New year, new skills: Free activities and events for 2026
Do you fancy taking up a new hobby or learning something new this year? Here’s a list of fun clubs, events, and useful training you can get involved in, all for free!
Level up your skills with Essex Libraries
Essex Libraries have lots of free clubs and support sessions to help you improve your skills. This includes:
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technology support sessions, such as Digital and Device Help, IT Support, and NHS Account Support;
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help with finding employment, such as CV Support and Job Club.
Discover craft clubs, gaming groups, and more at Essex Libraries
As well as their more practical skill-based sessions, Essex Libraries also run a wide range of fun and creative clubs. Taking place at libraries across the county, there’s something to suit everyone.
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Arts and craft clubs like Crafternoons, Art for Wellbeing, Chatty Crafters, and Knit and Natter.
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Men’s Gaming Cove.
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Creative Writing Group.
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Book Club.
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Seated Yoga.
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Screentime Saturday Film Club.
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Scrabble Club.
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Chess Club.
To see the full event calendar and for more information, visit the Essex Libraries website.
Join one of our friendly clubs at the Hub
Make new friends and get creative by coming to our Sewing and Craft Club, which you can drop into anytime between 12pm and 4pm on Tuesdays.
We also host a Gardening Club on Wednesdays from 1pm until 3pm.
Both take place at the Parkside Community Hub, Melbourne Avenue, CM1 2DX. For more information, email community@chp.org.uk or call 0300 555 0500.
Bring out your musical side with CHAMPS
CHAMPS (Chelmsford Amateur Music Players and Singers) is a drop-in music club open to all skill levels and ages (under 16s should be accompanied by a responsible adult). The group meets twice a month at The Art Place in Meadows Shopping Centre. You can find out more on the Facebook page or on Eventbrite.
Get active at a local parkrun
Parkruns are a great way to get moving, go outdoors, and meet new people. Why not walk or run the weekly 5km route at Central Park in Chelmsford? You can also find a Parkrun near you on the Find a Race website.
Or, to ease you in, there’s a 3.1km Community Fun Run on Sunday 4 January 2026. Hosted by the Chelmsford Garden Community Council, it starts at New Hall School, The Avenue, Boreham, Chelmsford CM3 3HS. Find out more here.
Improve your cooking skills
If you live in Braintree or Tendring, you’re eligible to take part in free cooking courses run by Bags of Taste.
In this two-week course that takes place in your own kitchen, you’ll learn to make three recipes. All the ingredients are provided for free and delivered to your home.
Find out more at bagsoftaste.org.
Activities for people living with dementia (and their carers)
If you or a loved one is living with dementia, that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a new hobby too! Have a look at our Dementia-friendly events in Essex blog to see what’s on and when.