- 1-31 March 2019
March 2018
- For writers
- PLACE
- Workshop
Writing For Radio Masterclass: Robin Brooks
Robin Brooks is one of Radio 4’s most experienced radio dramatists. In this workshop he will offer an introduction to writing drama for the radio. Suitable for all tastes and levels of experience. Read more
- Discussion
- For writers
- PLACE
Granta Birth of the Book
Granta author Lulah Eilender, her literary agent Natalie Galustian, and her editor Ka Bradley will be discussing the often challenging but remarkable birth of a book: from the author’s original idea to the finished book on the shelf. An absolute must for new and emerging writers. Read more
- For writers
- PLACE
The Magic of Writing: Adrian May
The history of literature is inextricably bound with magic and magical ideas. Both magic and writing are concerned with finding hidden forces and meanings, and inspiration is at the heart of both. Adrian May reveals how magic can be used as a tool to generate creativity, inspiring us to take risks in our own writing. Read more
- Fiction
- PLACE
The Silent Companions: Laura Purcell
Inspired by the work of Shirley Jackson and Susan Hill, and set in a crumbling country mansion, The Silent Companions is an unsettling gothic ghost story to send a shiver down the spine... A fantastic debut novel from Colchester based author Laura Purcell. Read more
- Discussion
- PLACE
- Writers House
Writing the Place
A rare opportunity to hear three very different writers describe the process of conjuring landscape and place in their writing. These include festival Writer-in-Residence Syd Moore; Robin Brooks, one of Radio 4’s leading dramatists, and award-winning playwright Nicola Werenowska. Read more
- For writers
- PLACE
- Workshop
Telling Stories of War and Peace: Liz Trenow
What are the joys and pitfalls of writing historical fiction, and why are war and peace such compelling topics for historical novelists? A participatory workshop with Liz Trenow, bestselling author of The Poppy Factory and her latest novel, In Love and War, published to mark the 100th anniversary of WW1. Read more
- Non-fiction
Edward Lear: a life of art and nonsense – Jenny Uglow
Acclaimed biographer Jenny Uglow brings us a joyful and moving appreciation of Edward Lear’s extraordinary life and work. From troubled childhood to striving artist, she tracks his swooping moods, passionate friendships and restless travels. Read more
- Discussion
- PLACE
Figuring Peace
Figuring Peace is the first in our series of three special commemorative Peace Panels. Festival patron and writer AL Kennedy, artist Maggi Hambling, and artist, curator and activist Hamja Ahsan will discuss the pivotal role played by artists and writers with regard to the representation of war and peace. Read more
- Non-fiction
- SOLD OUT!
Ancient Wonderings: James Canton
James Canton travels the length of Britain in a quest to discover the wonders of our natural history that occupied ancient minds, seeking the remnants left by our ancestors and weaving a beautiful tale of discovery along the way. Read more
- Non-fiction
The Angry Chef: Bad Science and the Truth About Healthy Eating
Using insights from psychiatrists, food scientists and dietitians, Anthony Warner, aka The Angry Chef exposes diet faddery and clean-eating cobblers, giving us the tools to spot pseudoscience for ourselves. Read more
- Theatre
Memento Mori
When Adrian and Lizzy arrive at their friends' old house for the weekend, the past comes back to haunt them in more ways than one. Patrick Marlowe's witty chiller about relationships, love and loss is the third production from the Packing Shed Theatre Company, set up to promote and produce new writing in the East. Read more
- CANCELLED
- Fiction
- POSTPONED
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: Gail Honeyman
*** 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
- Comedy
- Theatre
The King Lear, Shifting Sands Theatre
Hilarious and heart breaking, The King Lear is Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, but set in a pub. Shifting Sands Theatre has developed a reputation for creating a clown’s eye view of epic tales and classic texts - this inventive retelling mixes slapstick and pathos with warm humour, and is marvellous fun! Read more
- Discussion
Writing on the Inside
Drawing on the success of our Writing on the Inside workshops, panelists discuss the importance of providing writing opportunities in prison, and the transformative nature of creative writing, opening with a reading of the prisoners’ work by one of the workshop participants. Read more
- Discussion
Transitions and Integrations: Inside and ‘the Out’
How do offenders keep in touch with their families when they’re in prison? How do families cope on the outside, and who helps them? How easy is it for offenders to acclimatise to life on the outside? Our panel will provide a fascinating insight into the impact of imprisonment on prisoners and their families. Read more
- Non-fiction
Redeemable: A Memoir of Darkness and Hope – Erwin James
Ex-offender, Guardian columnist and editor of inside time, the national newspaper for prisoners and detainees, Erwin James will be talking about his biography Redeemable: A Memoir of Darkness and Hope. Read more
- Fiction
Essex Book Club Symposium
Join members of book groups from across Essex and hear from Imogen Hermes Gowar, who shares snippets of The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock, her spell-bounding debut novel about love and obsession in Georgian London, and Liz Trenow, who presents about her latest novel In Love and War, published to mark WW1’s centenary. Read more
- Discussion
- Golden Age of Crime
Celebrating Edmund
Join us as we celebrate the life and work of Edmund Crispin, master of “splendidly complicated crime”, composer of music for Carry On films, and creator of the charming, frivolous and often badly behaved Gervase Fen, the detective with a donnish difference. Read more
- For writers
- SOLD OUT!
