- 28 May -28 June 2026
- Sport
- LAUNCH EVENT
Launch Event
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, we are thrilled to be launching this year’s Essex Book Festival at Colchester Community Stadium with two masters of football writing - Jonathan Wilson and Simon Kuper. Join us for a highly entertaining and illuminating discussion about the most watched sporting event on the planet. Read more
- Political Satire
The Bonfire of the Insanities
Best-selling author and beloved parliamentary sketch writer John Crace returns to the festival for his latest serving of satire. Selected from Crace's much-loved Guardian column, The Bonfire of the Insanities, lights up a new chapter of governmental absurdity with mordant wit and caustic humour. Read more
- Young Essex
Oi Chelmsford! Meet the Author
Join in this hilarious interactive event with the multi-award-winning Essex-born author behind the wildly popular 'Oi Frog' and 'Friends' series. Kes Gray eats Ideaflakes for breakfast, spreads silliness on his toast and loves to write books that will make children laugh out loud. He will be talking about his books, and how growing up in Chelmsford inspired them. Read more
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Comic Art Masterclass
Comic Art Masterclass with Kev F Sutherland who writes and draws for Beano, Doctor Who and Marvel comics, and makes graphic novels adapted from Shakespeare. Now he’ll teach you how easy it is. Learn everything he knows, so you could leave school and steal his job! Read more
- Radical Walk
- Guided Walk
- SOLD OUT!
How to Enjoy Architecture – SOLD OUT
Renowned architect and author of How to Enjoy Architecture, Charles Holland, challenges us to look beyond the day-to-day familiarity of buildings to rediscover the pleasure of experiencing architecture. The talk will be followed by a walk to the magical and iconic A House for Essex. Read more
- Essex Writers House
- For Writers
Essex Writers House 2026
Chalkwell Hall opens its doors through June as a creative hub, offering a range of events from talks, open advice sessions and workshops to collaborative workspaces for writers, story tellers and book lovers of all levels. Read more
- Thriller
Troublemaker
Best-selling author of The Rumour, Lesley Kara, will be talking about her sharp, incisive and claustrophobic new novel. Troublemaker is a masterful psychological thriller which asks how do you solve a murder when no one believes it took place? Read more
- Geopolitics
Prisoners of Geography
Author and geopolitics expert Tim Marshall will lead a fascinating, interactive session on his recently updated phenomenal international bestseller, Prisoners of Geography: Ten maps that tell you everything you need to know about global politics. Don't miss this chance to experience Tim's clarity, wit and razor-sharp analysis of the changing global geopolitical landscape. Read more
- For Writers
- Workshop
Grief Writing Workshop
Drawing on his new collection, Father Myself, James McDermott will lead a special writing workshop to help you to re-see bereavement, grief and emotional loss. This inclusive and interactive workshop is designed for writers of all abilities – all welcome. Read more
- Partner Event
A Place at the Table: Celebrating Our Community
The celebratory finale of T100 2026 – an afternoon of making, performance, food and conversation in the heart of Purfleet. Expect poetry, singing, theatre, graffiti, textiles and live performance alongside food and creative activities for all ages. Read more
- FREE
- Memoir
A Celebration of Dave Monk
Join us as we celebrate the Essex life of ‘BBC legend’ and festival patron, Dave Monk, who sadly died last year. We will be sharing fond and funny memories, talking about his memoir, Whatever Happened to Dave Monk? and the contribution he made to Essex. Read more
- Memoir
Death of An Ordinary Man
Festival Patron Sarah Perry's Death of an Ordinary Man is a deeply moving, unstinting account of death by cancer, a reportage into the daily experience of caring, and most importantly a testament to her father-in-law David’s life, that of an ordinary man. Read more
- Fiction
No Such Thing As Monday
Booker Prize longlisted author Siân Hughes joins us to discuss her latest novel, No Such Thing As Monday. Raw, exhilarating, and full of heart it confirms Hughes as a masterful chronicler of life lived on the edge, and people at their most vulnerable. Read more
- FREE
- Manifesto For Essex
- Partner Event
- Young Essex
Sketching & Story Adventure
Join us at The Wild Space, where nature reminds us that everyone is a storyteller. Families will search for natural treasures and transform their finds into imaginative characters. A joyful, creative session for all ages set in a hidden community Foraging Garden in Maldon. Read more
- Historical Fiction
The House of Fallen Sisters
From the brothels of Covent Garden to the oppressive society of the eighteenth century, Louise Hare’s enthralling historical masterpiece paints a vivid picture of London’s underbelly and shows how, even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future. Read more
- Discussion
- Non-fiction
Common Treasures
