ARRIVING BY ROAD

Visitors arriving by car or bike should head towards St Osyth until they see AA Road Signs. There will be large flags outside of the venue entrance.

On arrival to the area, follow the yellow AA road signs which will direct traffic to the relevant parking sites. Parking is £4 per car. Please car-share if you can.

ARRIVING ON FOOT

Visitors arriving on foot should head to the St Osyth Priory Gate House entrance.

FESTIVAL RULES &
WHAT TO BRING

We can’t wait to welcome you to the very first St Osyth Summer Sounds at St Osyth Priory. To make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time, here’s what you can (and can’t) bring along:

✅ Allowed Items

  • Chairs, blankets, trolleys & picnic rugs

  • Snacks for children only

  • Water bottles

  • Service dogs (must be clearly identifiable)

  • Personal items such as sunscreen, hats & rain gear

❌ Not Allowed

  • Alcohol (no outside alcohol permitted)

  • Full meals or picnics (except children’s snacks)

  • Non-service dogs or pets

  • BBQs, camping stoves, or cooking equipment

  • Glass bottles, sharp objects, or illegal substances

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Our amazing food traders will keep you spoilt for choice with delicious options for everyone.

PRIORY CULTURE & HISTORY

Steeped in over 1,400 years of culture and legend, St Osyth Priory is a living testament to English history. This remarkable estate stands in the coastal district of Tendring, just 5 miles from Colchester, and has been lovingly cared for by the Sargeant Family for more than two decades.

From the miraculous martyrdom of St Osyth—whose sainthood drew pilgrims to the Priory—through the Dissolution of the Monasteries, St Osyth Priory has long been at the heart of local life. It even captured the attention of Queen Elizabeth I, who visited twice during her Royal Progresses.

Today, the 350-acre estate remains a place of natural splendor, featuring scenic parkland, formal gardens, historic lakes, woodland avenues, and ancient reed beds. Recognised as a Registered Park and Garden County Wildlife Site, St Osyth Priory is also home to rare breed and native livestock, including the iconic white deer.

The ongoing restoration of this historic treasure is driven by a deep commitment to heritage preservation. Working closely with conservation partners, the Sargeant Family has secured planning consents and grant funding to maintain and enhance the Priory’s buildings, landscapes, and habitats for generations to come. In tandem with the sensitive construction of private new homes, the estate’s woodlands and pastures will be improved for both wildlife and the community. Plans also include a traditional country pub, further cementing St Osyth Priory’s role as a thriving cultural hub.

Now, as the site for St Osyth Summer Sounds, the Priory continues its legacy of bringing people together in celebration—a place where the echoes of history harmonize with the promise of the future.