- Workshop
Novel Writing for Beginners: Harriet Paige
Harriet Paige, whose debut novel 'Man with a Seagull on his Head' was shortlisted for The Guardian's Not the Booker Award, guides you through the process of crafting your first novel, with practical tips on creating characters, scene setting, structuring the plot and submitting your manuscript to agents and publishers. Read more
- Golden Age of Crime
Crime & Music: The Life of Edmund Crispin
Edmund Crispin wrote nine detective novels and two collections of short stories, and was a highly successful composer of both concert and film music. On the 40th anniversary of his death, his biographer David Whittle looks at Montgomery's life and the various worlds he inhabited. Read more
- Fiction
Man with a Seagull on his Head: Harriet Paige
A debut novel that is taking Essex (and the UK) by storm. Man with a Seagull on his Head is an insightful exploration of art, love and creativity. We follow Ray Eccles and his unlikely muse, their lives becoming intertwined with others as they advance on a bizarre journey from Essex coast to the London art scene. Read more
- Non-fiction
Custard, Culverts & Cake: Academics on Life in the Archers
Leading scholars combine a love of The Archers with their specialist subject areas, such as food, geography, social media and faith. Archers’ fans may be relieved to hear that hours of listening to their daily dose of Ambridge is, in fact, valid academic research. Read more
- Golden Age of Crime
- Non-fiction
M: Maxwell Knight: MI5’s Greatest Spymaster – Henry Hemming
A gripping and dramatic true story about two remarkable female spies and the maverick who ran them, an animal-loving drop-out who went on to become MI5’s greatest spymaster. Henry Hemming reveals not just the shadowy world of espionage but also an enigmatic man at its centre. Read more
- Fiction
- Golden Age of Crime
The Pictures – Guy Bolton
Set in Hollywood 1939, the year of The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind, this murder mystery uncovers the crimes and misdemeanours of studio players and stars. Inspired by classic Hollywood noir, this acclaimed debut from an exciting new British talent has been shortlisted for the CWA’s New Blood Dagger 2017. Read more
- CANCELLED
- Fiction
Sugar Money: Jane Harris
*** 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
- For writers
- Golden Age of Crime
- Workshop
Crime Writing Masterclass: Nicola Upson
Nicola Upson, award-winning British novelist and author, will guide 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
- Fiction
- Golden Age of Crime
Sunday Morning Coming Down: Nicci French
In the chilling seventh instalment of the bestselling, critically acclaimed Frieda Klein series, evil looms but this time it's far too close to home. Come and hear about the latest psychological thriller by partners in crime, husband and wife writing duo Nicci Gerard and Sean French. Read more
- Golden Age of Crime
- Storytelling
- Workshop
- Writers House
- Young Essex
Heroes and Villains
Come with an open mind and leave with a new character created from your own imagination. Using fun and innovative techniques, Syd Moore, Essex Book Festival Writer-in-Residence, will help you unleash your creativity to develop a fictional character, give them personality, unveil their greatest fear, heartfelt wishes and darkest secret. Read more
- Discussion
- Golden Age of Crime
Criminal Minds: CWA Panel
Hear stories of sleuthing, murder and mayhem in this fascinating discussion between members of the CWA. With over 700 members, the Crime Writers’ Association is well known for its prestigious Daggers, awarded every year for the best in crime writing, and provides an unrivalled platform for authors and their work. Read more
- Discussion
Presentation of My Europe – A Patrician Press Anthology
All are welcome to this panel discussion on Europe and the arts. The focus of the debate will be on the future of the arts after Brexit locally in Essex, the UK and in Europe in general. Read more
- Fiction
- Golden Age of Crime
- ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT!
