Community Festival
More Than a Run. A Festival for the Whole Community
Community RunFest Rayleigh is about much more than crossing the finish line.
Alongside the running events, we're creating a vibrant Community Festival in King George V Playing Fields, bringing together local businesses, community organisations, wellbeing activities, family entertainment, food vendors and live performances.
Whether you're taking part in the 2.5K Children’s Fun Run, Youth 5K, 5K or 10K, supporting friends and family, or simply looking for a great day out, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
From fitness demonstrations and live music to children's activities, local exhibitors and opportunities to discover fantastic organisations from across our community, the festival is designed to bring people together, celebrate local pride and create a fantastic atmosphere throughout the day.
The festival is free to attend and open to everyone.
Come along, get involved and be part of Community RunFest Rayleigh.
STAGE
ON
Sponsored by
FINN
SEXTON
Finn Sexton is a talented young singer-songwriter and one of the headline performers appearing at the Community Festival at Community RunFest Rayleigh.
Alongside performing as the frontman of indie punk band Monumental, Finn has built a reputation for his powerful acoustic performances, blending well-loved favourites with his own original music. His talent has already taken him to audiences across the UK and mainland Europe.
With thoughtful songwriting and a voice that combines power with emotion, Finn's music explores themes of love, resilience and personal growth. His ability to connect with audiences through honest storytelling and memorable melodies makes him an exciting addition to this year's festival line-up.
Join us as Finn closes the Community Festival stage with a special headline performance.
12.15pm Headline Performance
MANDY
TARBARD
Mandy Tarbard is a passionate fitness professional, personal trainer and co-founder of Frenzy, helping people of all ages and abilities enjoy the benefits of movement, fitness and wellbeing.
With more than 10 years' experience in the health and fitness industry, Mandy works with individuals, groups and families, supporting people to improve both their physical and mental wellbeing through exercise, movement and nutrition.
At Community RunFest Rayleigh, Mandy will be helping participants prepare for their challenge by leading the Children's Fun Run warm-up and the 5K and 10K warm-up sessions, ensuring runners are ready to start the day full of energy and enthusiasm.
8.00am Children's Fun Run Warm-up
8.40am 5K & 10K Warm-up
10.45am Stretch and Cool Down
ALEXANDRA
BEARD
Alexandra Beard is a Pilates instructor dedicated to helping people feel stronger, more confident and connected through movement.
Teaching mat and reformer Pilates classes across Rayleigh and Leigh-on-Sea, Alex has built a reputation for creating welcoming and inclusive environments where people can improve their wellbeing while becoming part of a supportive community.
As part of Community RunFest Rayleigh, Alex will be leading a free Pilates session on the Community Festival stage, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the benefits of movement and wellbeing for themselves.
10.15am Pilates Session
HARMONISE
CHOIR
Harmonise Choir is a vibrant Essex-based choir bringing people together through a shared love of music and performance.
Since forming in 2023, the choir has built a fantastic reputation for delivering uplifting performances featuring popular songs performed in harmony across a variety of musical styles, including pop, soul, gospel, country and musical theatre.
Their energy, passion and community spirit make them a fantastic addition to the Community Festival stage, where they'll be helping create a brilliant atmosphere for visitors throughout the day.
11.15AM Live Performance
MUSHROOM
THEATRE
COMPANY
Mushroom Theatre Company is a leading performing arts school based in Rayleigh, offering classes in dance, drama, singing and musical theatre for children and young people.
Focused on building confidence, creativity and self-belief, the company provides a safe and inclusive environment where students can develop their talents while having fun and making new friendships.
At Community RunFest Rayleigh, audiences can look forward to a showcase of local talent as Mushroom Theatre Company takes to the stage with a performance full of energy, enthusiasm and entertainment.
11.45am Performance Showcase
Main Stage Timings
8.00am
8.40am
10.15am
10.45am
11.15am
11.45am
12.15pm
Mandy Tarbard Children's Fun Run warm-up
Mandy Tarbard 5k & 10k warm-up
Alexandra Beard Pilates Session
Mandy Tarbard Stretch & cool down
Harmonise Choir Live Performance
Mushroom Theatre Company Performance Showcase
Finn Sexton Headline Performance
Meet Some of Our Festival Vendors
The Community Festival is about bringing together great local businesses, community organisations and experiences for everyone to enjoy.
From food and refreshments to wellbeing, family activities and local services, our vendors help create the vibrant festival atmosphere that makes Community RunFest about so much more than running.
We're delighted to welcome a growing number of businesses and organisations to this year's festival, with more vendors still to be announced in the coming weeks.
Be sure to take a look around on the day, discover some fantastic local businesses and support the organisations helping bring Community RunFest Rayleigh to life.
