To inaugurate the series of art-themed talks, James Birch, the curator, gallerist and art impresario with many ties to East Anglia, will introduce his newest book, Gilbert & George and the Communists.

The book memorialises James’ experience of mounting major art exhibitions in Moscow and China for the irreverent and iconic art duo, Gilbert & George, after the great success of bringing Francis Bacon to Russia in 1988.

It’s a multi-faceted romp through the art world and politics of the late 80s and early 90s that James will bring to life when he joins us on stage at The Minories.

Find out more and book tickets at eafestival.com.

The post New Event Series in Partnership With EA Festival and The Minories appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

A revamped Peacock Enclosure in Westcliff-on-Sea, The High Lighthouse in Harwich (and yes, there is a companion Low Lighthouse, plus multiple Lightships moored out to sea); an old oyster packing shed aptly known as The Packing Shed on Mersea Island, (once feted as a retirement community for Roman officers – we’re guessing the oysters played their part in that); a Norman Keep (arguably the best preserved in England) in Castle Hedingham, Colchester Samaritans Community Hall, and a nascent community food forest in the newly-created The Wild Space in Maldon: these are just some of the intriguingly – some might say ‘inspired’, others ‘intrepid’ – free-ranging venues that will be hosting 100+ events at this year’s inimitable Essex Book Festival.

With Ben Okri, Diane Abbott, Robin Ince, Maggi Hambling, Shami Chakrabarti, Monique Roffey, Abi Daré, Marina Warner, Alison Weir, James Cahill, Stig Abell, and Chloe Dalton in the festival mix, plus a plethora of other authors and artists, including two Essex debut authors: Nicolas Padamsee, one of The Observer’s Best Debut Novelists in 2024, and Maldon-based Sarah Hornsley, who’s book Bad Blood has been billed as one of the biggest debuts of 2025, there is plenty to get the literary juices going this June.

Essex Writers House

We are also delighted to be co-hosting the 8th iteration of Essex Writers House at Chalkwell Hall in Southend-on-Sea in partnership with Metal. Running throughout June, Essex Writers House is a hot bed of creativity and writing.

With complimentary hot desks overlooking the mercurial Thames Estuary; a programme of adventurous writing workshops incorporating everything from early morning wild swims to mud-larking; writing residencies; a wild writing desk (weather permitting) in the revamped Peacock Enclosure; open advice sessions ETC, anyone with a writing itch should make a beeline for Essex Writers House.

Radical Islands

As part of our ongoing RADICAL ESSEX programme, which aims to shed new lights on a county that arguably is more often than not misunderstood and misrepresented, and that to date has included everything from our RADICAL WALKS IN ESSEX, RADICAL ESSEX PROCESSION and RADICAL PILGRIMAGE from Southend to Saffron, we will be launching our new 18-month project: RADICAL ISLANDS on Mersea Island on Sunday 1st June.

Together with social historian Ken Worpole and writer/environmental activist Jules Pretty, audiences will be invited to take the ferry from Mersea Island’s mainland to The Packing Shed to find out what makes Essex islands’ so special – Essex has the most islands of any English county, some inhabited, some partial islands, some in a process of rewilding, others with rich and wild stories to tell – and what the past, present and future holds for them. Be there at the start of this intriguing conversation …

‘Given the nature of the ‘beast’, it’s almost impossible to sum up the ‘explosion’ of festival events that will be taking place – literary and other – across Essex in June. One thing is certain, however. It will be a wonderful community celebration. An opportunity for people across the county and beyond to savour some of our best writers, cultural thinkers, historians, politicians in the land in a variety of amazing venues from Chelmsford Cathedral to Layer Marney Tower. An opportunity for people, particularly families, to join in a range of events and activities focusing on nature and the environment. An opportunity for people to dip their pens and get writing at the Essex Writers House. For people to make new friends, have new conversations, share their stories. And most importantly, to have fun.’

