- 31 May -30 June 2024
- For Writers
- Workshop
Stories for After the End of the World – Matthew De Abaitua
Science fiction author Matthew De Abaitua kicks off our first event in Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker - come along to a creative writing workshop in this dark and dystopian atmosphere. Read more
- Workshop
- Young Essex
SHIP AHOY! Nautical Flags and Knots
Join maritime author and illustrator Claudia Myatt and discover the fascinating world of nautical flags and knots. You'll be using the colourful nautical flag code to create a nameplate for your bedroom door. Suitable for ages 8+ Read more
- Workshop
- Young Essex
The BIG Write: Journeys
Love telling tales and making up stories? Ever written a poem, short story or a song? Using games and creative prompts, find exciting new ways to kick start your writing whether you are 8 or 80. Suitable for ages 4+ Read more
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Tides and Tales
Come along for this creative writing workshop inspired by flotsam and jetsam with children’s author and artist Wendy Constance. As part of our nautical theme, Wendy will help you use your imaginations to unearth the secrets of the deep. Suitable for ages 7-11 year olds. Read more
- For Writers
- Networking
- Workshop
Essex Authors and You
A great opportunity for book lovers, local authors or aspiring writers of all ages: Drop in to the Writers’ Slams, hear a variety of authors read from their books, meet and talk to local authors and publishers; pick up writing tips and inspiration. Read more
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Creative Crime Writing Workshop
Come along to create a baddy (or two), a detective and a simple crime plot with Rosie Sandler, co-author of the Agatha Oddly detective series. Work as a group, pooling ideas and having fun along the way. Suitable for ages 9-13. Read more
- Art
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Weaving with Words
Join local writer and artist Wendy Constance for a fun family drop-in session where you choose words which best describe Paycocke’s House and Garden. Compose a list, a sentence or poem - then write it on fabric which we will all weave together to create a banner to celebrate this special place. Suitable for ages 4+ Read more
- For Writers
- Workshop
An Introduction to Crime Writing
Crime novelist Laura Shepherd-Robinson guides participants through writing the perfect crime novel, while providing invaluable advice on how to get published. An absolute must for all aspiring crime writers. Read more
- Art
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Create a Secret Treasure Island
Join artists Lola Swain and Sally Chinea to make your very own handmade book, which, when unfolded, reveals a secret island with a treasure map. Within the pages create your own imaginary creatures that live on and around the island. Read more
- SOLD OUT!
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Printing and Illustration Workshop – Manifesto For Essex
Join resident artist Tom Armstrong and Lee Thomas for a children’s printing and illustration extravaganza as part of our Manifesto For Essex activities and hosted in partnership with Colchester’s Extinction Rebellion. Ages 11-16. Read more
- For Writers
- SOLD OUT!
- Workshop
Wild Writing Workshop
Join James Canton for a workshop which delves into the nature that exists in the cracks between our human constructs, in the wilds just a few feet from our doors. Work with words, reframe your view of how you see the wild, and become mindful of the living landscapes that exist around us. Read more
- SOLD OUT!
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Printing and Illustration Workshop – Manifesto For Essex
Join resident artist Tom Armstrong and Lee Thomas for a children’s printing and illustration extravaganza as part of our Manifesto For Essex activities and hosted in partnership with Colchester’s Extinction Rebellion. Ages 5 and up. Read more
- CANCELLED
- For Writers
- Workshop
Writing on Place in a Changing World
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
- For Writers
- Workshop
Writing for Radio Masterclass
This workshop offers an introduction to writing drama for the radio. Robin Brooks has over twenty years’ experience of writing original plays and adaptations for BBC Radio. Suitable for all tastes and levels of experience. Read more
- Festival Finale
- Workshop
Scallywags Press, Children’s workshops
Essex Book Festival is teaming up with children’s publisher Scallywag Press for a series of fabulous author/artist events as part of our Festival Finale. All events are suitable for ages 4+ An adult must accompany children. Rob Ramsden Join Rob Ramsden as he reads from his brilliant picture book I Saw a Bee. He’ll also be exploring nature and the importance of bees through an activity inspired by Cressing Temple Barns own buzzy inhabitants. More information and booking … Read more
- In partnership
- ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT!
