RESCHEDULED FOR 16 MARCH. In their latest anthology, Patrician Press brings together poems, short stories and essays on the theme of Europe, advantages and disadvantages of the European Union. Writers share personal histories and discuss the consequences of leaving the EU. Read more
CANCELLED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. The line between memoir and biography has never been clear; a memoir can be a story about a week in a life, an emotion or a place. Linda Wilkinson, ‘accidental memoirist’, takes you through the techniques, pitfalls and joys of memoir writing. Read more
For this year’s Essex Book Festival, Age UK Essex are putting on a series of Pop-Up Storytelling Armchairs for the young and old, which will appear at various venues across the county. A real treat for book lovers of all ages to share their passion for reading. Read more
*** POSTPONED DUE TO ILL HEALTH - NEW DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED *** The life of an outsider is vividly captured in this debut and Sunday Times bestseller, soon to be a major motion picture produced by Reese Witherspoon. Read more
*** THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO ILL HEATLH *** Award-winning author Jane Harris’ new novel is based on a true 18th century Caribbean story. Brothers Emile and Lucien must return to Grenada and smuggle back 42 slaves claimed by English invaders at the hospital plantation in Fort Royal. Read more
*** POSTPONED UNTIL THE SUMMER *** Feeling brave? Then hold onto your courage and join author of Mold and the Poison Plot, Lorraine Gregory on a trip back to the Medieval Age to discover the truth about crime and punishment. Stand trial, endure torture and dish out some truly ghastly sentences. Fun, informative, interactive and only mildly dangerous Read more
*** THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED DUE TO ILL HEALTH - NEW DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON *** Already one of the most talked about thrillers of 2017, Behind Her Eyes masterfully walks the tightrope between psychological and supernatural thriller. Read more
This writing workshop will be looking at how writers place themselves in their physical surroundings and how this embodies itself in their work. Participants will be invited to write, walk and workshop their words as we examine what lies beneath the surface of the places we move through. Read more
An event to celebrate the launch of Mike Chinoy's latest book Are You With Me? Kevin Boyle and the Rise of the Human Rights Movement. He tells the remarkable story of the late Prof. Kevin Boyle, one of the world's great human rights lawyers. Read more
This event has been cancelled. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused. If you have a ticket for this event the Box Office will be in touch about next steps. Read more
Our Golden Age of Crime Weekend has been cancelled. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused. If you have a ticket for any of our Golden Age of Crime events the Box Office will be in touch soon about next steps. Read more
** This workshop has been cancelled - sorry ** With advice on the fundamental principals of story and plot, structure, character and motives, Julie-Ann will provide the new writer with the tool kit to ensure a solid start to their emerging crime story. Read more
** This workshop has been cancelled - sorry ** Join Syd Moore for this wicked workshop which explores what makes fictional villains tick. The session will include discussion and creative writing exercises. Read more
Award-winning comedian Rosie Wilby shares funny, bizarre and poignant tales of heartbreak and recovery with special guests Njambi McGrath and Syd Moore - in a live recording of her acclaimed podcast. Read more
This event has been cancelled - sorry for any inconvenience caused. Delight in this fun interactive session for children to learn more about honeybees and even design your own bug hotel. Read more
Take the Harwich Harbour Ferry from event to event and you’ll be treated to some Salty Tales from the marvellous, award-winning storyteller Glenys Newton along the way (included in the ferry ticket price). Read more
Kate Hamer explores her latest book, The Lost Girls, the stand-alone sequel to Costa First Novel Award shortlisted The Girl in the Red Coat. An enchanting, intense crime novel which sees a girl coming to grips with her past and a mother trying to keep her safe it is a deeply moving story about healing, connection, and the power of the past. Read more
Have fun with Essex-based teacher and writer, Sade Fadipe, as she shares her book A Fun ABC. Told in claps, familiar rhymes and rhythms and with art & craft activities too, this is bound to be fun! Read more
We are in a climate emergency! The Eco-cast project develops audio content around environmental themes. Explore how to research and write content, undertake interviews and join them all together to make a big impact. Read more
From the author of Becoming Ted and The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle comes an utterly joyful novel about 20 years of love and friendship, culminating at Manchester Pride. Two men. Twenty years of friendship. One love. Read more
How Nature Keeps Time discovers the natural world’s most important and intriguing patterns of time. From the lifecycle of immortal jellyfish and identifying the perfect amount of time for a ‘good sleep’, to mass extinction and the destruction of the coral reef, Helen Pilcher will tackle highly relevant and fascinating topics in this thought-provoking and deeply entertaining discussion. Read more
Join member of the House of Lords, author and life-long human rights campaigner, Peter Hain, as he delves into his gripping third thriller. The Veteran, Thandi and Mkhize are back battling to save lion prides from being killed for their claws, teeth and bones. Struggling to defeat the international criminal syndicate responsible for poaching, the team find themselves embroiled in mafia-style smuggling, illicit night flights and tense shoot-outs. Read more
Join Estelle Paranque, historian and acclaimed author for a fascinating new perspective on Tudor history’s most enduring story. Anne Boleyn has mesmerised the English public for centuries. Her tragic execution, orchestrated by her own husband, never ceases to intrigue. Read more