The Pleasure Garden
Hylands House, Chelmsford
Sunday 18 June

We’re thrilled to be returning to Hylands Estate to host a special day of author events 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.

As well as excellent conversations taking place in the spectacular Banqueting Room, Hylands Estate are also holding their monthly open day on the same day – Artists’ studios to explore, live music, storytelling with Mike Dodsworth, Urban Food Fest with street food from around the world, handmade gifts and craft stalls – don’t miss it!

Tickets: £10 / £8 (Students, Under 27s and Unwaged)
Box Office: Online or Mercury Theatre 01206 573948

All author events will be taking place in the stunning Banqueting Room at Hylands House

11.00am
James Canton – Grounded

James Canton joins us to talk about his new book and our connection with the natural world. Grounded is a personal journey through our ancient landscapes and shows us how amongst the frenzy of the modern world we can find spaces of quiet reflection and learn to stop and slow down

1.00pm
Sandra Lawrence – Miss Willmott’s Ghosts

Sandra Lawrence’s fascinating memoir Miss Wilmott’s Ghosts traces the remarkable life of the legendary eccentric trail-blazing, green-fingered heiress Ellen Ann Wilmott: the mastermind behind Brentwood’s Warley Gardens, who famously booby-trapped her prize plants and sabotaged rivals’ gardens.

3.00pm
Henry Dimbleby – Ravenous

Henry Dimbleby, founder of the Leon restaurant chain, government adviser and author of the radical National Food Strategy delves behind the scenes to reveal the mechanisms that act together to shape the modern diet and explain not just why the food system is leading us into disaster, but what can be done about it.

Hylands Estate Open Day – Sunday 18th June

Hylands House opens its doors to reveal the secrets behind its history with an exhibition displayed in the library – this month’s exhibition is ‘The Pryor Family at Hylands’.

Browse Hylands House at your own leisure or enjoy a free guided tour at 10am led by their knowledgeable team.

Don’t miss Mike Dodsworth will be bringing Hylands history to life with his fabulous storytelling.  Keeping with the time period of this month’s exhibition he will be telling tales which were popular in the Victorian and Edwardian era, adding his own fabulous unique twist.

The Stables, home to a vibrant community of artists, designers, and makers, will be open for exploring and live music will be on throughout the day in the courtyard. Discover unique handmade pieces available to purchase, or get creative yourself and book one of our experiences or workshops.

Live music will be playing at The Stables throughout the day, thanks to Hot Box Live.

Be sure to come hungry, as Urban Food Fest will be joining us with delicious street food available just outside the house. There will also be handmade gifts and freshly baked goods for sale from local traders.

Photos of Hylands House & Gardens © Matt Chung