We are delighted to have received Essex County Council’s Cultural Development Project funding for The Young Ones: a programme of activities for children and young people across Essex that will be taking place over the next year.

This includes a series of free drop-in eco-workshops taking place in Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Clacton and Harlow as part of the wider Essex Book Festival June programme; the creation of the Essex Book Worm Podcast for young people aged 13-19 years in partnership with Chelmsford Community Radio and SPARK! Young Cultural Change-makers, and new for 2026, our MY PLACE: Speaking Out Spoken Word Project, which will be taking place in Clacton.

Find out more about The Young Ones programme at essexbookfestival.org.uk/young-essex-book-festival-2026/.

The Young Ones Project 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.

Essex is home to a thriving and diverse cultural sector, ranging from artist studios and makerspaces to museums, theatres, and grassroots arts organisations. These hubs reflect the rich tapestry of creative activity flourishing across Essex.– we’re proud to be a part of that story.

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