Essex Summer of Culture 2022

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Essex Year of Reading Exhibitions & events Culture & climate

Image credit: Braintree District Council

Scan the QR code to download the app.

Get involved in the Essex Year of Reading Essex Year of Reading aims to inspire every child to become a confident reader and develop a lifelong love of reading.

It includes a programme of exciting events and initiatives to help children and adults with their reading.

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You can also download the free Essex Year of Reading app to discover reading materials, fun activities and competitions for children and families to take part in.

Visit www.essexyearofreading.co.uk for more information.

Summer of Culture 2022 Welcome...

We’re delighted to welcome you to the official guide for the ‘Summer of Culture 2022’ – an exciting series of activities, talks and events for 2022 – and now in its second year.

We’re pleased to confirm that our theme this year will once again be ‘the world around us’ – a topic which has become increasingly important to us all following the pandemic.

Partnering with a series of arts and cultural organisations, the Essex ‘Summer of Culture 2022’ programme will showcase events and activities taking place throughout the county.

Focusing around three key strands; nature, climate, and people – the programme aims to help you as residents to connect with our beautiful green spaces and all the diverse cultural and creative events on our doorsteps.

Read on to find out more about ‘Summer of Culture 2022’ – celebrate our environment and reconnect with the world around you.

Contents Latest News

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Essex Year of Reading

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Essex Book Festival

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Landscape Imaginary

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The Essex Serpent

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Essex Climate Action Commission 16 Focal Point Gallery

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Celebrate Cultural Diversity

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Mercury Rising

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Jaywick Martello Tower

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Events and listings

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Get Connected Keep up-to-date with our news, activities and competitions. www.explore-essex.com Daniel & Clara - Landscape Imaginary

@exploressex @exploressex @exploreessex

This magazine is available as an accessible PDF. To request a copy email Explore.Essex@essex.gov.uk

Explore.Essex@essex.gov.uk

EDITORIAL: EMMA WILLIAMS AND CHRISTOPHER DAVIES CONTRIBUTORS: ESSEX BOOK FESTIVAL, ESSEX CULTURAL DIVERSITY PROJECT, LOVE ESSEX, ESSEX CLIMATE ACTION COMMISSION, LANDSCAPE IMAGINARY, MERCURY THEATRE AND ESSEX RECORD OFFICE. ADVERTISING: MARKETING.EXPLOREESSEX@ESSEX.GOV.UK THIS INFORMATION IS ISSUED BY ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL, HERITAGE, CULTURE AND GREEN SPACES. © ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL 2022 | ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL, COUNTY HALL, CHELMSFORD, CM1 1QH

Please share or recycle this magazine where possible.

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News Arts and Cultural Fund projects to launch in Essex A host of arts and cultural events and projects are to take place across the county due to the new exciting Essex County Council Arts and Cultural Fund.

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aunched in January 2022, the Arts and Cultural Fund – which will provide over £1 million in funding over five years to help support the creative sector and is part of Everyone’s Essex - was open to small and large organisations, grassroots community groups, charities and start-ups as well as many more.

Following its launch, the Arts and Cultural Fund received over 200 applications. Over 40 applications were successful and are to receive - dependent upon the size and nature of the project - between £2,500 to £22,000 in funding.

The successful applications cover a range of disciplines within the arts and cultural sector, including community activities, music, dance, theatre, photography, workshops and both digital and nondigital events.

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Councillor Graham Butland, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Arts Heritage and Culture, said: “To have received and approved so many applications of such high-quality is testament to the fantastic and highly skilled members of the creative sector that we have right here in Essex.

“The Arts and Cultural Fund is extremely important in helping and supporting the creative sector following the pandemic and I am delighted that these exciting projects, which cover a wide range of artistic and cultural disciplines, will be launched over the coming months. Be it from countryside to coast, these projects will enrich the lives of the county’s residents.”

