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/

The post Poet Opportunity with Kinetika appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

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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Meandering Mondays
Meandering Mondays are a gentle stroll of up to 2 miles in different Thurrock locations, followed by tea and chats. They take place every second Monday of the month – no booking required.

Weekend Trails
Weekend Trails are longer walks of up to 5 miles in Thurrock and the surrounding areas, often focused around a special theme. They take place on Saturdays or Sundays each month – booking required.

October

Meandering Monday, Purfleet
Monday 13 October, 10am – 12pm

Join this walk in Purfleet starting and ending at the Kinetika Studio, exploring the vibrant T100 Natural Dye Garden and rounding off with tea and cake.

Weekend Trail, East Tilbury
Saturday 11 October, 10am – 1pm

A 5-mile, 3-hour walk along the East Tilbury Sea Wall, starting at the train station and linking with the BATA Heritage Centre’s open day.

Find out more at t100festival.co.uk/regularwalks/

November

Meandering Monday, South Ockendon
Monday 11 November, 10am – 12pm

Discover South Ockendon with a gentle walk from the Garden Centre to the Mollands Lane Sensory Garden, finishing cup with tea and cake.

Weekend Trail, Little Belhus
Sunday 16 November, 10am – 1pm

A 4.6-mile, 3-hour walk in little Belhus, from Ockendon Station or The Green, where you’ll explore insights on historical pilgrimage routes through Thurrock and end with a visit to the beautiful St Nicholas Church.

Find out more at t100festival.co.uk/regularwalks/

T100
Explore | Talk | Create

T100 is a free cultural programme that invites you to connect with Thurrock and its surroundings in new and unexpected ways. By exploring local places, sharing stories, and getting creative, they bring people together and celebrate the voices that make our communities unique.

Visit T100festival.co.uk to learn more.

Follow @T100festival

The post T100 Autumn Programme of Walks Announced appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

Saturday 06 June 2026, 12.00pm – 4.00pm
High House Production Park from Windermere Avenue, Purfleet-on-Thames, RM19 1QN

The celebratory finale of T100 2026 – an afternoon of making, performance, food and conversation in the heart of Purfleet.

T100 in partnership with Together Productions, join us as we gather to celebrate this year’s T100 Festival in true community spirit.

Bringing together artists, walkers, young ambassadors, partners and local residents, this shared celebration invites everyone to take a place at the table – to reflect on journeys made, stories shared and what home means across Thurrock.

Expect poetry, singing, theatre, graffiti, textiles and live performance alongside food and creative activities for all ages. A joyful, welcoming finale shaped by the people who make T100 what it is.

Tickets: Free, please book your place on Eventbrite
Box Office: Eventbrite.co.uk

The post A Place at the Table: Celebrating Our Community appeared first on Essex Book Festival.

** The date of this event has changed to Saturday 20 June 2026 – see essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/thurrock-local-authors-fair-4/ for details

Saturday 13 June 2026, 10.00am – 12.30pm
Grays Central Library, Orsett Road, Grays, RM17 5DX

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.

Tickets: Free, no booking required.
Email libraries@thurrock.gov.uk for further details

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