This includes a series of free drop-in eco-workshops taking place in Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Clacton and Harlow as part of the wider Essex Book Festival June programme; the creation of the Essex Book Worm Podcast for young people aged 13-19 years in partnership with Chelmsford Community Radio and SPARK! Young Cultural Change-makers, and new for 2026, our MY PLACE: Speaking Out Spoken Word Project, which will be taking place in Clacton.

Find out more about The Young Ones programme at essexbookfestival.org.uk/young-essex-book-festival-2026/.

The Young Ones Project is supported by Essex County Council’s Cultural Development Project Fund, to support the growth of cultural venues and organisations that bring culture to the heart of communities in Essex.

Essex is home to a thriving and diverse cultural sector, ranging from artist studios and makerspaces to museums, theatres, and grassroots arts organisations. These hubs reflect the rich tapestry of creative activity flourishing across Essex.– we’re proud to be a part of that story.

#CultureEssex
#CreativeIndustriesFund

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We are delighted to be holding our fifth annual Manifesto For Essex Eco-Gathering. It will be taking place at Chelmsford Theatre Studio on the morning of Saturday 28 February 2026.

This is your chance to hear about local eco-projects and how to get involved, participate in creative eco-workshops to learn new skills, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for climate action, culture, and community.

Workshops include eco-podcasting, eco-script writing and eco-journalling.

The Eco-Gathering is aimed primarily at 13-25 year olds living in Essex.

This event is funded by Arts Council England and is free to attend. Places are limited so reserve your place today to avoid disappointment.

Reserve your spot today at eventbrite.co.uk.

The Eco-Gathering is part of Manifesto For Essex, a multi-form creative platform run by Essex Book Festival for young people living in Essex and beyond to express their ideas about climate action.

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Club members will explore a breadth of activities including writing and performing poetry, short-fiction, blogging, zine-making, podcasting and illustration. They will visit local cultural venues and creative spaces, and exhibit nationwide at the Essex Book Festival and the Summer Show at Somerset House.

Generating new and exciting work, Club members will find themselves creating media that helps them find their voice and share their ideas. We can’t wait to hear what they have to say!

Open to 13–16-year-olds.

Club dates:
27 September 2025 – 28 March 2026
Saturdays, 10:00am – 12:30pm

Location:
Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford Campus, Bishop Hall Lane, Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ

Join the club at saturday-club.org/club/essex-book-festival-aru-writing-talking/

About National Saturday Club

Young people across the country are spending Saturday mornings at their local university, college or museum discovering subjects they love. Saturday Clubs are open to 13–16-year-olds of all abilities and are free to attend.

Joining the National Saturday Club is a unique opportunity to learn new skills, discover talents, meet new people, and find out more about further education, higher education and rewarding careers.

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