For more information about the Arts and Cultural Fund visit: www.explore-essex.com/essex-acf-2022

News The World AroundUs Know Your Flood Risk Did you know that 36,000 properties in Essex are at risk of surface water flooding from rainfall? A lot of residents are not aware that their property is at risk, because it is often mistakenly thought that only main rivers and the sea cause serious flooding. The Floods Team at Essex County Council would like every Essex resident to know their flood risk. Essex Country Parks and The Floods Team are currently working together to design a park trail to raise awareness of flooding.

This fun and flood related trail will encourage families to follow a map to find markers around the parks with a small prize at the end. Further information and fun activities about floods, water and climate will be on the trail booklet. Look out for this coming to a country park in the autumn!

If you want to check your risk of surface water flooding visit flood.essex. gov.uk/know-your-flood-risk/check-if-you-re-at-risk-of-flooding

TravelEssex Journey Planning Made Simple

Book, Track, Ride On-demand electric transport

A new journey planning app has launched in Essex, making it easier to plan trips using sustainable transport methods. The TravelEssex app enables you to plan journeys across the county, view all bus and train routes, along with timetables, as well as showing you the best walking and cycling routes. Users can also sync their calendar to the app and save their ‘favourite’ locations, so the next journey is planned in just a few taps.

DigiGo is a new mode of public transport being piloted in parts of south Braintree and central Essex. It is a shared transport service that can be booked via the TravelEssex app. It operates on-demand, rather than having a fixed route or timetable, which puts the passenger in control of their journey. The vehicles are electric and are powered by GRIDSERVE at their Essex forecourt.

TravelEssex makes it easier for all Essex residents to make sustainable choices and leave their car at home where possible. More functionalities will be added to the free app in the upcoming months, making it an important asset to the people of Essex.

Download the TravelEssex app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

The service can be booked on short notice or up to seven days in advance. Passengers will get a guaranteed seat on a vehicle when they book and be able to track their assigned vehicle in real time on the TravelEssex app.

The service operates Monday to Sunday from 7.00am 10.00pm. For more information visit www.digigo.uk

For more information visit www.travelessex.co.uk

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Essex Year of Reading

The Essex Year of Reading is a countywide campaign created to help children and young people affected by the loss of learning during the pandemic. It is aimed at helping every Essex child to become a confident reader and leave school able to read at their age level or better.

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xcitingly the campaign is supported by leading broadcaster and children’s author, Dermot O’Leary, amongst other top authors who will run a series of events across the county throughout the year. The campaign will also provide a wide range of support and resources to those who need them – such as free books for disadvantaged children and a programme of activities and events to help adults and children with their reading.

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The Essex Year of Reading aims to inspire children to develop a lifelong love of reading through a series of events, competitions and fun challenges, such as ‘Reading in Unusual Places’. The countywide push on reading will take place across many different settings from schools and colleges, libraries, Country Parks, ACL Essex as well as care homes…and many more.

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You can also download the Essex Year of Reading app to discover activities and resources, such as short film storytelling, stories for children and adults to read, plus details on events, writing competitions and stories written by young people in Essex.

The Essex Year of Reading app is available from Google Play or the App Store. Simply search for Essex Year of Reading. For more information visit: www. essexyearofreading.co.uk

Families might be interested in Dermot O’Leary’s delightful ‘Toto the Ninja Cat’ books.

Suitable for ages seven to nine years old.

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1 – 30 June 2022

Essex Book Festival 2022 100 Events | 40 Venues | 200 Writers & Artists

essexbookfestival.org.uk

Reaching the parts other festivals do not reach Join in the fun at this year’s Essex Book Festival taking place throughout June in venues across Essex.

From author talks and debates through to storytelling sessions, workshops and live performances for all ages, there is something for everyone.

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Essex Book Festival 2022 Midsummer Madness Myths, Magic and Metamorphoses Saturday 25 June, Cressing Temple Barns Enter a wonderful world of Myths, Magic and Metamorphoses at the Midsummer Madness Day on Saturday 25 June at the Explore Essex site of Cressing Temple Barns. A day for all the family, there will be fairy trails and tales, enchanted storytelling, poetry and musical performances, inspiring author talks, children’s crafts and nature activities.

