- 28 May -30 June 2025
- FREE
- Midsummer Madness
- Young Essex
Much Ado About Numbers
What's the connection between Shakespeare and Numbers? A lot, as it turns out! In this fun, interactive talk Rob Eastaway explores the surprising and entertaining ways that maths and numbers crop up in Shakespeare's plays. Read more
- History
- SOLD OUT!
Sold Out – Witchcraft: A History in 13 Trials
This book explores the history of witchcraft and witch hunts through the stories of the victims, stories which have too often been overshadowed by those of the powerful men, such as King James VI and I and “Witchfinder General” Matthew Hopkins, who hounded them. Marion Gibson will be in conversation with Syd Moore, author of The Essex Witch Museum Mysteries series. Read more
- Sci-Fi
- Thriller
- FREE
Livestream: Prophet
Watch online for free. In collaboration with Appetite Book Club and Red Lion Books. Award-winning poet and naturalist, Helen Macdonald (H is for Hawk) has collaborated with musician and writer Sin Blaché to write this dazzling, breath-taking and genre-blending science fiction thriller, Prophet. Read more
- Partner Event
- Workshop
Create a Limited Edition Risograph Print
Create a limited edition Risograph print inspired by the Essex landscape, from the waterways and woodlands to the coast and the cities. You will learn how to cut and paste shapes and colours to make your own collage, and then print it using this addictive DIY printing process. You will love the vivid colours and stunning imperfections of your artwork. Read more
- Crime Fiction
- ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT!
DLS Lecture: Death of a Lesser God
Winner of the Crime Writers Association Historical Dagger 2021, Vaseem Khan will be discussing his lates book, Death of a Lesser God, the fourth rip-roaring thriller in his award-winning Malabar House series. Read more
- FREE
Thurrock Local Authors Fair
Discover the rich wealth of local authors in Thurrock at this new annual opportunity to chat and talk to local writers. Discuss writing, enjoy the mini writers slam as you hear short extracts and browse their books to buy and take home. Read more
- Crime Fiction
Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter?
Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter? is the 25th novel from International #1 Bestselling Author and legendary crime writing duo, Nicci Gerrard and Sean French. Discover more about the husband and wife writing team and their creative processes as they discuss their latest thriller. Read more
- Crime Fiction
The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder
Miller’s winning debut exposes the dark underbelly of the antiques trade and was written in consultation with Cara's mother, international antiques expert Judith Miller (1951–2023), a regular specialist on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. Read more
- Thriller
- CANCELLED
Cancelled: The Lion Conspiracy
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
- The History Books
Jobs for the Girls
A brilliant and accessible new history of women's lives in the workplace by the Sunday Times bestselling author. Jobs for the Girls is an important piece of social history which brings the British workplace in the second half of the twentieth century to life. Read more
- History
- CANCELLED
- The History Books
Cancelled – Thorns, Lust and Glory
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
- History
- The History Books
Sing As We Go
In partnership with EA Festival The fourth and final volume in Simon Heffer's critically-acclaimed sequence of books that chart the history of Britain in the century from the accession of Queen Victoria to the outbreak of the Second World War. Read more
- Partner Event
- Performance
A Monster Calls
There’s a yew tree at the bottom of Conor’s garden, and in it there is a Monster. An elemental force, one night it appears at his window and tells him “I will tell you three stories from when I walked the earth… and when I have finished my three stories, you will tell me a fourth. And it will be the truth.” Read more
