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QUESTIONS
SEB Fest is cancelled for 2026 following lower-than-needed ticket sales, rising event costs and increased competition within the local events market. As a small, independently run festival, proceeding would have created an unacceptable level of financial risk.We are deeply disappointed that the event cannot go ahead and understand the impact this has had on our ticket holders, artists, traders and wider community.
Since the announcement, we have been working extensively behind the scenes and seeking guidance from our ticketing provider, professional experts and industry advisers.We have explored the available options for ticket holders, attempted to recover advance payments and reviewed the festival’s financial position.
It is with enormous regret that we must confirm that SEB Fest is not currently in a position to issue the refunds due directly.Ticket income was committed in good faith to delivering the 2026 festival. This included artist and supplier deposits, marketing, production planning, infrastructure and other essential advance costs.Many of these payments relate to work already completed, contractual commitments or deposits that we have not been able to recover. This means the necessary funds are not currently available to return to Skiddle for processing.We fully understand that customers purchased their tickets in good faith and expected either to attend the festival or receive their money back. We are devastated and sincerely sorry for the position this has created.
Your request remains recorded. Ticket holders seeking to recover their payment are advised to contact their bank, credit-card provider or relevant payment provider as soon as possible.
You may be able to recover your payment through your bank or card provider because the event will not be delivered in 2026.Depending on how you paid, you can ask your provider whether you are eligible for:A chargeback claim for a service that will not be providedA claim under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act for a qualifying credit-card purchaseAny applicable buyer protection offered by your payment providerEligibility is determined entirely by the relevant bank, card issuer or payment provider, and a successful claim cannot be guaranteed.
Chargeback is a process through which a bank or card provider may attempt to reverse a debit, credit or prepaid-card transaction when the customer has not received the goods or services purchased.Please contact your provider promptly, as time limits may apply. Explain that you paid for an event that will not take place and that the organiser is currently unable to issue the refund directly.
Section 75 is a form of legal protection that may apply to qualifying purchases made using a credit card.It generally applies when the cash price of the qualifying item or service is more than £100 and no more than £30,000. Eligibility can depend on the individual ticket, ticket package and way the payment was processed, so please speak directly to your credit-card provider.What information might my bank ask me to provide?Your bank or payment provider may request:Your Skiddle booking confirmation or order numberEvidence of the paymentThe original date and details of the festivalThe announcement confirming the 2026 fallow yearA copy of our email confirming that SEB cannot currently issue the refund directlyPlease retain copies of all relevant documents and correspondence.
Please contact the payment provider and the bank or card issuer linked to your account. They will be able to explain which protections, if any, apply to the way your transaction was processed.
No. Every claim is assessed individually by the relevant bank, card issuer or payment provider.SEB cannot submit a claim for you, influence the provider’s decision or guarantee that a claim will be successful.
Ask your bank or provider to explain its decision and whether it has a formal complaints or appeals process.Independent consumer guidance is also available from Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper. If you remain dissatisfied with the final response from an eligible financial provider, you can ask whether the Financial Ombudsman Service may be able to review your complaint.
Thank you for your support. At this stage we would also advise you to contact your bank to reclaim the cost of your 2026 ticket due to event cancellation.
No, unfortunately, the proposed extended SEB Day Party at Acanteen will no longer be going ahead. Given the challenges surrounding this year's main festival and our current inability to offer refunds, we do not feel it would be appropriate or responsible to proceed with the event. Our priority right now is focusing on the wider situation and supporting our ticket holders as best we can.
Please contact Skiddle with your order number so your request can be recorded. However, the same current position regarding direct refunds will apply, and you may wish to contact your bank or payment provider to discuss any options available to you.
Please let SEB and Skiddle know if your payment is recovered through your bank, card issuer or another payment provider. This will allow the relevant records to be updated and help prevent a duplicate claim.
No. Independent festivals across the UK are experiencing significant challenges associated with rising production costs, lower and later ticket sales, and increasingly difficult trading conditions.The Association of Independent Festivals is tracking festivals that have cancelled, postponed, closed or announced fallow years, including SEB Festival, who are AIF members, further information on the wider industry issues can be found here www.aiforg.com/festival-cancellationsThere are, however, many festivals that are still happening so please do continue to give them your support.
SEB is a very small independent festival without a full-time customer-service team, and the inbox is not monitored every day.We will respond to enquiries as soon as possible, but response times may be longer than usual. Please include your full name and Skiddle order number and avoid sending duplicate messages, as this can slow down the process.We are profoundly sorry for the disappointment and distress this situation has caused.Thank you for your patience and for the support you have shown SEB over the past 11 years.
Street Eats ’n’ Beats is a family-friendly food and music festival held in Central Park, Chelmsford. It combines live DJs, street food, pop-up bars, and interactive entertainment in an open-air setting, with something for all ages.
The festival takes place annually in Central Park, Chelmsford, Essex. It usually runs on a Saturday in early September, from midday until around 10:30pm.
You’ll hear a mix of house, disco, funk, and soul from top DJs across multiple stages. There’s also live sax, percussion, and MCs to keep the energy high throughout the day.
Gates open at 12:00pm and the event runs until 10:30pm. Come early to enjoy the full day of food, music, and fun!
