About Essex Book Festival

The Essex Book Festival began in 1999 and is a highlight on many an Essex calendar. In 2011 the Festival became independent and is run by a board of volunteer directors with financial support from Essex County Council Libraries and the University of Essex.

With significant funding from the Arts Council in 2011, Essex Book Festival Extra, a programme of writer development opportunities and activities has been planned throughout the year through to 2014.

The Essex Book Festival takes place in venues across the county, including Southend and Thurrock. In March every year, events take place in all sorts of venues, including libraries, schools, universities and theatres.

We work with independent book shops around the county at our festival events enabling you to buy books by the featured author.

We also work with Just Imagine Story Centre in Chelmsford who plan events for children and their families during the Festival in March.