Pre-bookable events and highlights include: Discover a fresh perspective on some of our most frequently told stories with award-winning author Nicholas Jubber. He unearths the lives of the dreamers who made our most beloved fairy tales in his book The Fairy Tellers: inventors, thieves, rebels and forgotten geniuses who gave us classic tales such as ‘Cinderella’, ‘Hansel and Gretel’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Baba Yaga’.

Imaginary Landscapes: Poetry and Harp - a truly beautiful event and an exquisite fusion of words and music. With leading poet and raconteur, Chris Tutton, and harpist Anne Denholm, who served as Official Harpist to HRH the Prince of Wales from 2015-2019.

Meet Emma Beswetherick author of The Playdate Adventures – an enchanting series of books featuring best friends Katy, Cassie, and Zia as they go on amazing adventures, working together to save the planet.

And delight in Emma Beswetherick’s interactive session for children.

And so much more!

Hear from the acclaimed author of Little as he talks about his book The Swallowed Man, a beautiful and haunting imagining of the years Geppetto spends within the belly of a sea beast. Edward Carey draws upon the Pinocchio story while creating something entirely his own.

Join debut novelist Angie Bailey on an irresistible journey into the magical world of Believers and Never-Believers. The first novel in an exciting new series, Believe is designed to transcend age and to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

What! A Load of Rubbish produced by Theatre Lark Discover a new comedy magic show using discarded objects to create puppet characters, for family audiences aged four and over. Enjoy this inspiring, funny and hopeful session highlighting the effects of climate change and encouraging us all to work towards a healthier planet.

Free, but pre-booking is essential.

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Landscape Imaginary on Mersea Island

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After meeting in Brighton in 2010, arts duo Daniel and Clara have spent the last 11 years working together. After finding themselves on Mersea Island during the pandemic they recently launched their exhibition ‘On The Island’ – a series of 100 videos filmed over one year. Read on to find out more the arts duo and their forthcoming exhibitions and talks taking place across the county and beyond…

What influences your work?

Our work grows out of our encounters with place, particularly landscapes. We are interested in the psychological experience of place, the way it exists in our imagination and inner life. Over the years there have been a few places in particular that speak to us.

Fundamentally we are interested in the experience of being a human and being conscious of the world around us with all its complexity.

What does your work entail?

We like to work every day in order to keep the doors to the imagination well-oiled, as it’s like a muscle and must be exercised. This discipline – and the constant dialogue between us – is the basis for all our projects.

We also like to work on several different projects at the same time and across different media. We work with moving image, photography, performance, installation and we also create correspondence works that we post to people all over the world. We hope our work creates experiences for people to engage on a deeper level with themselves and the world around them.

You recently launched your ‘On The Island’ exhibition at East Mersea, what did the exhibition feature?

In the first lockdown, we took our hour of exercise per day to explore the island and we were struck by the emptiness everywhere, and the quality of the silence.

We began making short videos of ourselves in these landscapes, looking and listening to the environment around us. This became ‘On the Island’, a series of 100 videos filmed over one year, all shot in various parts of Mersea Island, capturing our presence here throughout the changing seasons. We’re really happy with it as ‘On The Island’ seemed to resonate strongly with so many people.

Following your ‘On The Island’ exhibition, what else do you have planned?

We’re presenting a series of exhibitions, talks and screenings across the East of England, throughout this summer concluding with a with a symposium at Norwich Castle in October. There we will be exploring the way the East Anglian landscape has inspired the imaginations and work of historic artists and writers from the region.

Throughout the summer we have a number of talks and screenings, as well as much more, at FirstSite, Colchester, Jaywick Martello Tower, and Metal Southend to name a few.

How can people find out more about you and your exhibitions?

We’ll be publishing all the details of our exhibitions and planned events on our website. Those interested can also keep up-to-date with our work via our social media channels. For more information visit: landscapeimaginary.art

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The Essex Serpent: Cudmore Grove on the small screen

Credit: Apple TV

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n 2021 film crews were spotted in locations across the eastern shores and creeks of our county, with locals extremely excited by the rumours of global acting superstars, Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes, shooting a production in Essex.