Common Treasures emerged from ongoing conversations between members of the architecture collective Assemble and the arts organisation Common Ground, seeking fresh, connected approaches to rural housing, land and livelihoods. Giles Smith, founding partner of Assemble, and Winner of the 2015 Turner Prize, will be discussing the Common Treasures project and accompanying books with writer, designer, and Essex-based planner Hana Loftus. Read more
- Biography
The Nine Lives of Annie Besant
Award-winning British TV producer and author Clare Paterson joins us for a fascinating conversation about her latest book. The Nine Lives of Annie Besant charts the extraordinary – and largely untold - story of a pioneering Victorian feminist - a rebel with a thousand causes, and a thorn in the side of power across two continents. Read more
- Great Dunmow BookFest
- Thriller
A Criminally Good Night – What Happened That Night
We are delighted to be launching the Great Dunmow BookFest with a Criminally Good Night commencing with best-selling crime-writing duo Nicci French, who will be discussing their 27th novel, a new psychological thriller, What Happened That Night, with fellow crime-writer Linda Stratmann. Read more
- Great Dunmow BookFest
- Thriller
A Criminally Good Night – Witch Trial
Continuing our Criminally Good Night we have Traitors’ Faithful and best-selling author of Blood Orange, Harriet Tyce, discussing her page-turning extra-ordinary new novel, Witch Trial. Two teenage girls. One murdered classmate. And a modern-day witch trial that will divide the nation. Read more
- FREE
- Partner Event
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
- For Writers
The Writers Room
An exciting 1-day programme of writers’ and writing events including author talks and workshops, multi-genre panel discussions, and The Pitch (a 10-minute speed-date with an industry professional). Plus, an opportunity to engage with and explore the J.A. Baker Archive. Read more
- In Conversation
What it takes to Make a Book
Identity, class and female rage are recurring themes in Eva Verde’s work. She has published three novels including Them Girls, and will be discussing with Sabah Khan, publicity director at Simon & Schuster Books, what it takes to write and publish a book. Read more
- For Writers
- Workshop
Writing the Archive Workshop
Ignite your creative imagination. Join us for a practical writing workshop using the J.A. Baker Special Collection as a catalyst led by Dr Andrew Burton, Lecturer in Drama and Creative Writing at the University of Essex. Everyone welcome – no experience necessary. Read more
- Discussion
Breaking the Mould
Granta Books is renowned for championing challenging and innovative ground-breaking literature. Join three acclaimed Granta authors Holly Pester, Ben Pester, and Rebecca Perry as they discuss their individual and shared writing processes. Read more
- Discussion
Freedom to Read, Freedom to Write, Freedom to Move
Join English PEN for a conversation between writers on the relationships between literature, place, and movement. How do experiences of home, migration, diaspora, and safety inform and shape what, how, and why we write? And how do they shape what, how, and why we read? Read more
- Discussion
- Film
- Performance
How to Become a Peregrine
Join the Cabinet of Living Cinema for the world premiere of its new film How to Become a Peregrine inspired by J.A. Baker's The Peregrine, and accompanied by a soaring and immersive live soundscape by composer Kieron Chissik. Read more
- Guided Walk
- Essex Writers House
- For Writers
- Workshop
Intertidal Walking and Writing Workshop with JR Carpenter and Sylak Ravenspine
Join artist mudlark J. R. Carpenter with local artist Sylak Ravenspine for an intertidal walking and writing workshop in the Thames Estuary. As we move between high and low tide, mud flats and marshland, fresh and salt water, we will navigate the creative space between noticing and noting, where writing happens. 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
- Fiction
The Shapeshifter’s Daughter
Celebrate the joy of reclaiming our stories with best-selling author, journalist and broadcaster Sally Magnusson. The Shapeshifter's Daughter is a spellbinding feminist retelling of the Norse myth of Hel, the Goddess of the Underworld, set in the magical landscape of Orkney. Read more
- Biography
Somewhere, a Boy and a Bear
2026 marks the centenary of the publication of Winnie-the-Pooh, one of the best-selling children’s books of all time. Best-selling biographer Gyles Brandreth knew the real Christopher Robin and his new book is both an intimate and revealing biography of A A Milne (to whom there was so much more than Pooh) and a fascinating exploration of fathers and sons, children and their parents and the nature of childhood itself. Read more
- Partner Event
- Workshop
An Author’s Journey – An Interactive Workshop
Aimed at all those who enjoy reading and writing, during this hour and a half session, Mark will share his experiences of an early interest in books to becoming a published author, and how writing a book – whether it’s fiction, history, poetry, memoir – is something anyone can do. 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
- Biography
- Non-fiction
Anywhere But Here
