Mersea Island is situated just off the coast of Essex and covers roughly seven square miles.

Mersea Island is situated just off the coast of Essex and covers roughly seven square miles. While close to Colchester, it’s secluded location has more of a country village atmosphere than a bustling city vibe. Mersea Island may be a quiet fishing town, but there’s plenty to see and do, especially if you like sailing and watersports. Here are 7 upcoming events that have residents hyped about 2016.

West Mersea Town Regatta

The West Mersea Town Regatta is one of the longest running annual events in Essex. It started in 1838 and is run by local volunteers. This year the event will take place on 20th August. The programme includes various watersports, a motor balloon race and a swimming race. The festivities will conclude with a firework display during the evening.

The Cobmarsh Marathon

The Cobmarsh Marathon will take place on Saturday 6th August. The pair-oared Rowing Race is the highlight of the event and tends to draw the largest crowds. During this race rowing boats that do not exceed 14 feet will follow the 1.2 mile course to Cobmarsh Island. The race is open for anyone to enter on the day and will be followed by other friendly (less serious) competitions. An evening of recognition, drinking and prize giving at a local pub will close the event.

Mersea Island Museum

The Mersea Island Museum was established in 1976 and was designed to educate locals and visitors about the history of the area. Exhibitions about traditional local activities, such as fishing, oystering and boat building will feature throughout the summer.

Mersea Island Fresh Catch

For some of the freshest, most succulent fish in the country, Mersea Island Fresh Catch (located on the Coast Road jetty) is open for business on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer. Here you can purchase fresh fish caught in local waters by local fishermen. But, you’ll only have a few hours to claim your catch, as the stalls are only open from 2.45 until 4.40pm.

The Mersea Centre Weekly Events

Run by the Mersea Island Community Association (MICA) the Mersea Centre is the central hub for most of the island’s clubs and events. Weekly activities running throughout the summer include a jazz club, film society, horticultural club and ceilidh club.

Mersea Week

Organised by a number of local sailing clubs, Mersea Week is an annual event designed for families and groups of friends that want to take part in some friendly boat racing competitions. The waters of the River Blackwater will provide perfect conditions for racing and enough space to ensure everybody can get involved. The winners of the Round the Island Race will receive the prestigious Coconut Trophy.

Mersea Island Lions Transport Show

This Lions Club of Mersea Island will be holding their main fundraising event on 13th August. If you’re a motoring enthusiast and want to see some classic cars in all their glory – or perhaps even offer your own vehicle for the show – it’s well worth visiting. All of the money raised will go to charitable, local causes. Last year the club managed to raise over £15,000.

Make our new Mersea Island holiday park your base for all of these exciting events in 2016. Explore our Mersea Island accommodation deals and book your next trip with us today. We look forward to seeing you.