- 28 May -28 June 2026
- Partner Event
- Performance
Dracula
This critically acclaimed, multi five star awarded hilarious comedy will be presented by Professor Abraham Van Helsing and his three idiotic actors as they stage a life-changing, theatrical production surrounding the true events of Dracula. Read more
- In Conversation
- Partner Event
Sex Matters: Intimacy and Aging
Both Seema Anand (The Art of Seduction) and author Syd Moore (Essex Girls Liberation Front) have challenged stereotypes before. In this conversation they explode the myths around sex in middle age, and empowerment though positive sexuality as we get older. Read more
- Partner Event
Chelmsford Radio Drama Festival
Chelmsford Community Radio are delighted to be hosting the very first Radio Drama Festival for Essex including Radio Drama Listening Sessions, a Community Showcase event in the City Centre and a Radio Drama Day for budding creatives. Read more
- Partner Event
Book Launch: One Midsummer’s Day – Part of EA Festival
Part of EA Festival - The culmination of 16 years of thinking and two years of writing, the book is, on its face, about birds. But really, it is a masterful sum-up of all that is interconnected between nature and man – all perceived during a single day of watching swifts. Read more
- Partner Event
Imagining the Class of ’37
It is 1937 and a class of 12 and 13 year old girls are writing about their lives: cobbled streets and crowded homes; the Coronation festivities and holidays to Blackpool; laughter and fun alongside poverty and hardship. Read more
- Partner Event
Creditors & the Beauty Trap
How can an author turn a doctoral dissertation into a book that will engage a general readership? What can the academic historian steal from mass-market writers? In the era of TikTok, social media, and now ChatGPT, what can a human author do that artificial intelligence can’t? Read more
- Discussion
- Partner Event
Behind The Covers Of Crime at Braintree Library
Celebrate National Crime Reading month by joining Essex-based crime authors Julia Stone, Michael Heath, Rosie Sandler and David Evans for a lively panel discussion on the crime writing process. Read more
- Discussion
- Partner Event
Behind The Covers Of Crime at Great Parndon Library
Celebrate National Crime Reading month by joining Essex-based crime authors Julia Stone, Michael Heath, Rosie Sandler and David Evans for a lively panel discussion on the crime writing process. Read more
- Discussion
- Partner Event
Behind The Covers Of Crime at Clacton Library
Celebrate National Crime Reading month by joining Essex-based crime authors Julia Stone, Michael Heath, Rosie Sandler and David Evans for a lively panel discussion on the crime writing process. Read more
- For Writers
- FREE
- Partner Event
- SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT!! Writing Landscapes Workshop
Authors Samuel Fisher and Justin Hopper are hosting a writing workshop at Wivenhoe Library where participants will be invited to think of the places they cherish and find ways to translate those landscapes into words. Read more
- FREE
- Online
- Partner Event
- Young Essex
Children & Authors’ Literary Fanfare Event
Once again, CALFE Children & Authors' Literary Fanfare 2023 will be presenting: Readings, Storytelling, Poetry, Music and Creatively engaging activities, from children's Authors of culturally diverse heritage, and from countries across the globe! Read more
- Partner Event
No Ordinary Day – A Red Lion Books event
On 17 April 1984 WPC Yvonne Fletcher was shot outside the Libyan embassy in London. As his friend lay dying, PC John Murray made her a promise that he would seek justice. 37 years would pass before he was able to fulfil that undertaking. John Murray will be in conversation with Matt Johnson. Read more
- Restless Brilliance
- Exhibition
- FREE
- Partner Event
Restless Brilliance: The Story of J.A. Baker and The Peregrine
The exhibition explores J.A. Baker’s life, his love of nature and writing, through the archive of his work held by the Albert Sloman Library, University of Essex. It is the first time that this archive has been on public display. Read more
- Partner Event
- Performance
- Young Essex
Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book
Come and delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs, and perhaps you will be able to help his sister discover the wonderful world inside a book… Read more
- Guided Walk
- Partner Event
Harlow Sculpture Tour
Come take a unique guided tour with Peter Aylmer and explore the sculptures of Harlow and find out about the planning principles that Sir Frederick Gibberd brought to the town. Includes a visit to the Gibberd Gallery where you can view the exhibition ‘New Town New Art’. Read more
- Partner Event
- Workshop
Design Your Own Tote Bag
Design your own tote bag, and learn the basic principles of screen printing. You will come away with a bag that celebrates the character(s) of Essex and its diverse communities. You will be inspired by the people, heritage, and social history of the county, and use our screen printing equipment to transfer your design onto fabric. Read more
- FREE
- Partner Event
- Workshop
How We Live In Essex: Photography Workshop