A Criminally Good Afternoon Tea: Nine Lessons with Nicola Upson
At the turn of the century, M R James told ghost stories by candlelight to a handful of scholars over supper after Christmas Eve’s carol service. Twenty-five years later, they are being killed off one by one... Nicola Upson tells you about the seventh novel in her highly praised Josephine They series. Read more
- CANCELLED
- Golden Age of Crime
- POSTPONED
- Young Essex
Medieval Mayhem: Lorraine Gregory
*** 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
- Fiction
Book Launch: A Perfect Marriage by Alison Booth
All are welcome to this book launch, hosted by Professor Pamela Cox at the University of Essex. A story of love and loss, of enduring friendship and unreliable memory, A Perfect Marriage is an enthralling new book from the bestselling author of Stillwater Creek. The novel is also a tale of redemption, of new hopes and fresh beginnings. Read more
- Fiction
The Greedy Queen: Eating with Victoria – Dr Annie Gray
What does it mean to eat like a Queen? Elizabeth gorged on sugar; Mary on chocolate, and Ann was known as Brandy Nan. Victoria ate all of this and more. Annie Gray, historian, cook, broadcaster and writer, gives a new perspective on one of Britain's most iconic monarchs, celebrating her appetite for food and for life. Read more
- Non-fiction
Improve Your Learning: Robert Winston
One of the most instantly recognisable scientists in the country, Robert Winston is a compelling speaker, bringing complex issues to life with infectious enthusiasm and energy. This illuminating talk reveals how we can all improve our learning. Read more
- Fiction
Two O’Clock Boy: Mark Hill
Mark Hill's debut The Two O’Clock Boy is the gripping, twist-filled start to a new London-set crime thriller series, starring morally corrupt DI Ray Drake - a new spin on the modern police novel, with a focus on psychological suspence and a heady sense of the macabre. Read more
- Fiction
Dead Men Whistling: Graham Masterton
Graham Masterton, author of bestselling horror novel The Manitou, brings us a gripping new thriller about police corruption, whistleblowing and murder. DCI Katie Maguire investigates a string of police fatalities, discovering that when murder is the best way to stop people talking, only silence is the safe option. Read more
- PLACE
- Poetry
Poetry Brothel Colchester
The oldest literary form meets the oldest profession in Britain’s oldest recorded town! Inspired by the cabarets of Montmartre, Poetry Brothel is a heady feast for the senses. Compered by madam Suki SilverTongue, there will be performances, private table readings, live music, fortune telling and more. Read more
- Fiction
The Cross and the Curse: Matthew Harffy
AD 634: In Anglo-Saxon Britain, confusion and conflict continue as warlords battle across Britain to become the first King of the English. In the second gripping, action-packed instalment in The Bernicia Chronicles, Matthew Harffy weaves an enthralling tale of murder, betrayal and vengeance. Read more
- Fiction
- ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT!
The Special Girls: Isabelle Grey
DI Grace Fisher investigates a cold case and the murder of a young doctor, all connected to a summer camp for young patients with eating disorders located deep in the Essex countryside. The Special Girls is a nailbiting psychological thriller with a main character you will love and a final twist that will break your heart. Read more
- Non-fiction
A Higher Education: Andy Kirkpatrick
Top British mountaineer, climber and writer Andy Kirkpatrick has explored some of the most difficult terrains in the world, from the Alps to Patagonia, Yosemite to Greenland. He looks back at forty years of adventure, sharing stories about his expeditions. Read more
- Fiction
- For writers
- Non-fiction
- Poetry
- Storytelling
- Workshop
Essex Authors Day
This exciting day of seminars and workshops brings together Essex-based authors, writers and aspiring writers. Listen to author readings at the Pop Up Podium, pick up top tips, meet other writers, and find out more about getting published and publicising your book. Read more
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- Poetry
- Storytelling
Pop-up Podium: Meet the Authors
A fascinating and enlightening day for all book-lovers. Visit our Pop-up Podium and meet a whole host of Essex based writers and published authors. Talk to them about their work and inspirations, and listen to pop-up readings through the day. Read more
- Science & the Imagination
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Marconi Digital Storytelling at Sandford Mill
Experience Marconi digital storytelling using our vintage Marconi TV camera equipment green screen and ipads. Discover the Marconi story, write your own script and then film it using the museum collections, images and settings to bring it alive. Read more
- Guided Tour
The Essex Serpent and other Colchester Literary Connections: Guided Walk
RESCHEDULED DUE TO THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS TO SATURDAY 17 MARCH. Discover serpents, detectives, serving wenches and the many other characters and their creators who have walked the streets of Colchester. Read more
- Non-fiction
Rochester to Richmond: A Thames Estuary Sailor’s View – Nick Ardley
Brought up on a Thames spritsail barge, lifelong sailor Nick Ardley shares a reflective river journey between Rochester and London. A beautifully illustrated book for lovers of sailing amongst salt, marsh and mud, Nick was recently featured in BBC One’s Britain Afloat, a history of the Britain’s boats and waterways. Read more
- Non-fiction
Sovereign, Squire & Rebel: Maharajah Duleep Singh – Peter Bance
A talk by Sikh author and historian Peter Bance, charting the fascinating journey of Maharajah Duleep Singh, from his time on the golden throne of the Punjab, to his exile to Britain and eventual stand against the establishment. Read more
- Fiction
- SOLD OUT!
