- 28 May -30 June 2025
- Non-fiction
- SOLD OUT!
Essex Book Festival Launch: Billy Bragg
We are delighted to welcome singer, songwriter and activist Billy Bragg to launch Essex Book Festival 2018. Against a backdrop of Cold War politics, rock and roll riots and a newly assertive working-class youth, Billy charts the history, impact and legacy of Britain's original pop movement, and how Skiffle changed the world. Read more
- Theatre
Turn of the Screw
1840: A young governess agrees to look after two orphaned children in Bly, a seemingly idyllic country house. But shortly after her arrival, she realises that they are not alone. This thrilling adaptation of Henry James’ genre defining classic ghost story lets you draw your own conclusions about the events at Bly. Read more
- For Writers
- Workshop
Pop-Up Writers House
As part of an exciting new partnership with Essex Book Festival, Metal is transforming Chalkwell Hall into a pop-up Essex Writers House for the whole month of March 2018 to host a wide range of literary events and activities. Our aim is to provide development opportunities for writers working in all genres, whilst engaging with audiences of all ages. Read more
- Non-fiction
Literary Lunch at Tymperleys: Anne de Courcy
Anne de Courcy hosts this year's literary lunch, sharing stories of social climbing American heiresses who crossed the pond to find titled husbands with power and privilege. This richly entertaining group biography reveals what they thought of their new lives in England, and what England thought of them. Read more
Charity Book Swish
Are your bookshelves fit to burst? Then why not join in our Charity Swish, taking place as part of our PLACE weekend. All YOU need to is donate your pre-loved books on the day. All WE need to do is sell them on to people anxious to give them a new home. All proceeds will go to Friends of Refugees Suffolk, who are organising the event. Read more
- Art
- Young Essex
Sumi Ink Club: Peace Wall
Sumi Ink Club is non-hierarchical: all ages, all humans, and all styles. Everyone is invited to come along and create a community mural that will evolve and grow throughout the day on the theme of Peace, Place and Identity. Bring yourselves, bring your friends, bring your grandparents, come and draw with us. Read more
- Discussion
Don’t Panic I’m Islamic: Extreme Comedy
How can you tell if your neighbour is speaking Muslim? Can I get fries with that burka? Join comedians Omar Hamdi, Esther Manito and Amrou Al-Kadhi, and author and broadcaster Bidisha, for an entertaining look at what art and comedy can do to combat stereotypes and regressive identity politics. Read more
- For Writers
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
- For Writers
- 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
- Discussion
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
- 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
- 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
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Fiction
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
- Storytelling
- Workshop
- 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
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
- Fiction
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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