- Re-Writing the Archive
- Workshop
Re-Writing the Archive – Online Writing Workshop with Thurrock Museum
Essex Book Festival has joined forces with the Essex Museums on an exciting new writing project: Rewriting the Archive. A team of writers and artists, assisted by four curators, have each been invited to select ten objects from the County’s heritage collections that tell difficult ‘stories’. These objects will form the basis of four two-hour online writing/artist workshops. Thurrock Museums hosts Syd Moore, writer, activist and founding member of Essex Girls Liberation Front as she explores the collection at Thurrock… Read more
- For Writers
- ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT!
- Workshop
Self Editing and Self Publishing Workshop
Why is it important to self-edit your manuscript and how should you do it? What are the advantages of self-publishing your book, and what do you need to be aware of if you’re looking to collaborate with a professional or publishing business? Find the answers to these questions in this Zoom workshop with author and editor, Maddy Glenn. Read more
- In partnership
- Online
- Re-Writing the Archive
- Workshop
Re-Writing the Archive with Southend Museums
Essex Book Festival has joined forces with Essex Museums on an exciting new writing project: Rewriting the Archive. A team of writers and artists, assisted by four curators, have each been invited to select ten objects from the County’s heritage collections that tell difficult ‘stories’. These objects will form the basis of four two-hour online writing/artist workshops. Delaine Le Bas, British Multi-Media Artist explores life from a British Romany perspective using objects and archival material based within Southend Museum’s… Read more
- In partnership
- Re-Writing the Archive
- Workshop
Re-Writing the Archive with Harlow Museums
Essex Book Festival has joined forces with Essex Museums on an exciting new writing project: Rewriting the Archive. A team of writers and artists, assisted by four curators, have each been invited to select ten objects from the County’s heritage collections that tell difficult ‘stories’. These objects will form the basis of four two-hour online writing/artist workshops. UK-based Polish writer Agnieszka Dale explores the Outsider’s experience using objects from Harlow Museum’s collection. Tickets: £5 pp Limited places book early Read more
- Outside
- Workshop
Story Hunter Workshop – Danbury Country Park
The Story Hunters Project Creative Writing Workshops In tandem with our Story Hunters Flash Fiction Competition we are hosting a series of four writing workshops in four of the designated Story Hunter sites: Jaywick Martello Tower, Cressing Temple Barns, Danbury Park, and Hadleigh County Park. Each writing workshop will include a guided tour of the site. Join novelist and lecturer Jonathan Crane, author of We Need To Talk, on a tour of Danbury Country Park, followed by a 2-hour Flash… Read more
- Essex Writers House
- Workshop
Creative Journalling Workshop
Inspired by the beautiful journals created by people living along both sides of the Estuary as part of ‘The Water Replies’ project, this workshop will take you on a journey exploring the art of journalling through creative wellbeing exercises and fast-paced poetry. This workshop is open to complete beginners and seasoned journalers, offering a fun, relaxed and supportive online session. With time for journal sharing and chatting too! www.essexwritershouse.com Read more
- Outside
- Workshop
The Story Hunters Workshop – Cressing Temple Barns
The Story Hunters Project Creative Writing Workshops In tandem with our Story Hunters Flash Fiction Competition we are hosting a series of four writing workshops in four of the designated Story Hunter sites: Jaywick Martello Tower, Cressing Temple Barns, Danbury Park, and Hadleigh County Park. Each writing workshop will include a guided tour of the site. Join UK-based polish writer Agnieszka Dale, author of The Fox Season, on a tour of Cressing Temple Barns, followed by a 2-hour Short Fiction… Read more
- In My Steps - Radical Walks in Essex
- SOLD OUT!
- Workshop
Writing the Wild Workshop
James Canton is a writer and lecturer who has written widely in creative non- fiction forms and taught on the MA in Wild Writing at the University of Essex since its inception in 2009, exploring the fascinating ties between the literature and landscape of East Anglia. Join James for a workshop which delves into the nature that exists in the cracks between our human constructs, in the wilds just a few feet from our doors. Tickets : £20 / £15… Read more
- Flash Fiction
- SOLD OUT!