- Writers House
Strange Sight: Syd Moore
The second in the Essex Witch Museum Mysteries follows the La Fleur restaurant, which has a slew of unusual phenomena. Bonnet-clad apparitions pass through walls, blood leaks from ceilings and rats besiege the dining room. Will Rosie Strange be able to solve the mystery? Read more
- Fiction
The Woolgrower’s Companion: Joy Rhoades
A war story and a love story set against the dusty heat and high stakes of the Australian outback. The Woolgrower’s Companion is a passionate tribute to Australia’s landscape and its people, inspired by the author’s grandmother. Read more
- Theatre
Lady Windermere’s Fan, Oscar Wilde
A new production of Oscar Wilde’s social comedy about infidelity, relationships and the (im)morality of the upper classes, directed by award-winning writer, actor and director Kathy Burke. Broadcast live from the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End. Read more
- Fiction
- Writers House
Spooked! – Spiritualists, Spies and Scandals
In the picturesque setting of Chalkwell Hall, Moore and Unsworth discuss the occult and secret service networks during the Second World War, the mysteries that surrounded these clandestine operations, and the links between clairvoyants, magicians, witchcraft and spies. Read more
- Science & the Imagination
- Workshop
- Young Essex
CSI: Essex
How have advances in science and technology changed the way we view crime scenes? Become Crime Scene Investigators: handle CSI equipment, take fingerprints, create photofits - when comparing the pre-digital with modern day methods, which one comes out on top? Read more
- Science & the Imagination
- Storytelling
- Young Essex
Pop-Up Storytelling Armchair
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
- CANCELLED
- Music
- Science & the Imagination
- Workshop
- Young Essex
The Sound of Science: A Songwriting Fact-ory
Turn facts, news and science into song! Join makers of the Ensonglopedia of Science for a lesson in letting lyrics leave your larynx laden with learning. Read more
- Guided Tour
- Science & the Imagination
Chelmsford Pioneers: Alan Pamphilon
From an inventor, architect and canal builder, to an opera singer and pioneer in wireless communications. Author and historian Alan Pamphilon leads you on a 90-minute tour, sharing stories of 12 people who have had a huge impact on the city of Chelmsford. Read more
- Science & the Imagination
- Workshop
- Young Essex
Space for Words: Martin Reed
Are space-aliens real? Is space real? Is cyber-space real? As real as the space between words? This creative writing and performance workshop explores science fiction, science fact, and the spaces between. Read more
- Music
- Performance
- Science & the Imagination
- Young Essex
Ensonglopedia of Science
A song about science for every letter of the alphabet. Expect atoms, Big Bangs, cells, DNA... Expect the unexpected. And expect it to rhyme. John Hinton is the multi-award-winning writer/performer of musical comedies about Darwin, Einstein and Curie. Read more
- Fiction
The Sealwoman’s Gift: Sally Magnusson
Set in Iceland and Algiers in the 17th century, broadcaster and journalist Sally Magnusson reimagines the true story of a pirate raid of a tiny Westman island, in which a pastor, his wife and their children – along with half their island – were abducted into slavery. Read more
- For writers
- Science & the Imagination
- 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
- Young Essex
Young Essex at the Bunker
Come and savour a fabulous mix of drop-in events for families, including Haiku Poetry and Origami workshops led by CND’s Education Team; a Retro Games Room master-minded by Silver End Scouts, plus a host of other activities, film screenings and happenings. Read more
- Non-fiction
- Science & the Imagination
Armageddon and Paranoia: The Nuclear Confrontation – Rodric Braithwaite
Nuclear weapons exist and so does the possibility of worldwide annihilation. Sir Rodric Braithwaite, ex British Ambassador in Moscow during the fall of the Soviet Union, draws on original sources from Russia and the US to paint a vivid and thought-provoking portrait of the Cold War. Read more
