- 31 May -30 June 2024
- CANCELLED
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- Poetry
- POSTPONED
My Europe: A Patrician Press Anthology
RESCHEDULED FOR 16 MARCH. In their latest anthology, Patrician Press brings together poems, short stories and essays on the theme of Europe, advantages and disadvantages of the European Union. Writers share personal histories and discuss the consequences of leaving the EU. Read more
- Poetry
Reconciliation
The launch of an anthology of new poems commemorating World War I. The collection is edited by Vivien Whelpton, biographer of Richard Aldington who fought in WWI and was an outstanding imagist poet. Produced with support from poetryWivenhoe. Read more
- Fiction
- Poetry
The Language-Land: Anita Debska
In 2018 Poland celebrates the centenary of its reunification as an independent state. The Language-Land is a bilingual selection of Polish poetry and prose written between 1795 and 1918, when Poland was absorbed into the empires of Russia, Prussia and Austria. 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
- For Writers
- Non-fiction
- Poetry
- Storytelling
- Workshop
Essex Authors Day
This exciting day of seminars and workshops brings together Essex-based authors, writers and aspiring writers. Listen to author readings at the Pop Up Podium, pick up top tips, meet other writers, and find out more about getting published and publicising your book. Read more
- Fiction
- Non-fiction
- Poetry
- Storytelling
Pop-up Podium: Meet the Authors
A fascinating and enlightening day for all book-lovers. Visit our Pop-up Podium and meet a whole host of Essex based writers and published authors. Talk to them about their work and inspirations, and listen to pop-up readings through the day. Read more
- Fiction
- Poetry
Journey into the Underworld
Join award-winning storyteller and Cambridge Bard Glenys Newton for a mythic journey into the Underworld. A bespoke Odyssey into the dimly-lit, cavernous, triple-tiered Bunker: the perfect canvas for spontaneous conjurings of Dante's Inferno and The Cyclop's Cave, to name but some! Read more
- Poetry
Live Poetry Juke Box
Step inside the Live Poetry Jukebox! A selection of delicious and delectable poems about love, life, hope, and fun will be waiting for you, pickled and preserved in jars, and stored in Mueller & Malten's marvellous Wunderkammer. Choose a jar and release its flavours! Poetry in the flesh to see, hear, feel, and most importantly, to savour. Read more
- Music
- Poetry
- Storytelling
- Young Essex
All Aboard the Boat that Rocked
Calling all on board the LV18 in Harwich Quay for a pirate radio revival, nautical tales, and shanty songs on deck. Below deck, the intimate and magical Live Poetry Jukebox will be waiting for you. Suitable for all ages. Read more
- Music
- Poetry
Blackwaterside
Ultramarine (Ian Cooper and Paul Hammond) present Blackwaterside, performing music inspired by their time working close to the Blackwater estuary. The performance will feature Philip Terry reading poems from his Quennets collection and a screening of the Blackwaterside film with live soundtrack based on the Survey East photography of Ian Cooper. Read more
- Poetry
The Word From Paris
The Penguin Book of Oulipo book launch. This is the first collection in English to bring together 100 pieces of "Oulipo" writing. Editor and translator Philip Terry will be joined by novelist Tony White to read and discuss selections from the book. Read more
- In partnership
- Poetry
A Fire In My Head
Nigerian poet, novelist, short-story writer and playwright Ben Okri, will be discussing his latest collection of poems A Fire in My Head with Dr Jak Peake. A powerful testament to today, the collection covers topics as far reaching as the refugee crisis, Obama, Grenfell Tower, and the impact of Covid. This is a partnership event with University of Essex. Tickets £10 / Pay What You Can Read more
- Festival Launch
- Music
- Performance
- Poetry
Launch Event: The Ballad of Shingle Street and other East Anglian poems
A performance of poetry with music featuring poet and novelist Blake Morrison accompanied by music composed and played by the multi-instrumentalist members of The Hosepipe Band. Read more
- A Criminally Good Day
- Poetry
Behind Bars
Lady Unchained is a poet, broadcaster, TEDx speaker, mentor and an advocate for life after prison. She is the founder and creative director of Unchained Poetry, a platform for artists with experience of the criminal justice system. Read more
- Midsummer Madness
- Performance
- Poetry
- Young Essex
When Creature Met Creature
Legendary author and performance poet John Agard who will delight us with a selection of readings including his 2022 children’s book When Creature Met Creature. Sure to be warm, witty, generous, and flamboyant, it is not to be missed! Read more