Step Into Something Meaningful at VolFEST 2026
Hundreds of volunteering opportunities. One incredible community.
Thursday 4 June 2026 | 9.30am–4pm | Chelmsford High Street
Chelmsford, Essex – Chelmsford CVS is delighted to announce the return of VolFEST 2026, the city’s much-loved celebration of community, volunteering and local charities, taking place on Thursday 4 June in the heart of Chelmsford High Street.
Now firmly established as a highlight of National Volunteers’ Week, VolFEST will once again bring together around 50 local charities, community groups and support services for a day filled with conversation, connection and community spirit.
Whether you are looking for support, hoping to meet new people, or thinking about giving volunteering a try, VolFEST is the perfect opportunity to explore what is happening locally and discover how you can get involved.
Visitors will have the chance to:
- Find vital help and advice from trusted local organisations
- Discover flexible volunteering roles to suit different interests, ages, skills and availability
- Speak directly to charities about what volunteering is really like
- Meet local people already making a difference in the community
- Enjoy music, activities, demonstrations, charity items for sale and a welcoming festival atmosphere
From one-off events and practical outdoor projects to charity shop roles, befriending, fundraising, youth work, administration, community gardening and skilled volunteering, VolFEST showcases the huge variety of ways people can support causes they care about.
Chelmsford CVS Project Manager, Sally Medd said:
“VolFEST is one of the most uplifting days in Chelmsford’s calendar. Every year, our local charities and volunteers bring such energy and generosity to the High Street, and it’s wonderful to see the community come together in that way.
One of the great things about VolFEST is seeing people discover volunteering opportunities they never knew existed, as well as support they didn’t know they could access. Many visitors arrive thinking they don’t have enough time or experience to volunteer, but quickly realise there are so many flexible and interesting ways to get involved.”
Meet the Charities Changing Chelmsford.
Since launching in 2019, VolFEST has grown into a major annual community event, attracting thousands of visitors and helping local organisations connect with new volunteers, supporters and service users.
This year’s event will feature a wide variety of charities and community groups, including organisations supporting health and wellbeing, young people, older residents, disability support, homelessness, community safety, animals, the environment and much more.
Well-known local organisations expected to attend include Broomfield Hoispital, CHESS Homeless, Farleigh Hospice, Wilderness Foundation, and City of Chelmsford Mencap, alongside many more local groups making a huge difference behind the scenes every day.
Chelmsford CVS is grateful to Chelmsford City Council for supporting this year’s event.
VolFEST 2026
Chelmsford High Street
Thursday 4 June 2026 | 9.30am–4pm
Learn more at: Chelmsford CVS VolFEST Page
#VolFEST2026 #VolunteersWeek