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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30% discount code available below.

Friday 10 October 2025
7pm (doors at 6.30pm)
The Minors, 74 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UE

Tickets: £15 general / £10 friends of the Minories
Book now: theminories.org/event/a-musical-iliad

Award-winning storyteller Clare Goodall and historical musician Lizzie Gutteridge combine forces to bring you an epic tale of love, tragedy and loss in an energetic and punchy adaptation, where the characters come to life even if that life then ends brutally in bloodshed.

This is the epic that everyone has heard of but few have read. Our adaptation brings it to life, showing why it’s been so well known for 3,000 years, and how it deals with issues that are still relevant today…

“A unique, powerful and compelling piece of time travel.”
“It was breathtaking and awesome!”

Use this special discount code for 30% off: ILIAD30

The post An epic tale of love, tragedy and loss – A Musical Iliad at The Minories appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

Saturday 27 June 2026, 12.00pm – 3.00pm
Harlow Museum & Walled Gardens, Muskham Road, Harlow, CM20 2LF

Come and celebrate stories in Harlow Museum’s Walled Gardens with storytellers, crafts and games for all the family. Free to attend.

Harlow Museum’s Walled Gardens are alive with stories. Come one, come all, gather round and listen to storyteller Dave Tonge, the Yarnsmith of Norwich, as he transports you back to long, long ago. Gather close and enjoy silly stories and mind mangling riddles from Saxon, Viking Medieval and Tudor times. Tall tales of wise fools and foolish wise, of lazy long limbed lads, and miserly merchants. Silly stories about poor penniless pedlars, dark and dangerous dragons, and even a plain and simple radish that was worth 100 gold coins!

Get crafty and messy with our Young Ones Eco-Workshops – try your hand at eco-printing using ink made from Essex oak galls, or Write a Letter to the future.

Bring a picnic and create your own stories, craft new characters and play fun-filled games in our gardens.

Free. Drop in between 12 and 3pm. No booking required.

Part of our Harlow weekend – Essex Book Festival is delighted to be heading to Harlow for a weekend of writing workshops, author and artist talks, family games, and poetry. Find out more at essexbookfestival.org.uk/harlow-weekend/.

The Eco-Workshops are part of The Young Ones project which is supported by Essex County Council’s Cultural Development Project Fund, to support the growth of cultural venues and organisations that bring culture to the heart of communities in Essex.

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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.