- Podcast
- Manifesto For Essex
- Partner Event
Essex Podcast Festival – An Audience with Manifesto for Essex
This event is part of the Essex Podcast Festival, featuring a jam packed line-up of Essex inspired podcasts staged in front of a live audience. The discussion will be chaired by Marina Cusi who is joined by two outstanding young people who have been part of our Writing and Talking National Saturday Club. e who have been part of their Writing and Talking National Saturday Club based at ARU. We will also be welcoming Steve Mortimer to the panel. Read more
- FREE
- Online
- Partner Event
- Young Essex
The Children & Authors’ Literary Fanfare – BHM 2024
Get ready for a virtual celebration of all things books and storytelling, featuring an array of engaging activities led by CALFE authors, publishers, and creatives of culturally diverse books. For 4-11 year olds, don't miss out on this exciting opportunity for children to connect with fellow book lovers, and discover new stories. Read more
- FREE
- Manifesto For Essex
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Eco-printing and Ink-making workshops – Chelmsford Science Festival
We are delighted to be taking part in Chelmsford Science Festival again this year. We will be at the Family Science Days at ARU Chelmsford. On Saturday 26th October Zoe will be running an eco-printing workshop and on Sunday 27th October Selena will be running an ink-making workshop. Read more
- FREE
- Partner Event
- Young Essex
CALFE 2024: A Galaxy of Culture and Curious Adventures
The Children & Authors’ Literary Fanfare Events (CALFE) Festival is back with an exciting line-up of multicultural, literary-inspired activities celebrating Black History Month 2024. This free, family-friendly event is designed to inspire creativity and cultural curiosity in children aged 4-11. Read more
- In partnership
- Memoir
Blythe Spirit
Ronald Blythe (1922-2023) lived all his life in East Anglia and is considered one of the greatest writers on the English countryside. Drawing on unparalleled access to letters, notebooks, published works, drafts, and conversations from decades of friendship, he tells the full story of Ronald Blythe for the first time. Read more
- In partnership
Tattoos
EA Festival, Essex Book Festival and Firstsite are excited to present a talk with Matt Lodder, author of a new book entitled, Tattoos, published by Yale University Press. This important book is the first to examine the history of tattoo in the west as both a serious profession and an art form. Read more
- FREE
- In partnership
- Manifesto For Essex
Manifesto For Essex Climate Action Youth Summit 2025
Aimed primarily at 13-25 year olds, this is your chance to engage in thought-provoking discussions, participate in interactive creative workshops and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for climate action, culture, and nature. Read more
- In Conversation
- In partnership
Gilbert & George and the Communists
To inaugurate the series of art-themed talks, James Birch, the curator, gallerist and art impresario with many ties to East Anglia, will introduce his newest book, Gilbert & George and the Communists. Read more
- Guided Walk
- Partner Event
Jacktars and Landlubbers
Join T100 and Beach of Dreams as we make our way along the Estuary over the Bank Holiday weekend. A chance to explore the characteristics of the landscapes we pass through and connect with local communities, history and music along the way. Read more
- FREE
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Celebrating Collecting Dreams, Shifting Futures
Join in the fun at the finale of Essex Book Festival and Kinetika's collaborative story-gathering project, Collecting Dreams, Shifting Futures: a community celebration of Harwich’s fascinating heritage and coastline. Lots of family-friendly activities including beach workshop, silk-flag procession, writing, film-making and eco-podcast workshops, and more... Read more
- Guided Walk
- FREE
- SOLD OUT!
