With just under a month to go until the launch of this year’s festival in Harwich, it’s all go at Essex Book Festival HQ. We are very excited about our programme of events for our young audiences, all of which have a strong focus on nature and the environment.
These include our festival ‘opener’ on Wednesday 28th May (half-term week) on Harwich beach: Know Your Beach Workshop. Join Seaside Explorers’ leader, educator and environmentalist Libby Scarfe as she shares her passion for outdoor adventures and all things marine. The workshop, which primarily is designed for 5 to 11 year olds, will combine storytelling, a chance to explore the natural coast environment, and a creative community beach clean. All welcome.
Another family activity not to be missed is Wildlife Detectives at the Wild Space on Sunday 8th June. As part of our Criminally Good Day, the team at Wild Space are opening this hidden green oasis in Washington Close in Maldon for families to gently explore the wildlife and nature that can live happily in an urban environment. There will be a range of activities to take part in and a trail to follow that will test everyone’s detective skills, and no matter whatever your age, you will come away feeling more connected and knowledgeable! Again, all welcome.
If bats are your thing, you will want to head to the National Trust’s Rainham Hall on Saturday 21st June for Batty About Bats – a rare chance to find out more about our local bat-tastic friends. From bat detectives, bat story-writing, and bat masks, this is the ideal opportunity to discover more about the species living in our local area, and more importantly, how we can help ensure their survival.
Finally, we are thrilled to be hosting a cornucopia of free drop-in family events in the beautiful Minories Garden in Colchester on Sunday 22nd June. Get creative and messy in our bespoke Earth Kitchen, try your hands at spice-painting with artist Lora Aziz, weave your own willow Twinkle, Twinkle star with storyteller Glenys Newton, learn more about spices from around the world with cook/writer Radhika Haworth, take your seat for our Twinkle, Twinkle Storytelling Armchair featuring BBC Essex’s Rob Jelly amongst others … and more. It is going to be a lot of fun.
Tickets for all events are available now at essexbookfestival.org.uk/events.