After Hours is Chelmsford For You’s initiative supporting the city centre’s nighttime economy.

Our purpose is to support and champion a vibrant, safe, and inclusive city centre from 6pm - 6am. 

  • SAFETY

    Safety in our city centre at nighttime for visitors, residents and workers is a top priority for us. Behind the scenes we work closely with many organisations and businesses including Chelmsford city council and Ask Angela, as well as Open Road and Pubwatch to help ensure our city is a safe environment. The below campaigns and initiatives are currently in place across the city centre to provide safer socialising

    FIND OUT MORE

  • CITY BUZZ

    Bring your event to life in Chelmsford!

    We’re here to help promoters, and organisations plan and run events that add energy, boost footfall, and keep the city centre buzzing after dark.
    Explore our handy resources to make your night-time event a success.

    LET'S CONNECT

  • FUNDING

    PROMOTER POT
    We’re offering promoters, community groups, and organisations up to £350 to help fund night-time events in Chelmsford city centre. From live music and DJs to comedy, dance, or any activity that brings people together and creates a buzz, your event can take place in any city centre venue, i.e. bars, restaurants, leisure spaces, and more.

    For enquiries and to apply, please complete the form below

    FIND OUT MORE

STAYING SAFE IN CHELMSFORD

  • WOMEN’S SAFETY CHARTER

    Chelmsford For You, Karen Whybro and Chelmsford City Council have partnered to deliver a Women’s Safety Charter encouraging all city businesses to become trained, visibly marked Safe Spaces that prioritise and support women’s safety without judgement.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • PURPLE FLAG

    The Purple Flag is a national scheme that recognises safe and well-managed night-time economies, with Chelmsford achieving this accreditation for 13 consecutive years.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • CHELMSFORD NIGHT MARSHALS

    Chelmsford city centre Night Marshals patrol every Saturday night, providing a visible safety presence, supporting venues and visitors, coordinating with partners, and helping people access safe transport and support services across Chelmsford.

    COMING SOON

  • ANTI-SPIKING

    Anti-spiking kits have been co-funded by Open Road and Chelmsford For You. These are located in venues throughout the city centre. 

    EMAIL FOR INFORMATION

  • PUBWATCH

    Chelmsford Pubwatch brings together local venues and partners to collaborate on reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, improving safety, and enhancing communication and experiences across Chelmsford’s night-time economy.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • CCTV

    Chelmsford City Council operates 60 CCTV cameras across the city centre, linked to night marshals and local venues, and coordinated with Essex Police and other agencies to help keep the city safe.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • BUSINESS CRIME REDUCTION PARTNERSHIP

    The Publink system connects night-time economy security staff with the CCTV Control Room via real-time radio communication to deter crime and enhance safety for those who visit, live, and work in Chelmsford.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • SOS BUS

    The Chelmsford SOS Bus, operated by Open Road, provides a staffed late-night safe space with medical support in Chelmsford city centre, helping reduce ambulance callouts and A&E admissions.

    GET INVOLVED

  • ASK FOR ANGELA

    The Ask for Angela scheme trains venue staff to recognise and discreetly support individuals who feel unsafe or vulnerable in social settings. Click to find out what to do

    ASK HERE

CHELMSFORD CITY BUZZ

|

CHELMSFORD CITY BUZZ |

  • EVENT CALENDAR

    Bring your event to life in Chelmsford! We’re here to help promoters, and organisations plan and run events that add energy, boost footfall, and keep the city centre buzzing after dark. Explore our handy resources to make your night-time event a success.

    ADD EVENT TO CALENDAR

  • PRIVATE HIRE

    A variety of city centre venues are available for private and public hire, providing versatile spaces to host events of any theme or scale, from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations.

    FIND OUT MORE

  • LICENSING

    For information and applications related to Temporary Event Notices and other licensing matters, please visit the Chelmsford City Council’s licensing page:

    APPLICATIONS & FIND OUT MORE

  • PROMOTER POT

    A new initiative targeted at supporting early career music promoters in England. Grants of up to £350 will be available to support a range of activity, including the booking, programming and promotion of gigs and associated costs.

    HOW TO GET FUNDING

AFTER HOURS :
PROMOTERS’ POT

We’re offering promoters, community groups, and organisations up to £350 to help fund nighttime events in Chelmsford city centre. From live music and DJs to comedy, dance, or any activity that brings people together and creates a buzz, your event can take place in any city centre venue, i.e. bars, restaurants, leisure spaces, and more.

For enquiries and to apply, please complete the form and a member of the team will get back to you.

 

CREATIVE FUNDING

CREATIVE FUNDING TO HELP YOU REACH THE STARS!

Whether your passion is art, music, or any form of creativity, this is your moment. Dive into the opportunities below, find the support you need, and turn your ideas into something truly incredible. Your creativity deserves to be seen—start bringing your dreams to life today.

  • ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL ARTS & CULTURE FUND

    The Essex County Council Culture Fund provides grants to support arts and cultural projects across Essex that engage communities, promote wellbeing, and develop creative talent.

    GET INVOLVED

  • PRS FOUNDATION : FUNDING FOR EARLY CAREER MUSIC PROMOTERS

    A new initiative targeted at supporting early career music promoters in England. Grants of up to £3,500 will be available to support a range of activity, including the booking, programming and promotion of gigs and associated costs.

    GET INVOLVED

  • ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND GRASSROOTS MUSIC FUND

    Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport with a focus on supporting grassroots music, specifically rehearsal and recording studios, promoters, festivals, and venues for live and electronic music performance.

    GET INVOLVED

  • NATIONAL LOTTERY COMMUNITY SCHEME  

    It is the largest community funder in the UK and its purpose is to award funding that strengthens society and improves lives across the UK. It’s focused on funding projects and activities that transform communities, protect our heritage, and enrich lives through arts, sports and culture.

    GET INVOLVED

FAQs

  • Complete the Promoter Pot application form using the button above.


    You’ll be asked how much funding you’re applying for, along with details about your event or idea.

  • After Hours is Chelmsford BID’s initiative to support and grow the city’s night-time economy, helping businesses attract more visitors and create a vibrant, safe evening experience.

  • Chelmsford city centre businesses, organisations, community groups, and event organisers can apply for funding to support new nighttime events taking place in the city centre.

  • We support a wide range of evening and night-time activities, including live music, entertainment, cultural events, and experiences that encourage people to enjoy Chelmsford after hours.

  • Applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

  • List your event for free.
    Click the link below, fill in the form, and we’ll take care of the rest.

    https://www.chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/events-calendar