- 28 May -30 June 2025
- Discussion
Don’t Panic I’m Islamic: Extreme Comedy
How can you tell if your neighbour is speaking Muslim? Can I get fries with that burka? Join comedians Omar Hamdi, Esther Manito and Amrou Al-Kadhi, and author and broadcaster Bidisha, for an entertaining look at what art and comedy can do to combat stereotypes and regressive identity politics. Read more
- Discussion
Figuring Peace
Figuring Peace is the first in our series of three special commemorative Peace Panels. Festival patron and writer AL Kennedy, artist Maggi Hambling, and artist, curator and activist Hamja Ahsan will discuss the pivotal role played by artists and writers with regard to the representation of war and peace. Read more
- Discussion
Transitions and Integrations: Inside and ‘the Out’
How do offenders keep in touch with their families when they’re in prison? How do families cope on the outside, and who helps them? How easy is it for offenders to acclimatise to life on the outside? Our panel will provide a fascinating insight into the impact of imprisonment on prisoners and their families. Read more
- Discussion
Criminal Minds: CWA Panel
Hear stories of sleuthing, murder and mayhem in this fascinating discussion between members of the CWA. With over 700 members, the Crime Writers’ Association is well known for its prestigious Daggers, awarded every year for the best in crime writing, and provides an unrivalled platform for authors and their work. Read more
- Discussion
- SOLD OUT!
Witches, WAGs and Wide Boys
A fascinating, interactive day of discussion examines the role of place, gender and class in the Essex stereotype and what it is to 'be' Essex. The event brings together various people academics and authors, including Essex Book Festival writer-in-residence Syd Moore and Festival Director Ros Green. Read more
- Discussion
- Non-fiction
- POSTPONED
All at Sea?
The unusually long coastline of Essex makes it especially vulnerable to flooding. Writer and social historian Ken Worpole will be in conversation with Hana Loftus. The talk will be illustrated with archive and contemporary photographs, and graphic material opening out to a discussion of the wider issues raised for the Essex coast as a result of Climate Change. Read more
- Discussion
- Festival Launch
- Non-fiction
- ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT!
Festival Launch – We need to talk about Essex Girls
Join us for the Launch event of the 2021 festival with the amazing Women of Essex: Sarah Perry, Patron of Essex Book Festival, Syd Moore, Writer, Co- founder of the Essex Girls Liberation Front, Sadie Hasler, Playwright, Journalist and Director of Old Trunk Theatre Company, and honorary Essex Girl, Festival Director Ros Green, who will be discussing what it means to be an Essex Girl: the jokes, the misconceptions, and the strengths and growing movements that are starting to challenge… Read more
- Discussion
- In person
- Partner Event
“Let’s Talk About Sex”
1 Aug @ 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM Writers Rowan Pelling, Daisy Buchanan and Jonnie Bayfield compare notes on how behaviour and attitudes towards sex and relationships have changed because of mass media, technology, social media and economic forces. Each panelist brings their unique perspective on the subject, illuminating the dilemmas of dating and loving in today’s society. Pelling is well known for editing the Erotic Review and launching the Amorist, Buchanan is author of The Times’ best-selling novel Insatiable:… Read more
- Discussion
- Festival Finale
- Fiction
- For Writers
- In Conversation
- In partnership
- In person
- Non-fiction
- Outside
- Storytelling
- The Children's University
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Essex Book Camp
Join in the fun at the Essex Book Camp With a huge range of events for all ages, from author events with the likes of Good Morning Britain’s Dr Hilary Jones through to our fabulous storytelling yurt; woodland crafts and meditation walks; drop-in family yoga sessions and more, Cressing Temple Barns is the place to be this August Bank Holiday Sunday. Free Drop-In Activities for all ages we just need one large image of Shane Ibbs telling stories for this… Read more
