Brentwood Art Trail 2026 Set for Month-Long Creative Extravaganza
The annual Brentwood Art Trail, organised by Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District (BID), is poised to deliver a full month of artistic inspiration across Brentwood, Shenfield, and Ingatestone in 2026. This eagerly anticipated event will run from Saturday, May 30 to Sunday, June 28, building significantly on the triumph of the 2025 edition, which featured more than 80 talented artists and over 65 diverse local businesses.
Expanding on Past Success with Enhanced Offerings
The trail offers visitors to all three town centres a unique opportunity to engage with displayed artworks, discover participating venues, participate in a series of creative workshops, and observe artists working live. Reflecting on last year's highlights, successful Landscape Artist of the Year contestants John Ball and Lucia Hardy captivated audiences, alongside Amelia Hart, Jill Busby, and Nicola Osborne, who painted live on the high streets, drawing enthusiastic crowds.
Additionally, Heidi Simm and Mike Young hosted interactive events designed to appeal to all age groups, fostering community involvement. The popular guided tours will make a welcome return this year, enabling visitors to explore local businesses and hear directly from the artists about their creative processes and inspirations.
Local Businesses as Pillars of Support and Venues
This vibrant event is funded entirely by local businesses through Brentwood Connected, playing a crucial role in its success by acting as pop-up galleries and hosting special activities throughout the trail. This strategic partnership drives increased footfall to the area while showcasing the exceptional creative talent within the community. The Brentwood Art Trail Pop-Up Gallery in The Baytree Shopping Centre, which has become a central hub for creativity during previous events, will reopen for the entire month starting Saturday, May 30.
Vicki Thompson, practice manager at Mansfield Monk, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "Hosting local artists as part of the annual Brentwood Art Trail is a highlight for us here at Ingatestone-based architects and interior designers, Mansfield Monk. It's an opportunity to engage with the creative community and showcase an inspiring mix of artists and their artworks across mixed genres and mediums as we transform our window into a gallery space for one month. Together with our High Street business neighbours, we help celebrate creativity in the town centre."
A Growing Community of Artists and Economic Boost
Villene Hyam, project manager of the Brentwood Art Trail for Brentwood Connected, added, "We're continuously planning for the Brentwood Art Trail and it's so exciting when the application period comes around each year. Through this event, we've built a fantastic community of artists and it's a pleasure to match them with businesses who enjoy supporting creatives. Over the years, our event has brought people to the borough to eat, drink, shop, and enjoy our town centres, while immersing themselves in creativity. We know ours is one of the largest and most successful art trails in the county, and we encourage everyone to use this as an opportunity to visit Brentwood, Shenfield, and Ingatestone this Summer."
Artists or groups interested in exhibiting their work in locations across Brentwood, Shenfield, or Ingatestone during the trail are invited to apply before Sunday, March 1 via the official Brentwood Art Trail website. The Brentwood Art Trail is an initiative from Brentwood Connected, the unique Business Improvement District (BID) that supports the borough's three high streets, funded by town centre businesses to enhance the experience for residents, visitors, employees, and businesses alike.