- Young Essex
The Keeper of the Light – Beach of Dreams Silk-Flag Procession – SOLD OUT
A celebratory, community procession of beautiful Beach of Dreams silk penants taking in some of Harwich's key heritage sites including The High Lighthouse, Ha'penny Pier and Electric Palace Cinema Read more
- Festival Launch
- Fiction
Launch Event: Madame Sosostris & the Festival for the Broken Hearted
Part vision, part mystery, this story of a midsummer night’s madness, in multi-award-winning poet, playwright and novelist Ben Okri’s inimitable style, is as alive with echoes and reverberations as the enchanted forest itself. Read more
- Discussion
- Exhibition
- FREE
- Partner Event
Tea and Talks – Drawing on Memories
Join Harlow Art Trust for tea and refreshments and meet the people behind the scenes of Drawing on Memories as they discuss and answer questions from you about the Drawing on Memories exhibition. Read more
- Partner Event
- Performance
The Wizard of Oz
Fly over the rainbow with this exciting adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. Starring the fabulous Fanny Galore as Glinda Galore, alongside a professional cast of West End performers, this spectacular, panto-like, colourful story is packed with hilarious jokes, dazzling dance routines, glittering scenery and plenty more for all the family. Read more
- For Writers
- FREE
- Partner Event
Weekly Community Writing Surgery
It is no secret that writing is the best thing for writing – but sometimes you need some advice, or just to feel part of a community of writers. With other experienced tutors, Dr Adrian May, Community Fellow and former Deputy Director of Creative Writing at Essex University will be there on call. Read more
- Thriller
- Crime Fiction
The Death of Us
Join Abigail Dean, New York Times bestselling author of Girl A, as she discusses her new book, The Death of Us. Inspired by a long-held nightmare of home invasions – and a long-held dream to write a love story - it is a heart-wrenching new novel about love, tragedy and forgiveness. Read more
- Fiction
England is Mine
Named one of the Observer’s best new novelists for 2024, Nicolas Padamsee will be heading to Hot Box to talk about his brilliant coming-of-age thriller. England is Mine is an urgent debut which takes the reader on a frightening journey into online radicalisation and extremism. Read more
- Music
- Partner Event
ABC: An Intimate Evening with Martin Fry
Coinciding with the publication of his autobiography, A Lexicon Of Life, join Martin Fry for an intimate evening of stripped-back music and conversation following a sold out tour of the UK. Frontman of iconic British pop band ABC, the band that redefined glamour and cool, Fry will take you on a journey through their well deserved place in pop history. Read more
- Politics
- History
Human Rights
Join leading British human rights lawyer and campaigner, Shami Chakrabarti for a powerful discussion on Human Rights: The Case for the Defence. This urgent, powerful book demonstrates why human rights matter and why we need to secure further rights to deal with challenges of the present and future. Read more
- Fiction
Passiontide
Costa-winning author of The Mermaid of Black Conch, Monique Roffey, will discuss her electrifying new novel about four women who spark a revolution on a Caribbean island. In a community in which women’s voices are often silenced, a group soon find themselves compelled to speak out when a young female steel-pan player is found dead beneath a cannonball tree. Read more
- Biography
- SOLD OUT!
Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal – SOLD OUT
Comedian, author and one half of BBC Radio 4’s The Infinite Monkey Cage, Robin Ince will be joining us for a quirky dive into the world of human behaviour. A powerful, personal exploration of anxiety, ADHD and neurodiversity, Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal reminds us all – no matter how weird we feel – that it’s okay to be a little different. Read more
- Memoir
The Bullet
In The Bullet, Tom Lee attempts to understand what happened to his parents - both were patients at Severalls Psychiatric Hospital in Colchester at different times in their lives - and what happened to him. It is a powerful and deeply personal exploration of mental health, and an indelible account of the legacy of familial illness and living with a fracturing mind. Read more
- FREE
- SOLD OUT!
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Wildlife Detectives at The Wild Space, Maldon
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to uncover the mystery of who is causing mayhem in this hidden wildlife sanctuary. Gather your family and test your detective skills as we delve into this intriguing escapade. All welcome. Read more
- Thriller
- A Criminally Good Day
- Crime Fiction
Bad Blood
Essex-based author Sarah Hornsley lived for years in Maldon, where her thrilling debut Bad Blood is set. A huge new voice in crime fiction, Sarah will be talking about writing and releasing her tense, compelling and cleverly plotted thriller. Secrets, lies and family ties unspool in this gripping, twisty, thrill-ride of a book. Read more