- Workshop
The Story Hunters – Jaywick Martello Tower
In tandem with our Story Hunters Flash Fiction Competition we are hosting a series of four writing workshops in four of the designated Story Hunter sites: Jaywick Martello Tower, Cressing Temple Barns, Danbury Park, and Hadleigh County Park. Each writing workshop will include a guided tour followed by a 2 hour short fiction workshop Join novelist AK Blakemore, author of The Manningtree Witches, on a tour of Jaywick Martello Tower, followed by a 2-hour Writing the Place Workshop. Suitable 14+… Read more
- Flash Fiction
- Outside
- Workshop
The Story Hunters – Hadleigh Country Park
In tandem with our Story Hunters Flash Fiction Competition we are hosting a series of four writing workshops in four of the designated Story Hunter sites: Jaywick Martello Tower, Cressing Temple Barns, Danbury Park, and Hadleigh Country Park. Each writing workshop will include a guided tour of the site. There are limited spaces so get in early. Join Iranian Artist/Animator/Writer Majid Adin, creator of the official music video for Elton John’s Rocket Man, and Award-winning Storyteller/Writer Glenys Newton on a… Read more
- A Criminally Good Day
- Workshop
Period Writing Workshop
The past is a different place, they do things differently there – in this workshop Alec Marsh explores how the past can be used to bring your creative writing to life, just as your creative writing can also bring the past to life too. Read more
- A Criminally Good Day
- Workshop
Character Driven Action in Suspense and Thrillers Workshop
Samantha Lee Howe delivers one of her inspiring writing workshops. Explore the art of increasing suspense and introducing twists in action, thriller and suspense writing. Learn about character motivation and its impact on the story arc. This is a participatory workshop so please bring paper and pen or other preferred writing materials. Tickets: £20/£15 Read more
- A Criminally Good Day
- Workshop
How To Start Writing A Novel (even if you’re not a Rock Star)
Join Mat Osman, novelist and bass player of the acclaimed British rock band Suede for a special writer’s workshop on writing your first novel, finding time to write around a busy schedule and life’s demands, and how to find joy in the process. £20 / £15 Read more
- Discussion
- Festival Finale
- Fiction
- For Writers
- In Conversation
- In partnership
- In person
- Non-fiction
- Outside
- Storytelling
- The Children's University
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Essex Book Camp
Join in the fun at the Essex Book Camp With a huge range of events for all ages, from author events with the likes of Good Morning Britain’s Dr Hilary Jones through to our fabulous storytelling yurt; woodland crafts and meditation walks; drop-in family yoga sessions and more, Cressing Temple Barns is the place to be this August Bank Holiday Sunday. Free Drop-In Activities for all ages we just need one large image of Shane Ibbs telling stories for this… Read more
- Festival Finale
- In partnership
- The Children's University
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Scallywag Press : Workshops for younger readers
Scallywag Press : Author WorkshopsWe are teaming up with multi-award children’s publisher Scallywag Press for four fabulous hands on author and artist workshops for young children. Ages vary. Deborah will help little ones explore the food they eat every day to find out where it comes from and how it ends up on the table in her fun Follow My Food writing workshop. She’ll also read from her new book Milly Cow Gives Milk. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/152741866033 Age 4+ ( Adults Free) Children must be… Read more
- Festival Finale
- For Writers
- Workshop
Script-writing Workshop
Join writer Neil D’Arcy-Jones, artistic director of Packing Shed Theatre, for a 2-hour scriptwriting workshop looking at the theatre of place. Packing Shed Theatre was set up in 2016 to create and produce work inspired by the people and places of East Anglia. In this work shop aimed at adults and older teens, you will explore script writing and how to structure pieces to develop your ideas. Tickets : Limited numbers: £15 / £12 Read more
- Festival Finale
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Shelter Building
Shelter building and Magical world in the secret woodland. Join the Essex Book festival adventurers as they create magical worlds and shelters throughout the day in the magic woodland. We will be doing workshops - book in for the first below or come and join us in the secret woodland for more magical adventures. 1.15 - 2.15pm https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shelter-building-with-explorer-and-adventurer-belinda-kirk-tickets-163606546585 Read more
- Festival Finale
- In person
- Podcast Workshop
- The Children's University
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Make your own Podcast Workshop
CCR FM presenter Michelle Durant will be sharing insights into developing your own podcast for broadcast. Take part in an interview with a special guest. Contribute to Essex Book Festival and Chelmsford Community Radio’s special Eco-Cast Project to be launched in September at British Science Festival in Chelmsford. Read more
- A Criminally Good Day
- Crime Fiction
- For Writers
- FREE
- In partnership
- Outside
- Storytelling
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Criminally Good Day
Crime-writer event, writing workshops, children's workshops, free drop-in activities, story-telling, acorn-planting and so much more... Read more
- CANCELLED
- For Writers
- Workshop
Story is King – Writing Workshop
** 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
- CANCELLED
- For Writers
- Workshop
How to Build a Baddie – Writing Workshop
** 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
- FREE
- ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT!
