We’re thrilled to be hosting a special day of author events and workshops under the banner of The Pleasure Garden in the fabulous setting of Hylands House, which is nestled in 574 acres of heritage parkland in the heart of Chelmsford.

Excellent conversations, artists’ studios and gift shop to explore, live music, a Farmers’ Market, an  Afternoon Tea to die for, plus a launch into Space with the Essex Steamettes – get booking now!

 

 

Date and time: Sunday 19th June, 10.30am – 5.00pm

Venue: Hylands House, London Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8WQ

Parking: Car parking is included in the price of paid tickets (not included with free events). Please register your car on arrival at Hylands House. Please note Hylands Estate are not able to refund car parking charges if you have already paid.

 

Children’s Activities

11.00am – 4.00pm Launch into space with Essex Steamettes

The Essex Steamettes will be showcasing their science, technology and coding projects and space-themed activities.
Free, drop-in – no booking needed

Connect with Essex Steamettes on Facebook

 

11.30am Grand Theatre of Lemmings
George the Bookworm and the Smallest Library in the World

Calling all book lovers, readers and story maker upperers, George The Bookworm needs you! Something strange is happening to George’s book of limericks and George needs your help to fix it!

Find out more and book tickets

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1.30pm Dr Sarah Pye
Wildlife Wong and the Orangutan

Storytelling from Australian author, Dr Sarah Pye, and her trusty puppet sidekick Pongo, plus use your own free Nature Journal to compare your measurements to a real orangutan and build a nest too!

Find out more and book tickets

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Author Events – Book now to avoid disappointment

11.00am Nick Wickenden
Hylands ‘A Remarkably Elegant…Mansion House’

Delve into the fascinating history of Hylands Estate with Nick Wickenden who played a key role in Hylands’ restoration. Free event but booking essential.

Find out more and book a free ticket

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12.30pm Lulah Ellender
Grounding: Finding Home in a Garden

Lulah will explore the ways in which tuning into the unceasing rhythms of nature can help us live with uncertainty and temporariness as well as becoming more connected to the places we live.

Find out more and book tickets

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2.00pm Justin Webb
The Gift of a Radio: My Childhood and other Train Wrecks

Join us for a heart-to-heart talk with one of the country’s most trusted journalists and the longest serving presenter of BBC Radio 4’s flagship news and current affairs programme Today. Justin Webb will discuss his candid, unsparing and darkly funny memoir.

Find out more and book tickets

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3.30pm Kate Teltscher
Palace of Palms: Tropical Dreams and the Making of Kew

Kate will tell the extraordinary story of the creation of the Palm House in Kew Gardens, from the breath-taking ambition and scientific discovery to the remarkable men whose vision it was.

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Writing Workshops – Spaces limited so book early

Cancelled – sorry. 10.30am Writing for Radio Masterclass with Robin Brooks

An introduction to writing drama for the radio, suitable for all tastes and levels of experience.

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1.30pm Creative Writing – Getting Started with Syd Moore

Get your writing mojo moving with an aerobic workout for your imagination. In partnership with Essex Gardens Trust and Beth Chatto Education Trust to launch their new writing competition.

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3.30pm Growing Your Voice, Writing the Garden with Lulah Ellender

Explore how to observe and describe gardens on the page, putting the smells colours and textures of a patch of land into words.

Find out more and book tickets

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Hylands Estate Open Day and Farmers’ & Craft Market

Every third Sunday of the month Hylands Estate opens it’s doors to the public for it’s Open Day. In June the Open Day coincides with Essex Book Festival’s day of events at Hylands Estate.

The Farmers’ & Craft Market is located in the fresh air, between The Stables and Hylands House. The market is a treasure trove of fresh, local food, drink, and crafts direct from the producers and makers. Local honey, fresh bread, smoked fish and cheese, handmade candles and beautifully crafted jewellery are just some of the delights you’ll find.

The Stables, home to a vibrant community of artists, designers, and makers, will be open for exploring. Discover unique handmade pieces available to purchase, or get creative yourself and book one of our experiences or workshops. Grab a coffee and lunch in The Stables Café while you’re there and enjoy the live music in the courtyard. #MadeAtHylands

Hawthorn Heavy Horses will be providing estate carriage tours throughout the day.

Find out more about Hylands Estate Open Days at hylandsestate.co.uk

 

Vintage Afternoon Tea at Hylands House

Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with unlimited tea and coffee inside the Terrace Room, overlooking the back lawn. Can you imagine a more idyllic way to spend a Sunday afternoon?

Sitting times: 12.00pm and 2.30pm

Find out more and reserve a table at hylandsestate.co.uk