Festival Director ROS GREEN

The post Full Programme to be Announced on Thursday 03 April appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

Essex Book Festival are delighted to be partnering with EA Festival once again on two very special events.

Renaturing: Chloe Dalton and James Canton in conversation with William Sieghart
Saturday 14 June, 10am

James Canton and fellow author, Chloe Dalton, will explore their different approaches to nature writing.

Dalton’s Raising Hare is a charming account of unexpectedly raising a leveret during lockdown and a feel-good, life-affirming treat.

Canton’s Renaturing shows how the concept of rewilding can be adopted by us all. We can all make positive change, however large or small. We can all be involved in caring for and restoring the natural world.

In this session, we will discover how their experiences – of nature and writing – have intersected.

Book tickets here

Always Take Notes (live podcast taping) featuring Frank Close
Sunday 15 June, 4.30pm

As the capstone of EA Festival 2025, we are taping an episode of the UK’s #1 podcast about writing, Always Take Notes, co-hosted by Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd.

Besides interviewing authors about their latest work, in this case, Destroyer of Worlds by physicist and multi-award-winning science writer Frank Close, the podcast delves into the creative process, research, habits and quirks of each guest, the better to understand what makes their books so good.

Considering that Destroyer of Worlds is a new and seminal history of the atomic bomb authored by one of the world’s top science writers, strap yourself in for a fascinating look under the hood of what makes Frank Close tick.

Book tickets here

Visit eafestival.com for EA Festival 2025 Programme, Line-up and to book tickets.

The post Line-up announced for this year’s EA Festival appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

Friday 4th and Saturday 5th April – Basildon: St Martin’s Church

Monday 7th April – Grays: Church Hall, West Street

Tuesday 8th April – Southend: Clifftown Theatre and Studios

With the destruction of Planet Splorf imminent, The Rocket is about to launch 3 Very Important People into space to save the species. But there’s a glitch: now, it’s down to the Teacher, the Mechanic and the Influencer to help launch The Rocket! Will they succeed?

Sadie Davidson wrote this play after the Unpuzzled Theatre Company team led drama and visual arts workshops with South Essex’s refugee and asylum seeker community members in February. Thanks to all the participants. Thanks to the support of the UK (Southend and Grays) and Mother’s Kitchen.

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

Run time: approximately 35 minutes.

Find out more and reserve a free place at eventbrite.co.uk/o/unpuzzled-theatre-company-108610713061

The post Launching this Easter Holidays – The Rocket: a brand new family-friendly theatre experience appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

Professor Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu embark on a pulse-pounding quest across Europe. When a brutal murder in the Louvre Museum uncovers hidden clues within Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpieces, the duo must unravel a web of intrigue that could alter the course of history…

Uncover the twists and turns of ancient secrets, relentless rivals and coded messages in a quest to protect a secret that could change the world forever.

A Mercury Theatre Colchester and Wiltshire Creative Production

From Wednesday 07 May – Saturday 24 May 2025 at Mercury Theatre, Colchester.

Visit mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/the-da-vinci-code/ for more information and to book tickets.

The post Electrifying Stage Adaptation of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code coming to Colchester’s Mercury Theatre appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

Ideal for Ages 2 to 5, Tiny Tales promises a joyful, enriching experience that will leave kids giggling and eager for more stories. All sessions will be themed around animals and nature with a different focus each time. Reserve your spot today and let the adventures begin!

Tuesday 11 March to Tuesday 13 May, 10.30am
Venue: Main Bar, Chelmsford Theatre, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JG
Duration: 45 mins
Tickets: £5.00
Box Office: chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk/event/tiny-tales

Accompanying adult is free
A £2 fee is applicable per transaction
Wheelchair accessible and essential companion tickets must be booked via our Access Scheme

Please note you only need to purchase a ticket for children, adults are free. Every child ticket includes 1 free hot drink for their grown up!

The post Step into a world of wonder and imagination with Tiny Tales appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

Book Week is back back for the first Half Term of 2025, helping your little ones create their very own fairytale adventure.

