The Eco Festival will take place at Culver Square on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 11am to 3pm.
The event will be in partnership with CBBC’s Lee Connelly, also known as the Skinny Jean Gardener, and will be free for all to attend.
The event will be packed with garden-themed activities with something for everyone to enjoy, while learning more about how to be more environmentally-friendly.
Television personality and gardening expert Lee Connelly, the Skinny Jean Gardener, will host the event.
He will encourage visitors to enjoy the great outdoors and learn more about nature.
Dave Robertson, centre manager at Culver Square, said: “We’re really proud to welcome Lee and the Eco Festival back to Culver Square for another year.
“It’s a brilliant day that brings the community together and helps kids and families connect with nature in fun, creative ways.
“It’s hands-on, it’s educational, and best of all – it’s free.”
At the festival, visitors will be able to build their own bug hotel, plant seeds to take home at the sow and grow stations, learn gardening tips from Lee at the live gardening talks, follow clues on the family eco trail, and try eco-themed crafts and games at the activity zone.
There will also be the opportunity to meet organisations who are working to protect the environment, including the Essex Wildlife Trust, Perrywood Garden Centre, Anglian Water, RHS, and TCV.
Lee Connelly, the Skinny Jean Gardener, said: “Gardening gives children something real, something they can care for and be proud of.
“It’s not just about growing plants, it’s about growing futures.
“And I’m so happy that visitors of Culver Square get to experience their creations.”
Along with the festival, there will be other activities at Culver Square throughout the summer.
From July 17 to August 31, there will be a garden display competition.
Visitors can vote for their favourite garden display from ten Colchester schools, with the winning school taking home a prize.
There will also be a bug hunt trail.
Children can search for six large bug towers hidden around the centre and enter a prize draw by completing the trail sheet.
For more information and to plan your visit, go to https://www.culversquare.co.uk/culver-square-x-skinny-jean-gardener-eco-festival-2025/.