- 28 May -30 June 2025
- Exhibition
- FREE
Community – an exhibition
The photography students at Harlow College are proud to present their work, on the theme of ‘Community’. Throughout the work, they have discovered new insights into their home town and provided empowering representations of areas of Harlow for the viewing public, that offer unique and sensitive perspectives on the people, and culture of Essex. 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
- 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
- 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
- Travel Writing
- Partner Event
The Restless Coast
A fascinating evening with Roger Morgan-Grenville discussing his latest book. The Restless Coast is a moving and beautiful account of a journey around it, during which the author travels its length to discover its challenges and opportunities, and to talk to the people trying to protect it. At once informative, angry and funny, The Restless Coast is a very personal love letter to our island edge. Read more
- Historical Fiction
The Death of Shame
Internationally bestselling and multi-award-winning author, Chris Brookmyre, and consultant anaesthetist, Dr Marisa Haetzman are husband and wife creative duo – Ambrose Parry. Joining us to discuss the fifth and final instalment in their thrilling Raven and Fisher series, The Death of Shame is inspired by the fascinating historical facts Haetzman uncovered through her master’s degree in the History of Medicine. Read more
- Biography
Wallis Simpson: Her Lotus Year in 1920s China
New York Times bestselling author, Paul French who specialises in the history of 20th century China, joins us to examine a controversial and revealing period in the early life of the legendary Wallis Simpson. French will reveal the untold story of what really happened to Wallis during that year in China, dispelling many of the myths and gossip surrounding it. Read more
- Historical Fiction
Traitor’s Legacy
estselling author of the Giordano Bruno books, S. J. Parris will be joining us to discuss her latest book, Traitor’s Legacy. England, 1598. Queen Elizabeth’s successor remains unnamed. The country teeters on a knife edge. A young heiress is found murdered at the theatre. A page-turning new historical series that pitches Tudor secret agent Sophia de Wolfe into a dangerous game with the royal court. Read more
- Biography
Queen James
Historian and broadcaster, Gareth Russell, will explore the life and loves of Britain’s first King. James Stuart did not always love wisely, but he never failed to do so boldly. This groundbreaking book puts James – genius, liar, spendthrift, idealist, witch-hunter – and the men he loved at the centre of one of the most dramatic stories in British royal history. Read more