Become part of our Chelmsford Fairytale and join in with our programme of FREE Book Week activities…

Be sure to share your story book adventures on social media using #CFYBookWeek and tagging @ChelmsfordForYou.

MON 17
Storybook Creations: Mixed Media Collage Workshop

Learn how to make beautiful mixed media collages using vintage book pages. You will be given a secret collage pack to get creative with colours, textures, and tell your own unique story.

Location: John Lewis, Floor 2

Activity Time: Drop-In Sessions 10am – 12:30pm and 1:30pm – 4pm

TUES 18
Book Adventures at Chelmsford Market

Our indoor retail market (ranked one of the top 10 in the UK) is getting involved with this year’s Book Week, and they’ve got…

FREE Beaded Bookmark Workshop – come along and make your very own bookmark in this activity organised by Chelmsford Market and sponsored by Berties Beads. Drop in between 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm to make your own.

Pop-up book stand from local authors… ready for you to buy your next read… including brand new Children’s book ‘The Cute Nute’ by Carley-Ann Osborn. There will be short story sessions of this book at 10am, 11am, 12am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm – along with colouring sheets from the book, illustrated by Carley-Ann herself.

Location: Chelmsford Indoor Market (North Hall – behind the flower stall)

Activity Time: Drop-In Sessions 8:30am – 4pm (see above for specific times)

WED 19
Book Week Bonanza: Family Arts & Crafts

Join us for a day of creativity and fun at The Meadows Shopping Centre as we celebrate Book Week. Dive into the world of storytelling and literature through four exciting art and craft workshops.

Location: The Meadows Shopping Centre

Activity Time: Drop-In Sessions 10am – 2pm

THURS 20
Zine Workshop

Join illustrator and author Hayley Wells to learn how to make your own zine. A zine is a small booklet that anyone can make with just an A4 piece of paper (and a little creativity). They can be funny or serious and include whatever you’re interested in – the best thing about zines is that there are no rules! This workshop is suitable for ages 5+ and all materials will be provided.

Location: High Chelmer Shopping Centre

Activity Time: Drop-In Sessions 10am-11am & 1pm-2pm

FRI 21
Fairytale Facepainting

It’s time to become the character of your very own fairy tale with our free, book week face painters, who will you be transformed into?

Location: High Chelmer Shopping Centre

Time: 10am – 4pm (queue closes at 3:30pm)

https://www.chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/chelmsfordbookweek

The post Chelmsford Book Week This Half Term appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

We were particularly pleased to welcome Fousseny Traore, a Climate Refugee from Mali, who spoke about the environmental devastation that is already happening in parts of Africa as a result of the Climate Emergency, and the very real threat to those who speak out about it.

Read a copy of Fousseny’s deeply moving speech here.

Participants took part in a range of workshops during the day led by Eco-educator/Dramaturg Dr Andrew Burton (University of Essex), Theatre Director/Founder Wise Ram Theatre Company Sofia Bagge, Radio Producer/Presenter Michelle Durrant (Chelmsford Community Radio) and Theatre Director/Founder Mad, Who? Theatre Marina Cusi. This was followed by a feed-back and ‘what next’ brain-storming session.

It was, as ever, a very positive day. To have so many eloquent and motivated young people in one space was inspirational and a real credit to Essex. To welcome Climate Refugee Foussney Traore to speak about his journey from Mali to Colchester, and the personal sacrifices he has made along the way, was both a privilege and deeply moving (see attached photograph c. Essex Book Festival).

Ros Green, Festival Director

The Manifesto for Essex, which was set up in 2020 as part of Essex2020, goes from strength to strength. This year will be working with young people from Harlow to Harwich to help raise awareness of the positive actions everyone can take to mitigate the Climate Emergency. We look forward to celebrating their work as part of this year’s Essex Book Festival.

