What’s the connection between Shakespeare and Numbers? A lot, as it turns out! Shakespeare grew up in a time when numbers were going through a revolution. His was the first generation in England to be taught about our modern “zero” digit – and he was fascinated by it. From astronomy to probability, music to multiplication, other new mathematical ideas were taking off too – and much of this was reflected in Shakespeare’s work.

In this fun, interactive talk Rob Eastaway explores the surprising and entertaining ways that maths and numbers crop up in Shakespeare’s plays. Find out how Tudors multiplied, why Shakespeare never ended a line with the word orange, and why dice-playing was a serious hazard for the unwary. With historical asides about games, optics, astronomy, music and magic, you might never think about maths or Shakespeare the same way again.

Suitable for age 10 – adult

Sunday 23rd June, 3.00 – 4.00pm

Venue: Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Braintree, Cressing, CM77 8PD

Tickets: Free, booking essential

Box Office: Ticket Tailor – buytickets.at/essexbookfestival

Much Ado About Numbers by Rob Eastaway

Order a copy of Much Ado About Numbers at bookshop.org

Rob is best known as the author of several bestselling popular maths books, including Why Do Buses Come in Threes? and Maths On the Back of an Envelope. He is a regular guest on the BBC Radio 4 programme More or Less, with Tim Harford.

Part of our Midsummer Madness Family Fun Day. Pack your picnic and make a beeline for what promises to be a magical day at Cressing Temple Barns. Free parking, free entry and lots of free activities. All welcome.

Essex Year of Numbers

Low numeracy skills can disadvantage people later in life and lead to problems such as debt, unemployment and even poor health. The Essex Year of Numbers is a countywide campaign that aims to inspire a love of learning, with a focus on numeracy. It is a year of exciting learning opportunities, fun events and initiatives aimed at children aged 0 to 18-years-old. The events aim to give every child’s maths skills a magic boost.

Parents can also access guidance and support through the programme to help build numbers and learning into homelife. Parents, caregivers and family members play a vital role in a child’s education. You can support children at home with homework and number-based learning.

For more information, visit www.essexyearofnumbers.co.uk.

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Goldilocks: The Ballet by Let’s All Dance Ballet Company, 2.30 – 3.15pm

Join Goldilocks, the girl with the lovely locks and her jar of magical honey, as she befriends a family of bears and teaches everyone the value of sharing. But watch out for Selfish Sid who, on hearing that the honey is magical, hatches a nasty plan to steal it from Goldilocks. With a 1940’s vibe, a variety of dance styles and plenty of bowls of delicious porridge, this ballet is just right! A fabulously fun show for everyone ages 1 – 101. Free, no booking required.

Little Earthlings Mud Cafe, 12.00 – 4.00pm

Pop along to the Little Earthlings Mud Cafe where Jo Phillips will help you to make some mud-cakes, mud-pies and other gloriously muddy delights! Free, drop-in, no booking required.

Essex Explorers Summer Magic Trail – Help make the magic stronger…

Our park rangers are sure that magical creatures including fairies, trolls, and maybe even unicorns, live deep in the hidden corners of the Essex Country Parks. But some children have stopped believing in them! Can you find and count them on our Summer Magic trail to help make the magic stronger. Remember to take your photo at the Summer Magic Trail selfie board and tag @essexbookfest In partnership with Essex Year of Numbers.

Fairy Door Trail

Find the Fairy Doors in the walled garden and add up the door numbers to find the magic number for their spell. Once you’ve added it up, shout out the number so that the fairies can hear you.

Discover all of the events, workshops, performances and activities which are taking place at Midsummer Madness.

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Partnering with exciting arts and cultural organisations, the ‘Summer of Culture’ programme will be delivered through a broad series of events, talks and activities taking place throughout the county.

Celebrate our environment and reconnect with the world around you through the Summer of Culture.

Working with partner organisations – such as Essex Cultural Diversity Project, Mercury Theatre, Essex Book Festival, children’s theatre production, What! A Load of Rubbish and Mersea Island based artist duo, Landscape Imaginary – the Summer of Culture 2022 aims to promote the projects and events produced by the county’s creative sector.

Find out more at explore-essex.com

Browse the Summer of Culture programme

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