- Thriller
- A Criminally Good Day
- Crime Fiction
Making A Killing
Author of Sunday Times & New York Times bestseller and TikTok sensation, Murder in the Family, the always impressive Cara Hunter will be discussing her latest book in the DI Adam Fawley series. Making a Killing is a brilliantly twisty and hugely entertaining police thriller. Read more
- Thriller
- A Criminally Good Day
- Crime Fiction
The Burial Place
Times Radio presenter, Stig Abell, will be reflecting on how his love for classic crime and the detective novels of Dorothy L Sayers, Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, to name but a few, have influenced his own crime writing including his latest evocative book in the Jake Jackson crime series, The Burial Place. Read more
- For Writers
- FREE
- Partner Event
Weekly Community Writing Surgery
It is no secret that writing is the best thing for writing – but sometimes you need some advice, or just to feel part of a community of writers. With other experienced tutors, Dr Adrian May, Community Fellow and former Deputy Director of Creative Writing at Essex University will be there on call. Read more
- Biography
Stars to Steer By
Celebrating the 20th century women who went to sea, Julia Jones will be diving into the stories of an array of incredible, unconventional and extraordinary women who set their sights on the sea in an all-male world, and paved the way for the female sailing superstars of today. Read more
- Thriller
- Crime Fiction
DLS Lecture: The Secret Room
Sunday Times bestselling author, Jane Casey, will introduce her latest gripping new thriller featuring DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent, The Secret Room. Delving into how to create a main character, Casey will reflect on the different approaches of Dorothy L Sayers and other classic crime authors in developing compelling detective characters. Read more
- History
- Biography
The Scapegoat
A stunning biography of one of the most flamboyant and enigmatic seventeenth-century Englishmen at the heart of political and royal life. Lucy Hughes-Hallett will transport us into a courtly world of masques and dancing, exquisite clothes, the art of Rubens and Van Dyck, gender-fluidity, same-sex desire, and appallingly rudimentary medicine. Read more
- Discussion
- FREE
- Partner Event
Is Wellness the new Clubbing?
An evening of creative conversation exploring themes including the challenges facing the nighttime economy, the rise of sober and day time raves, and finding new forms of connection and community through wellness and fitness. Read more
- History
- Partner Event
Stony Jack and the Lost Jewels of Cheapside
A thrilling history of mudlarkers, charlatans, experts and chancers in the year the Titanic sank and London was growing anew. Diving into the underbelly of London’s bustling, occasionally lawless antiques trade at the turn of the century, narrative historian Victoria Shepherd paints a compelling scene of the city at the height of empire, in the midst of its remarkable transformation into a modern metropolis. Read more
- Science
- History
- Live Podcast
Always Take Notes (live podcast taping)
As the capstone of EA Festival 2025, we are taping an episode of the UK’s #1 podcast about writing, Always Take Notes. Co-hosts Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd will be interviewing physicist and multi-award-winning science writer Frank Close about his latest work, Destroyer of Worlds. Strap yourself in for a fascinating look under the hood of what makes Frank Close tick. Read more
- Radical Islands
- Guided Walk
- Essex Writers House
Write Around The Island: A Day of Estuary Exploration
Join artists and estuary philosophers Graham Harwood, Matsuko Yokokoji and Gerolamo Gnecci for a hands-on adventure and workshop along the atmospheric foreshore and on the water. This immersive day invites writers to explore the evocative edges where land meets water. Read more
- Fiction
- Partner Event
An Evening with Elif Shafak
Maldon Books is thrilled to welcome award-winning author, Elif Shafak, to the URC this June! Elif will be discussing her latest acclaimed novel, 'There Are Rivers in the Sky' to a live audience and signing books afterwards. Read more
- For Writers
- FREE
- Partner Event
Weekly Community Writing Surgery
It is no secret that writing is the best thing for writing – but sometimes you need some advice, or just to feel part of a community of writers. With other experienced tutors, Dr Adrian May, Community Fellow and former Deputy Director of Creative Writing at Essex University will be there on call. Read more
- Historical Fiction
Thou Savage Woman
Former police officer and historian Blessin Adams will introduce us to her bold, page-turning new history of traitorous wives, greedy mistresses, cunning female poisoners and spiteful witches. Sharing the stories of women whose violent crimes shattered the narrow confines of their gender – and whose notoriety revealed a society that was at once repulsed by and attracted to murderous female rebellion. Read more