From an award-winning journalist comes the hugely timely story of Britain’s broken asylum system and the search for belonging in Britain today. With unique and unparalleled access, award-winning journalist and former Home Office insider Nicola Kelly takes us behind the scenes what happens when you arrive here in the UK, from boat to shore to holding room and beyond. 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
- Historical Fiction
The Boleyn Secret
Sunday Times best-selling historical novelist Alison Weir gives a talk about her spellbinding new novel, The Boleyn Secret. At twelve years old, Kate Carey attends her aunt, Queen Anne Boleyn, to the scaffold. Weir explores in fiction the lasting impact of this event as well as the likelihood that Katherine Carey was Henry VIII’s child. Read more
- Thriller
Based on a True Story
Sarah Vaughan, million copy best-selling author of Anatomy of a Scandal, talks about her latest ‘utterly addictive’ thriller, Based on a True Story - a compelling novel about power, money and lies. A famed children’s author summons her family and friends to her exquisite manor house on the cliffs but on the eve of a lavish party someone threatens to expose the lie she’s kept up for over half a century. 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
- Thriller
From Bombay to Bond, via a Small Town Killing
Best-selling crime writer Vaseem Khan takes us on an exhilarating journey from the post-Independence complexities of his Malabar House novels to contemporary Britain's MI6 and the exploits of James Bond. His new series, beginning with Quantum of Menace, brings to life one of spy fiction's most iconic characters - but who was the real Q? Read more
- Fiction
The Benefactors
We are delighted to be joined by virtuoso short story writer of collections such as Sweet Home for this special event to discuss her astounding novel, The Benefactors - a blazingly funny and astute portrait of modern-day Northern Ireland that deftly mines issues of class, money and parenthood. Read more
- Fiction
DLS Lecture – The Murder Mystery
This year’s DLS Lecture marks the 50th anniversary of the Dorothy L Sayers Society. Best-selling author Sophie Hannah will discuss the ever-popular murder mystery as a genre with reference to Sayers’ first Lord Peter Wimsey mystery, Whose Body? and will also talk about her latest book Work Experience, a new collection of maverick poems plus two murder mystery plays, The Mystery of Mr. E and Work Experience. Read more
- Fiction
- In Conversation
Ever Land
Debut novelist Amy Abdelnoor lived and worked in the West Bank and in refugee camps in Lebanon which inspired Ever Land, a powerful story set in 2000s Palestine. A tale of belonging and identity, of devastation and displacement and – ultimately – of the enduring universality of humanity and love. 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
- Partner Event
Heathlands and Badlands: The deserts of Europe are closer than you think…
Author of European Deserts, Chris Stone, tells the untold story of the little-known deserts of Europe, returning to his lifelong passion for environmental conservation in an increasingly nature-depleted world. Read more
- Fiction
The Great Deception
Join us in the enchanted Harlow Museum's Walled Garden and enter a world of mystery, espionage and illusion with author Syd Moore as she discusses the second in her thrilling new series about Britain’s secret wartime history. The Great Deception, set in Iceland, is the second in the thrilling WW2 series and explores deceiving occultists, age-old magic and a war-torn world. Read more
- Partner Event
- Poetry
Ditty Bag on the Road
Harlow-born writer Rebecca Leek will be hosting a showcase of poetry in Harlow Museum’s Walled Gardens, inviting other poets to collaborate in a mixed session. Expect different voices, a celebration of words, and fresh poems to enjoy. Read more
- History
- The History Books
Downfall of the Templars
Why were the Knights Templar brutally crushed after years of courageous service in the Crusades? Were they framed for being heretics, sorcerers and traitors? Do the Templars still exist today? Broadcaster and author Tony McMahon investigates the links between the trials of the Templars and the witch hunt mania that was about to grip Europe. Read more
- Art
Maggi Hambling
Maggi Hambling, one of the most influential artists of her generation, will be talking with author, writer and art critic James Cahill about a new monograph of her work recently published by Rizzoli New York. Join us for an afternoon to celebrate and shine a light on Hambling’s fearless spirit and trailblazing art. Read more
- History
- The History Books
The Traitor’s Circle
Prize-winning journalist and acclaimed author of The Escape Artist Jonathan Freedland tells the thrilling true story of one of the most dramatic episodes of the second world war. With deep moral resonance for our own time, he asks what kind of person it takes to risk everything and stand up to tyranny. Read more
- Biography
- In Conversation
Hen, Mistress of Mayhem: A Portrait of Henrietta Moraes
Darren Coffield will be exploring his book, Hen Mistress of Mayhem: A Portrait of Henrietta Moraes, providing a unique insight into 1950-60s Bohemia and the key players of the fashion, music and art scene. Read more