Saffron Walden is alone in the UK in having two historic mazes – the ancient turf labyrinth on the Common and the Victorian hedge maze in Bridge End Garden. To celebrate Saffron Walden’s unique maze culture and explore man’s fascination with mazes and labyrinths over the centuries we held our first Maze Festival in August 2011.

It was a great success with new mazes and maze challenges throughout the town and a wide array of events and entertainment for people of all ages and interests.

So we’re doing it again this year. Fun for grown-ups and children of all ages – most of it free ...

Come along and join in!

Create your own maze on the Common

The first Maze Festival wouldn’t have happened without the enormous enthusiasm and creativity of everyone who turned out to help.

This year we’re looking for clubs, societies, shops, businesses, families and friends to design and make their own temporary mazes on the Common during the Festival – mazes that will delight the eye and provide fun for children.

Contact Sybil Pretious to discuss your ideas: sybilpretious@gmail.com or on 07923 412552

Calling all artists – young or old!

Saffron Walden Library is looking for works of art based on the theme of mazes and labyrinths. The best will be exhibited in the Library during the Festival.

There are three categories, primary school age, secondary school and adults. There are prizes for the younger age groups. Works can be in any media but should be no larger than A3 and be able to be hung on the wall. The closing date is Monday 29th July. Pick up an application form from the Library or the Tourist Information Centre.

For more details contact Kate Hanlon at the Library: Kate.hanlon@essex.gov.uk or on 01799 523178.

Let your imagination go wild!

You can view Saffron Walden Camera Club's photographs of some of the 2011 events here.

You can view video footage of the highlights of the 2011 Festival here.