Sea, Sky, and Landscape Photography Workshop with Dan Sceats. Learn photography techniques using the beautiful views from Jaywick Martello Tower with the exhibition professional photographer. Read more
- Partner Event
- Workshop
Experience the Beauty of Lino Cutting
Experience the beauty of lino cutting, we will guide you through the process of creating your own print inspired by the county's biodiversity. Whether you choose to depict a bird, a flower, a fox, or something else you will learn how to carve your design into the linoleum surface and then print it onto paper or fabric using our proofing press. Read more
- Guided Walk
- FREE
- Partner Event
A Peasant’s Pilgrimage
This six-mile walk, organised in partnership with Kinetika’s T100 Festival, commemorates the 1381 Peasants’ Revolt’s links to Fobbing, as Thurrock’s walking, talking and making festival T100 Goes Wild for 2024. Read more
- FREE
- Partner Event
- Performance
- Poetry
How We Live In Essex: Live Poetry Performance
Lelia Ferro's poetry performed by professional actors at the atmospheric Martello Tower. Witness the poetry coming to life in a unique collaboration between Lelia Ferro, theatre director Sofia Bagge and fantastic actors. Read more
- Open Mic
- FREE
- Partner Event
- Performance
- Poetry
How We Live In Essex: Exhibition Finale – Spoken Word Evening
Come and celebrate an evening of spoken word at the Jaywick Martello Tower by reading a poem of your own, or simply enjoying an evening of poetry . No need to book, just turn up and give your name! Read more
- Restless Brilliance
- Guided Walk
- FREE
- In My Steps - Radical Walks in Essex
- Partner Event
- SOLD OUT!
A Walk in J.A. Baker Country – Sold Out
Join us for a walk through ‘Baker Country’ visiting sites listed in J.A. Baker’s diaries and identified in his seminal work The Peregrine (1967). Read more
- Opera
- Partner Event
Rapture
World premiere: Duffy’s Rapture follows the narrator as they fall in love and then lose their beloved. Noah Max’s setting rearranges the story, starting with what has been lost before working back to the height of love, almost in a dream: “You pass the moon to me, like a loving cup. I roll you the sun.” Read more
- Partner Event
- Performance
- Young Essex
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
Join the tea-guzzling tiger in this delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-along songs and clumsy chaos. Don’t miss this stage adaptation of the classic tale of teatime mayhem... expect to be surprised! Read more
- Partner Event
- Workshop
Create a Limited Edition Risograph Print
Create a limited edition Risograph print inspired by the Essex landscape, from the waterways and woodlands to the coast and the cities. You will learn how to cut and paste shapes and colours to make your own collage, and then print it using this addictive DIY printing process. You will love the vivid colours and stunning imperfections of your artwork. Read more
- Partner Event
- Performance
A Monster Calls
There’s a yew tree at the bottom of Conor’s garden, and in it there is a Monster. An elemental force, one night it appears at his window and tells him “I will tell you three stories from when I walked the earth… and when I have finished my three stories, you will tell me a fourth. And it will be the truth.” Read more
- Podcast
- Manifesto For Essex
- Partner Event
Essex Podcast Festival – An Audience with Manifesto for Essex
This event is part of the Essex Podcast Festival, featuring a jam packed line-up of Essex inspired podcasts staged in front of a live audience. The discussion will be chaired by Marina Cusi who is joined by two outstanding young people who have been part of our Writing and Talking National Saturday Club. e who have been part of their Writing and Talking National Saturday Club based at ARU. We will also be welcoming Steve Mortimer to the panel. Read more
- FREE
- Online
- Partner Event
- Young Essex
The Children & Authors’ Literary Fanfare – BHM 2024
Get ready for a virtual celebration of all things books and storytelling, featuring an array of engaging activities led by CALFE authors, publishers, and creatives of culturally diverse books. For 4-11 year olds, don't miss out on this exciting opportunity for children to connect with fellow book lovers, and discover new stories. Read more
- FREE
- Partner Event
- Young Essex
CALFE 2024: A Galaxy of Culture and Curious Adventures
The Children & Authors’ Literary Fanfare Events (CALFE) Festival is back with an exciting line-up of multicultural, literary-inspired activities celebrating Black History Month 2024. This free, family-friendly event is designed to inspire creativity and cultural curiosity in children aged 4-11. Read more
- Guided Walk
- Partner Event
Jacktars and Landlubbers
Join T100 and Beach of Dreams as we make our way along the Estuary over the Bank Holiday weekend. A chance to explore the characteristics of the landscapes we pass through and connect with local communities, history and music along the way. Read more
- Discussion
- Exhibition
- FREE
- Partner Event
Tea and Talks – Drawing on Memories
Join Harlow Art Trust for tea and refreshments and meet the people behind the scenes of Drawing on Memories as they discuss and answer questions from you about the Drawing on Memories exhibition. Read more
