Sunday 14 June 2026, 2.00 – 3.00pm
The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UE

Join in this hilarious interactive event with multi-award-winning author Kes Gray as he talks about the evolution of his Oi! picture book  series, from Oi Frog! to Oi Dinosaurs! Guaranteed to get everyone giggling.

Kes Gray was born and grew up in Chelmsford in the 1960s and ‘70s. He has published over 100 books, including the popular Oi Frog! and The Trouble with Daisy series. Well-loved by young families for their humour and creativity, his books are largely inspired by his memories of growing up in Chelmsford and feature regular references to places and people across the district.

For ages 3+. All those aged under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets: £6
Box Office: eventbrite.co.uk

Part of 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 much, much more.

The post From Oi Frog! to Oi Dinosaurs! – SOLD OUT appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

Through interactive exhibits, toys and illustrations Oi Chelmsford! Kes Gray: Chelmsford Born and Read will celebrate the author’s best loved book characters and share how his childhood experiences across Chelmsford have influenced their adventures.

Oi Chelmsford! is an ode to Kes Gray’s quirky imagination. Children will be able to immerse themselves in the author’s books, with large, bold and colourful illustrations on display – including drawings by famed children’s illustrators, Nick Sharratt, Garry Parsons and Jim Field.

Increasing access for SEN families

Oi Chelmsford! has been curated by the museum in collaboration with Kes Gray and publishers Penguin Random House and Hachette Children’s Group. The museum has also worked closely on the exhibition with young Special Educational Needs (SEN) families through the charity Action for Family Carers. Local SEN families have been consulted during the design phase of the exhibition, to ensure interactive elements are widely accessible to all families and provide positive sensory experiences for SEN children. The outcome of this work will help build upon the museum’s existing offer for SEN families.

Exhibition opens 29 November

Oi Chelmsford! opens on Saturday 29 November and will run until June 2026.

An accompanying programme of events will provide opportunities for families to further explore the imaginative world of Kes Gray.

Watch this space for news of our special Oi Chelmsford! event taking place during Essex Book Festival 2026!

Read more about the Oi Chelmsford! exhibition in this Chelmsford City Life article.

The post New children’s exhibition to explore the imagination of Oi Frog! author Kes Gray appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

Saturday 30 May 2026, 11.00am
Museum of Chelmsford, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, CM2 9AQ

The man himself, author Kes Gray, will be joining us for this family event as he talks about the influence of his Chelmsford childhood on the many stories he has written. Get ready for a delightfully quirky fun time with all the family.

All those aged under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets: £6 includes entry to Museum of Chelmsford.
Box Office: eventbrite.co.uk

Museum of Chelmsford Members can use still use their 10% off discount benefit when booking online. All members will have received a promocode in a recent email, but if you haven’t received this, contact them direct on museums@chelmsford.gov.uk or by calling 01245 605700.

This event is part of Oi Chelmsford! – a family day of author events and creative workshops at the Museum of Chelmsford set against the fabulous backdrop of the exhibition Oi Chelmsford! Kes Gray: Chelmsford Born and Read – a celebration of the work and life of Kes Gray.

Event Information

💬 The event will include an audience Q&A session.
📚 Copies of the book will be available to purchase on the day.
🖊️ After the event there will be an opportunity to get the book signed by the author.
🪑 Seats are unallocated.
📸 We will be filming and taking photos at this event.
☕  The Hive Cafe will be open and serving drinks and food.
♿ The venue is wheelchair accessible. There are disabled facilities on site. chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/accessibility/
🌐 Find out more about visiting the venue at chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/visit/museum-of-chelmsford/.

Kes Gray

Photo of Kes Gray © Paul Starr

Kes Gray was born and grew up in Chelmsford in the 1960s and ‘70s. He has published over 100 books, including the popular Oi Frog! and The Trouble with Daisy series. Well-loved by young families for their humour and creativity, his books are largely inspired by his memories of growing up in Chelmsford and feature regular references to places and people across the district.

The post Oi Chelmsford! Meet the Author – SOLD OUT appeared first on Essex Book Festival.