Thank you to Young Reporter, Ellious Woodroof, for this great write-up about the Youth Climate Summit:

Manifesto For Essex: Art and the Climate Emergency

By Ellious Woodroof,
Colchester Sixth Form College

This article was written by one of our Young Reporters, a scheme that gives 14 to 18-year-old school students a chance to write for a real newspaper. Find out more at the Young Reporter website.

This January I attended ‘Manifesto for Essex’ at Headgate Theatre for my third year.

This event aims to help young people tackle the climate emergency through all forms of art – the focus of this year was theatre.

The opening speech from Foussney Traore (a climate refugee from Mali) was incredibly powerful – he spoke in French with translation to English.

He described how women and girls spend days searching for food and water; how Mali and the Sahel have become Climate Change warzones; how his peoples’ subsistence life is collapsing; and how the work of multinationals is destroying the environment, his home.

There were references to the beauty of nature that his uncle taught him to appreciate, countered by the fragility of how the lakes he used to bathe in had become football pitches.

To combat this, he started an online movement ‘Action Sahel’ and is taking his activism international, warning that although extreme impacts of climate change do not reach the UK currently, it is only a matter of time.

I found someone recounting personal experiences brought home the reality, showing how stories shape our view and therefore our actions.

This was followed by a panel discussion on tackling the Climate Emergency through performance, chaired by Marina Cusi.

The panel included a representative from SPARK Chelmsford (a group giving young people a role in shaping Chelmsford’s cultural identity); Richard from Headgate Theatre’s youth troop; Hattie Philips (studying for a degree in Sustainable Futures, and with experience in many areas of activism such as being a youth ambassador for WWF); and Sofia Bagge from Wise Ram Theatre (a group using theatre to explore the climate crisis in ways which are funny and heartfelt).

There were discussions of how theatre can be a space for play and fun while trying to untangle the mess of the climate emergency.

Theatre is also accessible, only needing a space and an audience to bring people together, communicate ideas and create connections.

Hattie highlighted that simple communication is a creative practice and engaging people on issues is an artform itself.

The discussion also explored how interdisciplinary ideas are becoming more important in education, which is particularly significant for the climate crisis which is a huge web of linked issues.

I then did an Eco-Script writing workshop with Andrew Burton where we generated ideas through questions about emotions – what makes us angry, sad, gives us hope – and then linked these to anecdotes of our own, which was a great exercise in being creatively free with writing.

My final workshop was Eco-Podcasting with Michelle Durant from Chelmsford Community radio, and we interviewed Peter Donaldson (chair of Essex Book festival) about climate and books.

This was a great experience of how immediate and responsive audio journalism can be.

The other workshops included Eco-Performance with Sofia Bagge and Eco-Poetry with Marina Cusi.

I found the event extremely valuable for the discussions it sparked, the community it created and the hope it gives me that action is possible.

The post Manifesto for Essex Climate Action Youth Summit appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

With a special emphasis on coastal heritage, the project centres on inclusivity, working with diverse local communities.

The project aims to gather 150 stories and images reflecting the area’s 3 stretches of coastline.

Community stories

Project partners Essex Book Festival (Harwich and Orford Ness) and Out There Arts (Great Yarmouth) have worked alongside local groups, in collaboration with writers and digital artists, to uncover individual stories and shared narratives through walking tours, heritage site visits and creative expression.

In Harwich, the Essex Book Festival team worked alongside filmmaker Marley Karazimba, wordsmith TriggerBliss, and Kate O’Neill, sound archivist at Essex Record Office. Participants were the Electric Palace Cinema Young Film Programmers, the Connect Without Limits Autism Group, African Families in the UK, and Refugee, Asylum Seekers and Migrant Action (RAMA)

With the support of the National Trust, the creative team of Essex Book Festival, photographer/filmmaker Lucia Barbagallo and writer Emma Kittle-Pey enjoyed access to the internationally important coastal nature reserve Orford Ness. This remarkable experience inspired story-gathering sessions with communities in Orford