- Fiction
- Science & the Imagination
2084: A Science Fiction Anthology
This out-of-this-world anthology brings together the writings of fifteen authors, inspired by George Orwell’s classic dystopian novel 1984. Warnings or prophesies? Paradise or destruction? Our future unfolds before us. Read more
- Discussion
- Science & the Imagination
Under the Influence: A Soviet Childhood
Under the Influence brings together two international writers Polish poet Agneszskia Studinska, and award-winning Estonian author Paavo Matsin, to discuss growing up in the Soviet Union and the impact that this experience has had on their writing. Read more
- Fiction
- Guided Tour
- Poetry
Journey into the Underworld
Join award-winning storyteller and Cambridge Bard Glenys Newton for a mythic journey into the Underworld. A bespoke Odyssey into the dimly-lit, cavernous, triple-tiered Bunker: the perfect canvas for spontaneous conjurings of Dante's Inferno and The Cyclop's Cave, to name but some! Read more
- Performance
- Theatre
Dystopian Stories
Throughout the evening the Small Plates Theatre Group will be roaming the bunker, inviting audiences to partake, albeit voyeuristically, in a number of dystopian scenarios - making you offers which it would be unwise to refuse. Read more
- Art
Peeling Onions With Granny
Peeling Onions with Granny is an artist collective interested in exploring the experiences and legacies of migration and forced displacement. They will have several artworks, performances, film screenings and interactive exhibitions throughout the bunker. Read more
- Fiction
- Performance
Bait in the Bunker
Allow yourself to be lured into a landscape of danger seasoned with humour. Fields of wheat soar, baskets attack, and bones are a form of currency. Nicky Winder reads her prize-winning short story 'Bait' and other works, proving that we enter the world of fairy tales at our peril. Read more
- Performance
- Poetry
Live Poetry Juke Box
Step inside the Live Poetry Jukebox! A selection of delicious and delectable poems about love, life, hope, and fun will be waiting for you, pickled and preserved in jars, and stored in Mueller & Malten's marvellous Wunderkammer. Choose a jar and release its flavours! Poetry in the flesh to see, hear, feel, and most importantly, to savour. Read more
- Theatre
Propaganda: Hits from History
Lakeside Theatre and University of Essex drama students in partnership with Index on Censorship have created a short immersive performance, Propaganda: Hits from History, tracing the political rhetoric that makes up propaganda. Read more
- Discussion
Festival Peace Panel: Picking Apart Propaganda
Mark your card for our second Festival Peace Panel chaired by Rachael Jolley, award-winning editor of global magazine Index on Censorship, with panellists Jamie Bartlett, David Aaronvitch and Xinran. Read more
- Music
Gogol’s Silent Disco
Award-winning Estonian author and international festival writer-in-residence, Paavo Matsin invites you to join him in his fantastical world of forbidden songs behind hushed doors: Gogol's Silent Disco. Gherkins will be served on arrival. Prepare to dance. Read more
- Music
Attempted Peace
A celebration of peace through writings from Adrian’s forty year career in song and verse, including material from his end of the world show from the 80s, a song sung at Greenham Women’s Peace Camp, and other lyrical and musical protest matter! Read more
- Non-fiction
Over and Out: Henry Blofeld
Henry Blofeld is a cricket broadcasting legend, his voice the sound of summer to thousands of cricket lovers. His autobiography is packed with entertaining stories as he relives his favourite moments and shares behind the scenes anecdotes. Read more
- Non-fiction
- SOLD OUT!
Dorothy L Sayers Lecture: Tony Medawar
The Golden Age is experiencing a resurgence with many great titles and some not-so-great ones back in print. Tony Medawar, writer and fan, takes us on an entertaining sight-seeing tour of the genre, encompassing giants like Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers. Read more
- Discussion
- SOLD OUT!