- Thriller
- Crime Fiction
Essex Wives / The Brothers
The No.1 bestselling Queen of Gangland Crime, Kimberley Chambers, will be discussing her epic, pulse-pounding, The Family Man series. The latest thriller, Essex Wives (July 2025) sees the return of Sharon, Jolene and Evie and they’re out for revenge. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Read more
- Fiction
England is Mine – Date changed to 4th June
Named one of the Observer’s best new novelists for 2024, Nicolas Padamsee will be heading to Hot Box to talk about his brilliant coming-of-age thriller. England is Mine is an urgent debut which takes the reader on a frightening journey into online radicalisation and extremism. Read more
- For Writers
- FREE
- Partner Event
Writing Buddy Meet Up
Whether you're a published author, or a budding writer looking to kickstart your new hobby, come and join international bestselling author Lizzie Chantree & award winning author Chris Penhall for a morning of writing in this FREE writing buddy session at Fête Grays Yard, Chelmsford! Read more
- Biography
The Grammar of Angels
The Grammar of Angels tells how Renaissance prodigy and polymath Giovanni Pico della Mirandola dedicated his short, brilliant life to a quest to find the sublime; to reconcile all existing thought into a philosophy that would settle the most important questions about human existence. Read more
- Humour
Sh*tty Breaks
Over the course of a year, the author of A Chip Shop in Poznan and The Gran Tour, visited twelve of the least popular spots in the UK and Ireland (including eating jellied eels in Chelmsford). The motivation wasn’t to take the mickey, but to uncover the gems and have a nice time. He soon discovered that anywhere – like anyone – can be interesting and enjoyable if approached in the right fashion. Read more
- Manifesto For Essex
- Young Essex
Batty About Bats
Are you batty about bats? A rare chance to find out more about our bat-tastic friends who live with us in Rainham! From bat detectives, bat story writing, and bat masks, we will discover more about the species living in our local area and how we can help ensure their survival. Read more
- Partner Event
Rosemary Rutherford: War Artist and Designer
In this talk, Dr Catherine Pearson will explore the life and work of Rosemary Rutherford (1912-1972) a prolific artist who spent much of her life in East Anglia, and will discuss the Rutherford Project, which has conserved Rosemary’s artworks at Broomfield Church in Essex. Read more
- Historical Fiction
The Modern Fairies
Award-winning poet and playwright Clare Pollard will discuss her brilliant and bawdy, romantic and provocative, dazzling novel, The Modern Fairies which is inspired by real events, about the delights and dangers of storytelling in dark times. Read more
- Folklore Myths & Legends
Sanctuary
English historian, mythographer, and author of Inventory of A Life Mislaid, Marina Warner will discuss her latest book about sanctuary: what it means for people in desperate situations today, and what refuge and displacement has meant for people throughout history, and the canons of literature and myth. Read more
- FREE
- Storytelling
- Young Essex
Storytelling and Family Fun at The Minories
Join us for some midsummer family magic in The Minories Garden. Take your seat for our Twinkle, Twinkle Storytelling Armchair featuring BBC Essex’s Rob Jelly and local children’s authors. Explore the fascinating stories of spices from around the world with writer, cook and storyteller Radhika Howarth. Get creative and messy in our very own Earth Kitchen. Learn how to weave your own star… Read more
- Biography
Derek Jarman: The Authorised Biography
We are thrilled to welcome Tony Peake in celebration of this new edition of Derek Jarman: The Authorised Biography covering Jarman's story from childhood to student life and his work as a designer, painter, and filmmaker. New contributions look at Jarman’s impact and legacy over the past five decades and his position as one of the late twentieth century’s most celebrated cultural figures. Read more
- Art
- Fiction
- SOLD OUT!
The Violet Hour – SOLD OUT
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of Britain’s most significant and controversial artists, Maggi Hambling, in conversation with art historian, James Cahill about his new book. A story of deception, power play and longing, The Violet Hour exposes the unsettling underbelly of the art world, asking: who is granted admission to a world that only seems to glitter and who is left outside, their faces pressed to the glass? Join us for what is sure to be an honest,… Read more
- Food
Flavours Without Borders
Embark on a culinary odyssey across the globe with Radikal Kitchen: Flavours without Borders. Radhika Howarth will take participants on an eye-opening journey of history, fusion, and flavour. Explore different cultures and traditions and experiment with exciting ingredients. Read more
