Entertainment

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.

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.

Now in its 16^th 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/

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.