Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Essex Big Weekend about?

The Essex Big Weekend is all about celebrating what is great about the county and helping local Essex people to discover the great places to visit and things to do on their doorstep so they can recommend them to their friends and family. Tourism is important for Essex being worth millions of pounds to the local economy and supporting thousands of jobs so we need to support the industry.

What are the rules for applying for tickets?

This year the ballot is available to people living in Essex*.  This includes, but is not limited to, Essex postcodes starting with CB, CM, CO, EN, RM, and SS. You must be over the age of 18 to apply for tickets.

Please see here for our full terms and conditions. 

What happens if I forget my account details?

If you have forgotten your password for your account, simply click on 'Login/Register' on the homepage and then click on the 'Forgot Your Password?' link on the login page. You will be asked to enter the email address used when creating your account. An automated email will be sent to this address, if it is in our database, containing a password reset link. You will then be able to reset your password.

How do I apply for a ticket?

To apply for tickets for the Essex Bigger Weekend, you first need to create an account, or if you already have one, you need to log into the site. This can be done through the ‘login / register’ link at the top right hand side of the page.  

Once registered and logged in, just scroll through all the offers we have on our site and click ‘apply’ for tickets for wherever you fancy! Remember, you can browse for attractions by category or search by location or name. Please make sure you are free on the dates you are applying for tickets as they are limited. 

The ‘My Tickets’ link at the top right hand side of the page will show you a record of all the tickets you have applied for. 

How many tickets can I apply for?

You can apply for tickets for as many attractions as you like. For each attraction, you can apply for up to two tickets, but please note that for some attractions, different numbers of people may be covered by each ticket, so please check carefully. 

How are tickets allocated?

At midnight on September 25th, the website will be closed for applications. A ballot will then be drawn, randomly selecting winners for attractions from those who have applied. If you are successful for one attraction, you will be removed from the ballot for any other attractions you have applied for, and so you can only win tickets for one attraction. You can only win one ticket offer to any attraction per household in order to give as many people as possible an opportunity to enjoy the Essex Big Weekend. 

You can only win one ticket (normally valid for two people) per household, in order to give as many people as possible an opportunity to enjoy the Essex Big Weekend. You will receive an email if you have been successful or unsuccessful in the ballot. If successful, you will first be sent an email to show you which ticket you have been allocated. You will be invited to print your tickets once the return period has closed. You will receive another email from the Big Weekend Team and you must either print or save to your phone/tablet and take along to the attraction with you as proof of your success.

What if I cannot use my tickets?

The ballot is always oversubscribed so you are very lucky to have been allocated a ticket. However we understand that sometimes, due to unforeseen circumstances, you might not be able to use your tickets any longer. In order to give this opportunity to somebody else, you will be able to return your ticket by logging into your account on the Big Weekend site. This will return your ticket to the ballot, and it will become available for any other registered user to claim through the website on a first come first served basis. Tickets for other attractions may therefore become available after the initial allocation has been made, so keep checking back on the site! 

What if the weather is bad?

We have had snow for the Big Weekend – so we know anything can happen!  We advise participants to wear suitable clothing and footwear and check the weather/travel conditions beforehand. If you have any concerns please check direct with the attraction themselves.  If due to circumstances beyond a venue’s control, such as severe weather, they have to close over the Big Weekend they are not obliged to offer an alternative date, so please liaise with them directly for guidance. 

What do I need to do before I visit the attractions?

• Check the terms and conditions of the Essex Big Weekend.
• Check the date and opening times of the attraction on your ticket (some attractions will be offering tickets for an alternative date to the Essex Big Weekend).
• Check the weather and travel conditions - If you are going by car, don’t forget to check the travel conditions on BBC News Essex to make sure your journey goes smoothly.
• Remember to print off or download your ticket to your phone and bring it along with you, along with your identification, as attractions may ask for this. You will only be allocated up to two tickets, but many attractions are also open to those without tickets at the normal admission prices.

Who to contact?

If you have any queries regarding your ticket, please contact the attraction directly. Their phone number will be displayed on their page on the Big Weekend website. For any other queries please email tourism@essex.gov.uk

*Essex residents include those living in the administrative areas for Essex County Council, Southend City Council and Thurrock Council.