2025 Messy Play

What is it?

The goal of Messy Play is for children to explore and discover different textures and senses and learn through play.

Our activities are designed to promote independent play and to provide opportunities for children to socialise and learn to play with others.

Activities are varied each week so we will always have something different to try no matter how often you may come to play.

We try to keep our play materials natural and taste-safe, just in case your little one likes to explore the world and all its textures with their mouth.

We have a variety of dry and wet play and always some form of expressive arts activity.

We try to provide opportunities for mainly child- led play with occasional adult led activities.

If there is anything your child is really interested in trying or any accommodations your child needs to fully enjoy play feel free to email us at hosts@ideashubchelmsford.org .

Cost

£7 for first child with subsequent children £5 each

This covers the cost of materials as well as child and adult refreshments.

Who we are?

The Art Place is part of the Ideas Hub Chelmsford charity so all proceeds from the Messy Play will go towards supporting the local community and local artists through our gift shop, support groups, and creative workshops.

As we are a charity, the Messy Play is run by volunteers. Rebecca who organises the Messy Play is an experienced Nursery Assistant with a Master’s Degree in Fine Art.

How to book?

You can pay in advance on Eventbrite or on the day at the till where you will be given a paper ticket to give to the volunteers running the session.

We ask that even if you have bought a ticket in advance on Eventbrite, to check in at the till and get a physical written ticket to give to the workshop volunteers at the start of the session.

Where?

We are located in the Meadows Shopping Centre on Chelmsford City’s high street. Our shop is opposite to Muffin Break in the Meadows.

We run our sessions in the workshop space at the back of the shop.

Getting to us

Public Transport

We are a short walk from the H&M Bus Stops.

We are a 15 minute walk from Chelmsford Bus Station and Chelmsford Railway Station

Park and Ride Services run from Chelmer Valley Park and ride and Sandon both run to the Back of the H&M next to the High Street, 5 minutes from The Art Place.

Adult return tickets are £3 and child return tickets are £1.

https://www.travelessex.co.uk/park-and-ride/chelmer-valley-park-and-ride

https://www.travelessex.co.uk/park-and-ride/sandon-park-and-ride

Parking

The nearest car parks are:

• High Chelmer Car Park above Chelmsford’s indoor Market, opposite Chelmsford Library. This car park is managed by Chelmsford County Council. Post Code for the car park is CM1 1LE

https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/parking-and-travel/car-parks/high-chelmer-car-park/

• Q- Park Meadows Multi Storey Car Park, next to the The Meadows Shopping Centre and opposite the Odeon Cinema. Q-Park Meadows, Baddow Road, Chelmsford CM2 0DG.

https://www.q-park.co.uk/en-gb/cities/chelmsford/meadows/

• Bond Street Car Park – Just off the high street and is accessed via the Springfield Road (Tesco Roundabout)

https://www.bondstreetchelmsford.com/parking

What do I need to bring?

Children need to be supervised at all times by one adult, so one adult will need to stay with the child as the session is run by volunteers, we are unable to look after your child.

Both children and parents should wear clothes they are prepared to get messy.

Children will get very messy so please bring a change of clothes for children. The workshop space has a private room they can get changed in.

Aprons are provided but you will still get very messy.

Toilets and Nappy changing facilities

Whilst the Meadows has toilets we do not have toilets or changing facilities in the shop. You are welcome to use our private space for changing nappies.

The Meadows toilets are a two minuted walk next to the One beyond shop in the Meadows.

Snacks and Refreshments

A healthy snack and water will be provided, please let us know in advance if your child has any allergies or dietary requirements so we can accommodate them.

We also have tea and coffee for parents.

Snacks and drinks are included in the price of admission.