Free Summer Family Events Come to The Victoria Centre This August
This August, The Victoria Centre is inviting families to enjoy a month of free summer activities, creativity and entertainment.
Join us every Thursday throughout August for Summer of Fun: Around the World, a series of family-friendly events celebrating culture, colour, music and creativity from different parts of the world.
Each week will bring a new theme, with arts and crafts, interactive activities, face painting, music, performance elements and surprise guests for children and families to enjoy.
The events are free to attend, easy to drop into and designed to bring a little extra excitement to the summer holidays.
When & Where?
Dates: Every Thursday in August 2026
Time: 11am to 3pm
Location: The Victoria Centre
Price: Completely FREE
Suitable for: Children aged approximately 3 to 10
Around the World Themes
Each Thursday will explore a different country through creative activities, entertainment and family-friendly experiences.
Thursday 6th August: Philippines
A colourful celebration of Filipino culture, creativity and performance.
Thursday 13th August: Türkiye
A vibrant, creative event inspired by Turkish culture, colour, patterns and family-friendly activities.
Thursday 20th August: Italy
A playful, food-inspired and creative theme with a strong visual identity.
Thursday 27th August: Ukraine
An artistic and educational celebration of Ukrainian heritage, creativity and culture.
Each week will feel different, but the aim stays the same: free, welcoming summer fun for families in the heart of Southend.
Free Activities Every Thursday
Summer of Fun is all about giving families something easy, enjoyable and affordable to do during the school holidays.
Across the month, children can get involved with arts and crafts, games, face painting, themed activities and entertainment, with each event bringing something new to discover.
Whether you visit for one Thursday or come back each week, there will be plenty to keep little ones entertained while families enjoy time together in the centre.
There’s nothing to book. Just pop in between 11am and 3pm and join the fun.
Why Not Visit The Bridge While You’re Here?
The Around the World theme has been created to make every Thursday feel like a new adventure.
Each week will take inspiration from a different country in a fun, thoughtful and family-friendly way, using colour, creativity, music and activities to introduce children to different cultures.
It’s a chance for children to make, play, explore and enjoy something different each week!
Make a Day of It at The Victoria Centre
While you’re here for Summer of Fun, why not make a day of it?
Families can enjoy the free activities, visit favourite shops, grab something to eat, explore The Bridge and support the independent businesses based in the centre.
Whether you’re popping in for the event, meeting friends in town or looking for something relaxed to do with the children, The Victoria Centre is a great place to spend part of your summer day.
Every visit helps support the retailers, independents and community spaces that make the centre what it is.
See You This Summer
Join us every Thursday in August from 11am to 3pm at The Victoria Centre for Summer of Fun: Around the World.
Each week will bring a different theme, with free activities, crafts, entertainment and more for families to enjoy.
Keep an eye on our social channels, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, for updates in the run-up to the event.
No tickets needed. Just pop down, join in and enjoy a summer of free family fun at The Victoria Centre.
