extras’ for your house party such as a gin masterclass in the NAVYÄRD bar or a visit to the Electric Palace Cinema.
Old Bank Studios
Old Bank Studios specialise in one day workshops in: Art, Textiles and Crafts, concentrating on providing expert and professional tuition within this ambient setting. The glorious Edwardian banking hall accommodates an art studio, and a smaller textile studio. Each workshop is complemented with home a cooked lunch and refreshments.
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Tide Times & Heights: Plan Your Coastal Adventures
Stay informed with the latest low and high tide times, along with tide heights, to make the most of your time on Harwich’s stunning shores. Whether you’re planning a beach day, a fishing trip, or a coastal walk, check here for up-to-date tidal information.

clear sky

0.89MPH / 76

Sunrise 06:02

Sunset 18:03