It’s time to assemble once again as The Chelmsford Takeover returns to Chelmsford city centre, raising vital funds for the brilliant heroes at Little Havens, Essex’s only children’s Hospice.
Chelmsford For You, in partnership with Essex Cosplayers, are excited to be bringing back the Chelmsford Takeover on Saturday 12 April between 10am and 4pm! Now in its third year, the FREE family event has secured itself as a firm favourite in the Business Improvement District’s yearly event offering in the city centre.
Prepare for Chelmsford to come alive with familiar heroes, characters and show cars from the BIG screen, TV and comics, across multiple High Street locations.
This year's Takeover is set to include:
• Takeover Live Stage
The Chelmsford Takeover stage will also host this year’s Costume Competition (run by Unipool Cosplay) open for all members of the public to enter across four categories; 16 and under, Over 16s and Groups, plus our new category for 2025 – Pets!
• Cosplay Groups
Walkabout characters from Star Wars, Batman, Pirates of the Caribbean, Doctor Who, Ghostbusters, Transformers and so many more throughout the city centre – there’s even Droids that will be causing mischief too.
• Show Cars
You’ve seen them on the big screen and TV, now it’s your chance to see them up close in Chelmsford. With a range of show cars lined up including, New for 2025, Optimus Prime, Bumble Bee and Herbie join the fun! Plus, the DeLorean from Back to the Future (celebrating 40 years of the film franchise), The Ghostbusters Ecto1, Only Fools and Horses three wheeled van, The A-Team Van, Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine, Lightening McQueen and Tow Mater from Cars.
• Meet and Greet Opportunities
There will be many great actors from TV and Film attending the Takeover and available for photo and signing opportunities. We also have our showcase characters who’ll be doing set appearances by our main stage throughout the day, including Megatron, Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, Baricade, Robocop, Tooth Guardian and the Spirit Walker.
• Fire and Lego Walk - NEW FOR 2025
This year, Little Havens are providing the chance for the public to become heroes by taking on the challenge of the Fire/Lego Walk – which will take place as part of this year’s Chelmsford Takeover. They are currently looking for a team of fearless fundraisers to take on the ultimate challenge – to walk over smouldering hot coals in aid of Little Havens. Are you brave enough?
The event is FREE for all to enjoy and is in aid of Little Havens. Throughout the day there will be opportunities to donate to this incredible local hospice, who provide vital care and support for children and young people up to the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with a complex or incurable condition, whilst offering support to their families. Did you know, Little Havens need to raise a staggering £83,000 each week to provide their much needed services? In 2024 the Chelmsford Takeover raised just over £5,000 for this incredible charity and we hope to raise even more in 2025.
Chelmsford For You encourages you to come along, dress up, join in the fun, take some fabulous pictures and help support an amazing local children’s charity.
The Chelmsford Takeover full event programme, running order, timings and map will be available to download and view from early April www.chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/chelmsfordtakeover