- Writers House
Witches, WAGs and Wide Boys
A fascinating, interactive day of discussion examines the role of place, gender and class in the Essex stereotype and what it is to 'be' Essex. The event brings together various people academics and authors, including Essex Book Festival writer-in-residence Syd Moore and Festival Director Ros Green. Read more
- CANCELLED
- Fiction
Behind Her Eyes: Sarah Pinborough
*** 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
- Theatre
Guesthouse
A new play by Essex based playwright Nicola Werenowska. Set in Clacton-on-Sea, it explores the lives of three generations of women. What's it like when the town you were proud to grow up in becomes impoverished? What does it take to keep going? And what does it take to face the truth? Read more
- Fiction
Kitty Peck and the Daughter of Sorrow: Kate Griffin
The latest in Kate Griffin's popular Kitty Peck series. Summer 1881: the streets of Limehouse are thick with opium... and menace. At eighteen Kitty has inherited Paradise, a sprawling criminal empire on the banks of the Thames, and soon realises that the past casts a long and treacherous shadow. Read more
- Non-fiction
- Science & the Imagination
- SOLD OUT!
What’s Next? Jim Al-Khalili
Professor Jim Al-Khalili OBE is a physicist, author and broadcaster, and host of Radio 4’s The Life Scientific. In What’s Next? he brings together the writings of eighteen top scientists and experts who explore what’s in store for the human race. Read more
- Fiction
- SOLD OUT!
The Keeper of Lost Things: Ruth Hogan
Aging author Anthony Peardew has spent his life collecting misplaced items. When he dies his assistant Laura is left to fulfill his final wish of reuniting the objects with their rightful owners. An enchanting debut novel from self-confessed ‘magpie’ Ruth Hogan about loss, second chances and endless possibilities. Read more
- Theatre
- Young Essex
The Wind in the Willows
Meet all your favourite characters including loyal Mole, faithful Ratty and wise old Badger as they do their best to keep the mischievous Mr Toad out of trouble. Will they be able to stop the Wicked Weasels from taking over Toad Hall? Read more
- Words to the World
- Young Essex
It’s A Wrap: Festival Finale
Come and join in the fun at our It’s A Wrap! Festival Finale in Jaywick Martello Tower, one of county’s most intriguing and iconic heritage buildings on the Essex Coast, where there'll be activities and workshops for all ages. Read more
- Art
- Words to the World
- Young Essex
Peace Bunting Print Workshop
Come along for a sun printing workshop on fabric, to make bunting with a message of peace using plant material, letters and acetates, with artist Angenita Hardy-Teekens. You’ll learn all about the cyanotype method, an early Victorian way of making shadows with objects using the suns UV light. Read more
- For writers
- Words to the World
Wild Writing Workshop: Beachcombing for Words
A workshop inspired by the beach, involving some beachcombing, with a return to the Tower for some writing exercises and work on creative writing with Essex-based writers Judith Wolton and Wendy Constance. Read more
- Art
- Words to the World
- Young Essex
Sumi Ink Club
Everyone is invited to come along and create a community mural that will evole and grow throughout the afternoon on the theme of Pease, Place and Community. Bring yourselves, bring your friends, bring your grandparents – come and draw with us! Read more
- Storytelling
- Words to the World
- Young Essex
Our Natural World Storytelling hour
From Ants, Bees and Cranes to Whales, Yellow butterflies and Zebras, this storytelling hour involves not only listening to stories, but also making up stories about creatures great and small in our natural world. Led by award-winning shoildren’s author Wendy Constance. Read more
- Music
Bof! Music, Dance and Soup
What better way to finish this year’s Essex Book Festival than to dance the night away in Jaywick Martello Tower with the fabulous Essex-based traditional French and Breton four-piece band Bof! who have serenaded folk clubs and festivals across England and France. Read more
June 2018
- Young Essex
Oh, The Places We’ll Go!
Join us for an afternoon of storytelling and family activities with a theme of journeys, adventures and places around the world, both real and imagined. Taking place at The Transition (near the station) and at Foyles (Bond Street) Read more
September 2018
- Networking
- ONLY A FEW TICKETS LEFT!
Stand Up For Diversity
Join us for an evening of mini-talks, delicious curry and live music, as we continue with our series of events that puts a spotlight on diversity, with short soap-box shout-outs on why DIVERSITY MATTERS. Read more