Chelmsford is a vibrant town, with plenty to keep you occupied.

It has three theatres, an eight screen Odeon cinema, four nightclubs, including Dukes and The Bassment, and a number of late licence bars such as Edwards and Que Pasa - these can all be found in the High Street and West End areas of town. The High Chelmer and Meadows shopping centres will ensure that you have plenty of opportunity for some retail therapy, and an indoor market runs from Tuesday to Saturday each week - the perfect place to pick up a bargain or two.

Every August, the V Festival is held in Hylands Park, with up to 65,000 people attending each day. 2010 will see Kings of Leon, Stereophonics, Paul Weller, Kasbian and The Prodigy playing, to name but a few. Just think, in 2011 you could be one of those 65,000 people standing in a field!

Chelmsford is a sporty place too. Essex County Cricket Club play frequent matches during the season and the ground is within easy walking distance of the bus and railway stations. The area has a variety of golf clubs for players of all standards, and there are rugby and hockey clubs, as well as the Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre, home of Wavetech Chieftains ice hockey team.

And don't forget - London is just 30 mins away and trains run frequently throughout the day so it's quick and easy to visit the capital.

Further information about Chelmsford and the surrounding area

• Chelmsford Borough Council
• BBC Essex
• Chelmsford Weekly News
• This is Total Essex