Glistering sunshine, family fun and sensational music acts- this year Havering Mind launched its all-time favourite summer festival for the sixth year running in Hornchurch, Essex.
On 11th July 2026, Havering Summer Festival began, with the lovable crowds of Essex rushing into Harrowlodge Park to lay down their blankets and unfold their chairs, filling the air with anticipation as they awaited the incredible music acts from The Blues Brothers, Whitney Houston, Elton John, Boy George, Madness and Fleetwood Mac.
Not only that, Mind charity organisers had another special surprise up their sleeves with popular headline acts, Odyssey and Heatwave, the 70s and 80s legendary bands known for ‘Use It Up, Wear It Out’ and ‘Boogie Nights’.
Havering Essex Festival brought happiness and joy alive in Harrowlodge Park, hosted by the joyful DJ Ska n Mash, the main stage filled with talented singers and bands, an incredible silent disco, delicious food stalls and refreshing drinks from the bar, and an entertaining fun fair for all kids and adults. They delivered an exciting and memorable event for everyone to enjoy.
This year, the Essex festival, raising money for Mind Charity, known for raising money for young people affected by mental health, was a celebration all about the iconic 80s music, featuring engaging and entertaining music tribute acts from ‘I’m Every Whitney’, ‘Bombshell Blondie’, ‘Forever Mac Attack’, ‘Elton John Tribute’, Boy George – Liam Halewood’, ‘The Amazing Blues Brothers’ and ‘Madness Tribute’.
All musical acts performed beautiful covers of our favourite 80s artists with their heart and soul, making sure everyone joined in and had a spectacular time. It was heartwarming to see audiences sing along to covers that made the 80s wonderful. From singing the sensational lyrics to ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’, ‘Heart Of Glass’, ‘Dreams’, ‘Karma Chameleon’, ‘Our House’ and many more.
Originally starting off as a one-day tribute festival, the event organised by mental health charity Mind in Havering, Barking and Dagenham now expands across a two-day weekend filled with family, fun and laughter, with incredible music, and all for a meaningful cause in raising funds for mental health in local communities.
Check out Essex Summer Fest socials to view the talented acts who performed there, including the golden headliners Heatwave and Odyssey.