Absolutely! Street Eats 'n' Beats are proud to partner with Happicabs, you can download the app, book online or give them a call:
www.happicabs.com
01245 443 443
Download the app: www.happicabs.com/app
Online Booking Link: https://happicabs.com/book-chelmsford
Yes! Street Eats ’n’ Beats is designed to be family-friendly. There’s a silent disco for kids, creative spaces like the giant doodle wall, and plenty of open space in Central Park to explore.
We host a wide range of high-quality street-food vendors offering global cuisine.
This year we have everything from tacos, wood-fired pizza and Caribbean fusion to Greek gyros, Indian curries, BBQ and more. Boutique bars serve cocktails, craft beer, and soft drinks.
No, you can't bring your own food and drinks, except for baby food or necessary dietary/medical items. We've got a fantastic selection of food and drinks inside to keep you satisfied!
Yes – Chelmsford has several public car parks within walking distance of Central Park. You can also use the Park & Ride or arrive by train or bus, as the city centre is very well connected.
You'll find more info here: https://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/parking-and-travel/car-parks/
Absolutely. We offer accessible tickets that include entry for a carer, a viewing platform, and access to an accessible toilet. Central Park has paved paths and good general access for wheelchairs and buggies.
VIP tickets give you access to a covered seating area with relaxed lounge vibes, a private bar, and dedicated toilets – ideal if you want a little more comfort while enjoying the festival atmosphere.
Yes – well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome at the festival! Please be mindful of crowds and music volume, and make sure your dog is comfortable in busy environments. Don’t forget poo bags!
We’ve got an awesome range of creative and interactive attractions perfect for little explorers:
Doodle/Graffiti Wall – Grab some chalk or pens and leave your mark on our giant community art wall.
Digital Funfair – Hands-on digital installations offering fun for all ages!
Silent Disco – Let the kids groove to beats spun by young DJs.
Bam Bam Boogie Street Dance – Watch this local street‑dance troupe’s lively performances.
Cosmic Rain Glitter Bar – Eco-friendly sparkle galore for kid-approved fun makeovers.
Henna Tattoos & Cultural Talks – Designed by Essex Against Racism to encourage creative expression and awareness.
Riot Noise Truck & Live Streams – Engage with live-music broadcasts and support festival charity initiatives.
Remember: all under‑18s must be accompanied by an adult. These activities make for a full and colourful family festival experience—check it out!
Dress for comfort and weather! It’s an outdoor event, so sturdy shoes, layers, sun cream or a light jacket are a good idea. Festival gear and fancy dress are always encouraged – bring your best vibes!
Bring ID if you are lucky enough to look under 18 in order to be admitted to the festival. We operate the Challenge 25 Policy and you may be asked for ID to verify your age when purchasing alcohol.
We accept the following forms of ID: a valid passport or a valid EU photo card driving licence.
Yes – designed with flexibility in mind and to suit our family friendly attendees we do allow re-entry to the festival, please ensure you have a wristband in place to re-enter.
No, tickets are non-refundable as stated at purchase. We work with many suppliers, artists, and vendors in advance, so we can't offer refunds if your plans change. However, tickets aren't name-specific, so you can pass yours to a friend or family member. Just ensure they bring the ticket (printed or digital) on the day.
Last entry is strictly at 8:00pm. After this time, no new admissions will be allowed – even if you have a ticket. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Yes – we’re a fully cashless site. All food vendors, bars, and stalls accept card or contactless payments only. This helps keep queues moving and improves security.
No, there are no public phone charging stations at the festival. We recommend bringing a portable power bank if you think you'll need a top-up.
You’re welcome to bring a personal camera to capture your day, but professional cameras (DSLRs, interchangeable lenses, etc.) are not permitted unless you have media accreditation.
Yes! Picnic blankets and low camp chairs are welcome and a great way to relax between sets. Just be mindful of walkways and keep them to quieter areas of the park.
Yes – if you lose something during the day, head to the Lost Property Point near the main entrance. After the event, unclaimed items will be held by the organisers for a limited time – check our social media for updates.
Help us keep the park clean and green by using the correct bins: Mixed Recycling – For clean, dry recyclables like cans, bottles, and cardboard. Compostable Waste – For all food packaging and serveware from our vendors. General Waste – For items that can't be recycled or composted. Vape Bins – Dispose of vapes in dedicated vape bins or take them home. Look for the clearly labelled bins around the site. Thanks for helping reduce waste!
Looking after your welfare at the event is really important to us, that’s why in addition to security and medical teams, we also have welfare teams throughout the festival to support both under and over 18s.
Our welfare teams provide you with assistance and care should you need it.
The following articles are not permitted within at this event:
• Drugs, including so called legal highs
• Drones
• Professional photography equipment
• Alcohol (unless purchased on site)
• Flags
• Knives
• Fireworks
• Smoke canisters
• Sky or Chinese lanterns
• Gas canisters (including aerosols over 250ml and nitrous oxide / CO2 Dispensers)
• Megaphones
• Air horns
• Flares
• Weapons
• Dangerous or hazardous items
• Laser devices
• Glass
• Any article that might be used as a weapon
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