In Great Yarmouth, 5 local community groups took part in workshops led by filmmaker Mark Hannant and author Belona Greenwood: Men’s Walk and Talk, a men’s mental health organisation; Heritage for Wellbeing, a mental health organisation created by the Restoration Trust; Stomping Ground, a Great Yarmouth Youth Club for young people aged 11 to 18; Great Yarmouth Refugee Orientation Service; and Herring House Homeless Support Charity

Creative display at the Beach of Dreams Festival

The stories, memories and images from workshop participants will inspire written work, drawings and photographs created by artists, which will be revealed to the public in digital content and designed silk pennants.

The pennants, which are part of the Beach of Dreams national commission, ‘The Beach of Dreams Silks’, will be displayed during free, family-friendly events and walks from 28 to 30 May across Harwich, Orfordness and Great Yarmouth and will remain in the communities as enduring symbols of their stories and identity.

Orford Ness and Harwich, both steeped in history, have different stories to tell – it has been a privilege finding out more about these two extraordinary coastal destinations.

Ros Green
Essex Book Festival Director

We are really pleased to have funded this project in the East of England, where coastal heritage plays an important part in the lives of local communities in three towns with very different histories. Through working with artists, people will have a chance to explore the heritage on their doorsteps, unearth hidden histories and celebrate what makes their towns so special. The project will also enable people to reflect on the future of their places as this coastline changes.

Tamsin Silvey, Cultural Programme Curator
Historic England

The post New Project Celebrates The Coastal Heritage Of Great Yarmouth, Harwich and Orford Ness appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

About the Event:

Based on Snowy Joy (2019) written by Sade Fadipe (an Essex-based children’s author) and adapted for stage by Margaret’s Music Ltd, this vibrant production is a captivating fusion of drama, music, and dance, exploring themes of family, kindness, resilience, refuge, dignity, and community.

Adanah, a lively tween from Lagos, Nigeria, is overjoyed about her first-ever winter holiday to England. With snow topping her bucket list, she’s ready for the adventure of a lifetime. But her plans take an unexpected twist when she stumbles upon Khindamah – The Land of Broken Toys. Here, Adanah reflects on all she has left behind, until she comes face to face with the displaced children of Khindamah, paving the way for the heartwarming tale of the Toysavers.

Directed by Margaret Omoniyi and performed by Community360 Children’s Book Club, Sade Fadipe (its resident author), and motivational speaker and author Dee Lana, the production also features vibrant and inclusive dance performances by Afromoves, Colchester, choreographed by Julia Obasa and her dance group.

Perfect for audiences across generations—from the 60s to the present—and recommended for ages 6 and above, this unforgettable experience will leave hearts warmed and spirits lifted.

Snowy Joy and the Toysavers
Doors 1:30pm, Show at 2pm
Standard: £7, Concessions: £6, Family ticket (for 4 people – at least one child): £22
This show is recommended for those aged 6 years and older

Donate a ticket: There is a Pay It Forward option for this show. You can choose to purchase tickets for families that may not be in a position to afford a ticket to see this wonderful show.
Please email ticketing@colchesterartscentre.com to be in line to receive Pay It Forward tickets.
This show is recommended for those aged 6 years and older

This is a seated show.

Book tickets: Colchester Arts Centre website

Credits

Artists:
Director & Co-Producer, Margaret Omoniyi (Margaret’s Music Ltd)
Author & Co-Producer, Sade Fadipe
Choreographer, Julia Obasa (Afromoves, Colchester)
Illustrators, Tayo Fatunla & Shedrach Ayalomeh
Text, Illustration and Publishing Copyrights: Sade Fadipe

Community Engagement:
Mr Godwin Daudu, (Engagement Officer and Co-ordinator, Community 360 Children’s Book Club).
Mrs Arit Akpan, (Director, Re-Breath CIC, Colchester).

Supported by: Colchester Arts Centre.

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