Now Apple TV have launched their mini drama-series of ‘The Essex Serpent’, an adaptation of the bestselling and award-winning novel by Essex girl Sarah Perry, and our hauntingly beautiful Essex landscapes are set to be a hit on the small screen.

Did you know that Cudmore Grove Country Park was one of the film locations?

Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston were filmed in a couple of iconic places within the park itself. The first was along the ‘cliff’ top. Here the starkly beautiful rows of trees are exposed to the elements – shaped into elegantly twisted patterns by the winter winds, and slowly falling on to the beach below as climate change and erosion work against them.

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If you plan to visit, and perhaps take a photo or two of this location, you must remember to stay away from the cliff edge. A fence marks the boundaries of the footpath.

The second setting you’ll want to explore is on the beach, at the bottom of the cliffs. Follow the path along the top, through the trees, and descend on to the shore – heading to your right. Top tip: Make sure to check tide times before you travel and come at low tides for the full atmosphere.

Here the actors were filmed digging for fossils in the striking cliffs. (Although the production used a faux cliff face, so no damage was caused as Cudmore Grove is a site of special scientific interest).

Did you know that the cliffs at Cudmore Grove are well known for their ancient prehistoric geology, providing superb sightings of gravels laid down by the Thames-Medway River during a glacial period 300,000 years ago?

Perhaps not quite revealing the finds of a serpent, Cudmore Grove is however known as the ‘hippo site’ due to the presence of ancient hippopotamus bones found here.

Sediments at beach level very occasionally yield fossils, including fossil wood and mammal bones. Deposits from a more recent interglacial period are also sometimes exposed on the foreshore, known as the Ipswichian interglacial (120,000 years old).

Make sure to follow the code of conduct if you are interested in looking for fossils and other interesting items. Stay away from the cliffs themselves to avoid further erosion and try not to disturb the wildlife which lives there. For example, in the late spring/ early summer you may spot the nesting sand martins, please avoid troubling them by getting too close.

Take a stroll back to the car through the beautiful meadow, look out for our very own Essex Serpents!

At Cudmore you may come across the resident grass snakes (don’t let your dogs in the long grass) and adders.

You might want to also drop by the new bird hide to see what you can spot before you head home.

Credit: Apple TV

Explore More A number of locations were used for filming the miniseries including the atmospheric Essex marshes at Alresford Creek near Brightlingsea, North Fambridge and Tollesbury.

The Hythe Quay at Maldon was transformed into an authentic backdrop, with the addition of barrow-loads of dirt spread across the concrete, and the iconic Thames sailing barges with their ox-blood red sails providing the perfect background.

Residents and visitors can follow in the footsteps of Claire Danes (Cora) and Tom Hiddleston (William) by exploring the incredible Essex coast and experiencing the unexpected. This summer, why not get off the beaten track and explore our stunning unspoilt creeks, salt marshes, estuaries and beaches?

Credit: Apple TV

Cudmore Grove Country Park

Plan your to visit to Cudmore Grove Country Park: www.explore-essex.com/cudmore-grove Read more about fossils at Cudmore here: ukfossils.co.uk/2008/07/10/east-mersea/ Watch The Essex Serpent on Apple TV: www.apple.com/uk/tv-home Read The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry: www.sarahperry.net/theessexserpent Explore the Essex Coast: www.visitessex.com/coastal-path

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to reduce your food waste

Did you know that the average UK family spends £730 a year on food that is thrown away? 70% of our food waste in the UK is from households, so we all have a role to play.

Here’s a few of our top tips for fighting food waste.

Plan ahead

Smart storage

Check what food you already have at home, plan a few meals for the week and make a list of what you need before you go shopping.

Make sure your fridge temperature is set below five degrees Celsius, freeze what you can before it goes off and make sure all your food is stored correctly.

Shop wisely Avoid offers unless you know you’ll eat the food, check the ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates, and choose loose fruit and veg so you only buy what you need.

Love your leftovers Pop leftovers in the fridge next day for lunch or freeze a portion to have at a later date.