- Partner Event
- Performance
The Wizard of Oz
Fly over the rainbow with this exciting adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. Starring the fabulous Fanny Galore as Glinda Galore, alongside a professional cast of West End performers, this spectacular, panto-like, colourful story is packed with hilarious jokes, dazzling dance routines, glittering scenery and plenty more for all the family. Read more
- For Writers
- FREE
- Partner Event
Weekly Community Writing Surgery
It is no secret that writing is the best thing for writing – but sometimes you need some advice, or just to feel part of a community of writers. With other experienced tutors, Dr Adrian May, Community Fellow and former Deputy Director of Creative Writing at Essex University will be there on call. Read more
- Music
- Partner Event
ABC: An Intimate Evening with Martin Fry
Coinciding with the publication of his autobiography, A Lexicon Of Life, join Martin Fry for an intimate evening of stripped-back music and conversation following a sold out tour of the UK. Frontman of iconic British pop band ABC, the band that redefined glamour and cool, Fry will take you on a journey through their well deserved place in pop history. Read more
- For Writers
- FREE
- Partner Event
Weekly Community Writing Surgery
It is no secret that writing is the best thing for writing – but sometimes you need some advice, or just to feel part of a community of writers. With other experienced tutors, Dr Adrian May, Community Fellow and former Deputy Director of Creative Writing at Essex University will be there on call. Read more
- Discussion
- FREE
- Partner Event
Is Wellness the new Clubbing?
An evening of creative conversation exploring themes including the challenges facing the nighttime economy, the rise of sober and day time raves, and finding new forms of connection and community through wellness and fitness. Read more
- History
- Partner Event
Stony Jack and the Lost Jewels of Cheapside
A thrilling history of mudlarkers, charlatans, experts and chancers in the year the Titanic sank and London was growing anew. Diving into the underbelly of London’s bustling, occasionally lawless antiques trade at the turn of the century, narrative historian Victoria Shepherd paints a compelling scene of the city at the height of empire, in the midst of its remarkable transformation into a modern metropolis. Read more
- Fiction
- Partner Event
An Evening with Elif Shafak
Maldon Books is thrilled to welcome award-winning author, Elif Shafak, to the URC this June! Elif will be discussing her latest acclaimed novel, 'There Are Rivers in the Sky' to a live audience and signing books afterwards. Read more
- For Writers
- FREE
- Partner Event
Weekly Community Writing Surgery
It is no secret that writing is the best thing for writing – but sometimes you need some advice, or just to feel part of a community of writers. With other experienced tutors, Dr Adrian May, Community Fellow and former Deputy Director of Creative Writing at Essex University will be there on call. Read more
- For Writers
- FREE
- Partner Event
Writing Buddy Meet Up
Whether you're a published author, or a budding writer looking to kickstart your new hobby, come and join international bestselling author Lizzie Chantree & award winning author Chris Penhall for a morning of writing in this FREE writing buddy session at Fête Grays Yard, Chelmsford! Read more
- Partner Event
Rosemary Rutherford: War Artist and Designer
In this talk, Dr Catherine Pearson will explore the life and work of Rosemary Rutherford (1912-1972) a prolific artist who spent much of her life in East Anglia, and will discuss the Rutherford Project, which has conserved Rosemary’s artworks at Broomfield Church in Essex. Read more
- For Writers
- FREE
- Partner Event
Weekly Community Writing Surgery
It is no secret that writing is the best thing for writing – but sometimes you need some advice, or just to feel part of a community of writers. With other experienced tutors, Dr Adrian May, Community Fellow and former Deputy Director of Creative Writing at Essex University will be there on call. Read more
- Travel Writing
- Partner Event
The Restless Coast
A fascinating evening with Roger Morgan-Grenville discussing his latest book. The Restless Coast is a moving and beautiful account of a journey around it, during which the author travels its length to discover its challenges and opportunities, and to talk to the people trying to protect it. At once informative, angry and funny, The Restless Coast is a very personal love letter to our island edge. Read more
- For Writers
- FREE
- Partner Event
- Workshop
Sundream: Monologue Writing Course – FREE
Want to learn how to write plays? This is the first of two workshops in Jaywick run by scriptwriter Molly Anne Sweeney, exploring how to craft a monologue for the stage inspired by your local surroundings - no experience is necessary. Read more
- Partner Event
Winter Books
Head to the glorious Layer Marney Tower to hear four very different authors discuss their very different books. Tickets are available for individual events or there is a delicious discount to encourage you to go along for the whole day! Read more