Hundreds come together for the first-ever DOSE Fest in Chelmsford

The first-ever DOSE Fest has been hailed as a huge success after bringing together 370 people and more than 40 organisations, businesses and community partners for a day dedicated to better health and wellbeing through connection and community.

Held on the beautiful Angel Meadow outside Angel Pavilion in Chelmsford on 18 July 2026, the festival welcomed families, local residents, health organisations, charities, researchers, businesses and wellbeing practitioners for a programme of talks, workshops, performances and interactive experiences.

Created by The Happiness Equation CIC (a not for profit organisation), DOSE Fest takes its inspiration from four of the chemicals associated with happiness and wellbeing: Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin and Endorphins (DOSE).

Rather than simply talking about wellbeing, the festival gave visitors opportunities to experience it for themselves through engaging sessions incorporating movement, creativity, learning, conversation and connection.

The event received strong support from local leaders, health organisations and those who attended.

Cllr Natacha Dudley, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Chelmsford City Council, said:

“Chelmsford City Council is proud to support DOSE Fest because it brings together culture, community and wellbeing in a way that makes a real difference to residents' lives.”

She described the festival as “a great example of preventative, neighbourhood-based delivery in action”, helping people access support and connections closer to home.

Cllr Julia Frascona, Deputy Mayor of Chelmsford 2026–2027, also praised the festival and its potential to make a difference locally:

“Your vision of a community-based festival which helps people to understand that they can have real agency in their own lives and improve their physical and mental wellbeing themselves by engaging with services, organisations, charities and practitioners within their local area has immense potential to make a real difference to the quality of people's lives in Chelmsford.”

The value of bringing health and wellbeing into a relaxed community setting was also highlighted by James Halden, Chief of Staff at NHS Essex:

“It’s rare to be able to see children having fun while adults learn about health and care all at the same venue! Community wellbeing isn’t found in a clinical building or the result of an NHS contract - it’s found in events like DOSE Fest.”

Visitors praised the welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere too, with activities ranging from drumming and boxing to talks, creative experiences and opportunities to meet local organisations.

One guest, Rachel, who attended with her two boys, said:

“We had an amazing day at the DOSE Festival! My children loved the variety of activities, and there was so much to see and do.”

For founder Myra Merchant, however, the success of the first festival is only the beginning.

“DOSE Fest was never intended to be just a festival. It is the first step in a much bigger ecosystem of preventative healthcare, rooted within communities and extending support beyond GP surgeries and hospitals.”

The Happiness Equation CIC is now building on the inaugural festival as it develops the wider DOSE vision.

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