- 28 May -28 June 2026
- Date changed
- FREE
- Partner Event
Thurrock Local Authors Fair – Date Changed to 20 June
**Date changed to 20 June** Discover the rich wealth of local writing as Thurrock Libraries celebrates authors and poets from across the borough. Discuss writing, discover author stories, learn creative writing tips, and browse their books to buy and take home. Read more
- FREE
- Young Essex
Midsummer Madness Family Fun
A day of other worldly storytelling and creative mayhem in the enchanted setting of The Minories, Colchester’s oldest art gallery and garden. Our Midsummer Madness Family Day is the perfect place to get crafty and messy with our delectable range of free hands-on drop-in workshops, and more. Read more
- FREE
- Young Essex
Behind the Scenes of Snowy Joy & The Toysavers
Following two sell-out runs at Colchester Arts Centre, this special event offers a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of Snowy Joy & The Toysavers! and discover how the story journeyed from page to stage. Meet some of the cast and Q&A session with the author, director and choreographer. Plus screenings of highlights from the shows. Read more
- FREE
- Partner Event
Murder in Season – Book Launch
Rosie Sandler will be in conversation with Silver End Heritage Society secretary, Jackie Nesbitt. They will discuss Rosie's latest book, Murder in Season (new from Embla), set in a fictionalised version of Silver End garden village. Read more
- Guided Walk
- Essex Writers House
- FREE
Walk and Explore Prittlewell Greenway with Lora Aziz
Join artist Lora Aziz exploring the Prittlewell Greenway through landscape, observation and language. How can we pull inspiration from the backstreet places and welcome in wonders we might pass every day? Read more
- FREE
Thurrock Local Authors Fair
Discover the rich wealth of local writing as Thurrock Libraries celebrates authors and poets from across the borough. Discuss writing, discover author stories, learn creative writing tips, and browse their books to buy and take home. Read more
- FREE
The Human Library – Clacton
The Human Library is coming to Clacton! Just like in a real library, a visitor to the Human Library can borrow a book from a range of titles. The difference is that books are PEOPLE, and reading is a CONVERSATION. Come along, connect with people you wouldn’t normally meet, and celebrate positive differences in our communities. Read more
- Open Mic
- FREE
- Poetry
Art:Up! Homecoming Poetry Reading And Open Mic
The final instalment of the Art:Up! This collaborative poetry project has seen more than fifty poets get together and share new poetry since launching at the 2025 Essex Book Festival. Come along to the finale event and support diverse voices from around the county. Read more
- FREE
Stand Up For Diversity Clacton
An evening of mini-talks and short soap-box shout-outs bringing together people who want to champion and celebrate diversity in the arts and in our communities, share the work they do with others, and collectively celebrate strong diverse voices. All welcome. Read more
- Essex Writers House
- FREE
- In Conversation
Writing and the Power of Language: Camilla Balshaw, Emily Addeni-Holman and Boakye D. Alpha
Join us for an evening with the National Centre for Writing’s Escalator Writers Emily Abdeni-Holman and Boakye D. Alpha, in conversation with award-winning author Camilla Balshaw about writing and the power of language, with discussion rooted in cultural histories, oppression and identity. Read more
- FREE
Stories in Transit
Stories in Transit is an ongoing workshop series, inviting participants who have lived experience of migration to imagine and create fantastical stories together. Together with artists, musicians, animators and writers, stories that emerge through play, games and walks are developed and performed. Read more
- Essex Writers House
- FREE
- Poetry
A Poet in Every Port with the mobile National Poetry Library
The mobile National Poetry Library is coming to Southend-on-Sea. Be prepared for a mini programme of weekend activity for all ages to enjoy, with the opportunity to contribute prose, poetry and words to the Mobile Poetry Library. Read more
