We are delighted to be holding our fifth annual Manifesto For Essex Eco-Gathering. It will be taking place at Chelmsford Theatre Studio on the morning of Saturday 28 February 2026.

This is your chance to hear about local eco-projects and how to get involved, participate in creative eco-workshops to learn new skills, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for climate action, culture, and community.

Workshops include eco-podcasting, eco-script writing and eco-journalling.

The Eco-Gathering is aimed primarily at 13-25 year olds living in Essex.

This event is funded by Arts Council England and is free to attend. Places are limited so reserve your place today to avoid disappointment.

Reserve your spot today at eventbrite.co.uk.

The Eco-Gathering is part of Manifesto For Essex, a multi-form creative platform run by Essex Book Festival for young people living in Essex and beyond to express their ideas about climate action.

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We are looking for a Digital Media Assistant to join our festival team, which is based at University of Essex, to help us to spread the word about this year’s Essex Book Festival (28 May – 28 June 2026).

The successful candidate will create exciting and engaging social media content to promote the festival and give audiences a deeper insight into what it is about. They will have strong communication skills and be passionate about Books, Festivals and Essex.

Role details

✏️ Freelance contract
✏️ Between April and June 2026
✏️ Part-time, approx 15 hours per week (flexibly spread) over 10 weeks
✏️ £12.71 per hour
✏️ A mix of working from home, at our office based at University of Essex, and onsite at various event venues across Essex.

Responsibilities

⭐ Create and post content on all social media channels (including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Bluesky, Threads, Linkedin, and TikTok).
⭐ Ensure social media content is engaging and tells the story of Essex Book Festival and its themes.
⭐ Work with the festival team, featured authors, artists and partners to create engaging visual and written content for social media channels, e-newsletters and blogs
⭐ Research and add events to local online event listings
⭐ Attend events and produce live social media content
⭐ Respond to general enquiries on social media or pass on to relevant team member
⭐ Keep track of social media engagement and use analytics to report on performance, successes and areas for development

Key characteristics and skills

💫 Great communication skills
💫 Excellent eye for detail and design
💫 Understanding of what makes social content engaging and exciting
💫 Experience of using social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook and TikTok
💫 Strong interest in books and storytelling and a connection with Essex

How to apply

Please send a Covering Letter outlining why you would like the role, and what you can bring to it, plus CV to Ros, ros@essexbookfestival.org.uk .

Deadline: midday Monday 16 February.

Interviews will take place on Wednesday 18 March at University of Essex.

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Essex Library Service are once again running a Winter Reading Challenge for children, and the theme for 2026 is The Pawfessionals!

Children will join six friendly animal mascots as they explore their dream jobs around Essex. The Pawfessionals will guide children through the challenge, helping them discover new stories and opportunities.

Children will be asked to complete six challenges from a choice of twelve, which include reading and creative activities.

They earn a sticker for each challenge they complete, plus a certificate if they manage to complete six! Completers will also have the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win exciting prizes, including Kindles, book tokens, and toys!

The challenge starts on Saturday 10 January and runs until Sunday 22 February, and children can join at any point during that time.

For more information and to meet the Pawfessionals visit libraries.essex.gov.uk.

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Essex Book Festival aims to enrich the lives of people across Essex by organising an exciting range of opportunities for engagement with books, reading, writing and storytelling. We are looking to add to our board of trustees to help us to fulfil this aim and to develop our ambitions for the future.

We want our trustees to reflect the diverse communities that we serve. We welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds with a passion for literature and the arts and a belief in the transformative power of stories.

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

Take a look at our Trustee Recruitment Pack to find out about what we do and how we do it.

How to Apply

If you would like to be part of our future story, then we’d love to hear from you. Email the Chair of the Board at chair@essexbookfestival.org.uk with a brief summary of your relevant experience and reasons for applying.

Deadline: Friday 6th February

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Watch this space for details of our Essex Book Festival launch event coming to Colchester Community Football Ground on 28 May.

From reading the matchday programme, a book about your favourite player, or following the
latest transfer news online, if you’re into it, read into it.

Whether it’s football, music, baking, family-time, sci-fi, or… anything, reading helps you get more out of the things you love.

Follow @go_alLin_2026 for every update and visit goallin.org.uk for more information.

#GoAllIn2026 #NationalYearOfReading2026

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This is more than a set visit — you’ll get hands-on experience working on two professionally produced short films inspired by Essex legends and folklore. Learn real industry skills across directing, cinematography, sound, and post-production.

No professional experience needed — just passion, creativity, and commitment. You’ll be mentored by industry professionals, build practical skills, and make valuable connections for future careers in film and TV.

Who can apply?
– Age 16+
– Based in Essex
– Strong interest in film, TV, or creative media
– Open to all backgrounds — inclusive and supportive environment

Deadline for applications is 23 January

Training & filming: January–March 2026

Don’t miss your chance to be part of something professional, practical, and creatively rewarding.

Find out more and apply at aurafilms.co.uk/aurafilmsapprenticeship.

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They are looking for a poet with experience of community-engaged practice and a curiosity for how poetry can emerge through walking, conversation and shared reflection. The selected poet will listen closely to what surfaces through festival walks and events, working with participants’ words, ideas and experiences to create new original poems rooted in place and collective authorship.

What the poet will receive:

– A funded commission to develop new poetic work
– Support from the T100 and Kinetika team
– Opportunities to lead and contribute to festival events
– A platform to share new work as part of the 2026 T100 Festival
 
Extended deadline: Applications are now open until midday on Thursday 15 January 2026.
 
Find out more about the opportunity and how to apply at https://t100festival.co.uk/

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After a visit from Chelmsford Community Radio’s Michelle Durant, the group decided to work on a radio drama for one of the creative projects they will present at Somerset House in July. They’ve been writing, editing, and practising using the recording equipment, and the drama is beginning to take shape.

We’ve had a trip to the National Theatre and a go at set design, taken part in creative activities at Central Saint Martins College of Art, and listened to inspiring talks with other clubs from all parts of the country.

Last week, Jesse Farrar-Graham led a workshop on social media and film editing; the group created posters, recorded sounds, and made short videos to advertise the radio drama.

In January, we’re back with special guest TriggerBliss, who is leading a session on community poetry at Hotbox in Chelmsford, with a performance there on 24 January. 

So much to do and look forward to, listen out for their witchy drama!

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With dedicated support, selected artists will create new participatory walking events that help audiences see the borough through fresh eyes, drawing on creativity, storytelling and local voices. What each will receive:

• Mentoring from Kinetika Artistic Director Ali Pretty
• A funded commission to devise and deliver a participatory walking event
• A platform within the 2026 T100 Festival to showcase their practice
• Support with community engagement, logistics, and material

Applications are open until midday on Thursday 18th December.

Find out more about the opportunity here.

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