This is an opportunity to meet the authors, ask them questions, hear their discussions and talk about their researches.

16 November 2025 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

10.30am Lucy Hughes Hallett
The Scapegoat: The brief and brilliant life of The Duke of Buckingham

12 noon Rebecca Willis
Life and Death and getting dressed

Lunch
Bring a picnic or visit our Tearoom where there will be homemade soup and rolls, Cornish pasties, tray bake as well as drinks, coffee and tea

2pm Edward Whitley
Jane Austen and George Eliot: The Lady and the Radical

3.30pm Ian Collins
Blythe Spirit: The remarkable Life of Ronald Blythe

Tickets are available for individual events or there is a delicious discount to encourage you to go along for the whole day!

Find out more and book tickets at layermarneytower.co.uk/events/winter-books/

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Saturday 30 May 2026, 11.00am
Museum of Chelmsford, Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, CM2 9AQ

The man himself, author Kes Gray, will be joining us for this family event as he talks about the influence of his Chelmsford childhood on the many stories he has written. Get ready for a delightfully quirky fun time with all the family.

All those aged under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets: £6 includes entry to Museum of Chelmsford.
Box Office: eventbrite.co.uk

Museum of Chelmsford Members can use still use their 10% off discount benefit when booking online. All members will have received a promocode in a recent email, but if you haven’t received this, contact them direct on museums@chelmsford.gov.uk or by calling 01245 605700.

This event is part of Oi Chelmsford! – a family day of author events and creative workshops at the Museum of Chelmsford set against the fabulous backdrop of the exhibition Oi Chelmsford! Kes Gray: Chelmsford Born and Read – a celebration of the work and life of Kes Gray.

Event Information

💬 The event will include an audience Q&A session.
📚 Copies of the book will be available to purchase on the day.
🖊️ After the event there will be an opportunity to get the book signed by the author.
🪑 Seats are unallocated.
📸 We will be filming and taking photos at this event.
☕  The Hive Cafe will be open and serving drinks and food.
♿ The venue is wheelchair accessible. There are disabled facilities on site. chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/accessibility/
🌐 Find out more about visiting the venue at chelmsford.gov.uk/museums/visit/museum-of-chelmsford/.

Kes Gray

Photo of Kes Gray © Paul Starr

Kes Gray was born and grew up in Chelmsford in the 1960s and ‘70s. He has published over 100 books, including the popular Oi Frog! and The Trouble with Daisy series. Well-loved by young families for their humour and creativity, his books are largely inspired by his memories of growing up in Chelmsford and feature regular references to places and people across the district.

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