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Heroes and Villains – Children’s Writing Workshop
How do you create a hero who keeps readers on the edge of their seat and a villain everyone will love to hate? Find out in middle grade author Emily Kenny’s jam-packed workshop! Read more
- FREE
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Campaigning for Girls’ Rights!
Take part in an empowering workshop with author and girls’ rights activist Sufiya Ahmed and learn how to make change using the democratic process, using the story of British Indian suffragette Princess Sophia Duleep Singh as inspiration. Read more
- For Writers
- In partnership
- Workshop
Creative Writing – Getting Started
Get your writing mojo moving with an aerobic work out for your imagination. Come to Syd Moore's session empty-handed and leave with a new character, new world and an adventure or story which you can further explore. Read more
- For Writers
- Workshop
Growing Your Voice. Writing the Garden – Writing Workshop
In this writing workshop we will explore how to observe and describe gardens on the page, putting the smells, colours and textures of a patch of land into words that are alive with the place. Read more
- CANCELLED
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Cancelled – The Honeybee Treasure Hunt – Children’s Workshop
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
- Discussion
- FREE
- In partnership
- In person
- Manifesto For Essex
- Networking
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Hear My Voice – Manifesto For Essex: Climate Emergency Youth Summit
Are you 14-25 years old, living and/or studying in Essex, passionate about the environment and culture? Come along to our Hear My Voice - Youth Climate Summit at Firstsite, Colchester, part of EA Sustain Festival Read more
- FREE
- Manifesto For Essex
- Podcast Workshop
- POSTPONED
- Workshop
Make Your Own Eco-Podcast Workshop – Postponed
Join Chelmsford Community Radio broadcaster Michelle Durant on board LV18 to help make our Eco-Podcasts. Learn how to how to research and write content, undertake interviews and join them all together to make a big impact. For ages 12-25. **Postponed** Read more
- CANCELLED
- FREE
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Cancelled: Fun Stories From Far Away – Workshop for ages 4+
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
- Nature Writing
- FREE
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Writing for Nature – Workshop for ages 7+
Come along for a creative writing session with a wildlife twist! Together we'll create a story highlighting a creature or creepy crawly of their choice and go on an adventure to help nature through the written word. Read more
- Radical Pilgrimage
- FREE
- Manifesto For Essex
- Workshop
Myself, Others & The Land – Workshop for ages 15-22
In this one day workshop we will be looking at how we can weave old and new ways of gathering to create our own spontaneous community. Creating our own Rites of Passage that connect us to the land, each other and ourselves. Read more
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Fun Stories From Far Away – Workshop for ages 4+
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
- Midsummer Madness
- Workshop
- Young Essex
The Importance of Oceans – workshop for ages 5-9
Deep down in the ocean blue, there are many surprises waiting for you! Solve some Riddles from the Sea and discover some strange facts about the wonderful creatures in our oceans. Read more
- Midsummer Madness
- Workshop
How to Write a Super Story in 3 Easy Steps – workshop for ages 7-11
Award winning author Catherine Emmett will use her book, The Pet, to explore How to Write a Super Story in 3 Easy Steps, from a brilliant beginning, and a magnificent middle to an excellent ending. Read more
- Midsummer Madness
- Workshop
Singing Like Larks Nature Workshop for families
Join nature and folk history writer, Andrew Millham, to uncover the remarkable relationship between birds and traditional folk music and try your hand at some Forest School skills and bug-hunting. Read more
- Manifesto For Essex
- SOLD OUT!
- Workshop
SOLD OUT – Comic Art Masterclass for ages 7+
Comic Art Masterclass with Kev F Sutherland who writes and draws for Beano, Doctor Who and Marvel comics, and makes graphic novels adapted from Shakespeare. Learn everything he knows, so you could leave school and steal his job! Read more
- CANCELLED
- Midsummer Madness
- Workshop
Cancelled: Eco-Podcasting Workshop – For ages 14+
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
- FREE
- In partnership
- Workshop
- Young Essex
National Saturday Club – Writing & Talking
Our new Writing and Talking National Saturday Club which will be taking place every Saturday 10am-1pm from March to July. Open to all 13-16 year olds living in and around the Chelmsford area who are passionate about writing and talking. Explore zine-making, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, blogging, spoken word poetry, podcasting and more. Read more