Use technology Why not try downloading Kitche? This free app helps you to reduce food waste and save money at home.

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As a last resort, all food waste including eggshells, fish and/ or meat bones and coffee grounds can go in your food recycling caddy. Instead of going to landfill, your food waste will be recycled to create fertiliser and generate electricity.

If you want to find more tips to reduce the amount of food you throw away, check out the Love Essex website. www.loveessex.org

Discover the Essex Forest Initiative

Have you heard about the Essex Forest Initiative? Run by Essex County Council, this extensive tree planting project is currently in the process of organising the planting of 375,000 new trees across Essex.

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n the most recent planting season, lasting from November 2021 to March 2022, the Initiative set down 1,000 trees in Boreham, 2,500 in Rettendon, and 14,000 in Ramsey – and that’s not all. During the most recent planting season, taking place over the winter months, the Essex Forest Initiative set down over 100,000 trees across the

county. The target of 50,000 trees for the year was smashed, with over 1100 volunteer hours given up by 79 different volunteers. It was true teamwork that made this brilliant effort possible.

The purpose of the project is to combat climate change by increasing carbon absorption and encouraging biodiversity in Essex.

With a planned 150 hectares of woodland being planted, 60,000 tonnes of carbon will be locked up over the lifetime of these new trees.

To find out more about the Initiative, including volunteer opportunities for later this year, find us on Facebook @EssexForest.

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The World Around Us Essex Climate Action Commission – shaping a more sustainable Essex

The Essex Climate Action Commission has been very busy since it was established in early 2020, launching its report in July 2021. Essex County Council endorsed the report and launched its £200m Climate Action Plan in November last year. There’s no time to waste – climate change is only accelerating, meaning the time for action is here and now.

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or us in Essex, climate change is a major concern. With coastal communities and a large agricultural economy, the risk that increasing extreme weather events and sea level rises pose to us as residents, but also to our businesses and wildlife, is significant. This is why it is so important to move towards net-zero emissions as quickly as possible.

We will all need to make changes to the way we live and think, how we build, how we move around and what we consume to reach a way of living that is environmentally, economically and socially sustainable.

But finding a level of climate action that is practical sustainable for our everyday life can often be challenging.

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That’s why the Essex Climate Action Commission has developed a series of Climate Action Advice Packs to help you on your way to a more sustainable daily life, work and education.

There’s one for residents, businesses and schools. They contain lots of useful, practical and effective information on what you can do to reduce emissions through energy, waste, transport, diet, funding and, of course, the brilliant outdoors.

Check them out the Commission’s website and download for free whichever pack you need: www.essexclimate.org.uk/what-can-i-do

Meet Jules Pretty The Commission welcomed a new Chair, Professor Jules Pretty, earlier this year. Jules Pretty is Professor of Environment and Society at the University of Essex, and Director of the Centre for Public and Policy Engagement. He is formerly Deputy Vice-Chancellor (2010-2019).

His sole-authored books include Sea Sagas of the North (forthcoming, 2022), Green Minds and a Good Life (forthcoming, 2022), The East Country (2017), The Edge of Extinction (2014), This Luminous Coast (2011, 2014), The Earth Only Endures (2007), Agri-Culture (2002) and Regenerating Agriculture (1995).

He is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and the Royal Society of Arts, former Deputy-Chair of the UK government’s Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment, and has served on advisory committees for Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Royal Society. He was presenter of the 1999 BBC Radio 4 series Ploughing Eden, a contributor and writer for the 2001 BBC TV Correspondent programme The Magic Bean, and a panellist in 2007 for Radio 4’s The Moral Maze.

He received a 1997 award from the Indian Ecological Society, was appointed A D White Professor-at-Large by Cornell University from 2001, and is Chief and Founding Editor of the International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability.

He received an OBE in 2006 for services to sustainable agriculture, an honorary degree from Ohio State University in 2009, and the British Science Association Presidential Medal (Agriculture and Food) in 2015.

This Luminous Coast was winner of New Angle Prize for Literature in 2013, and The East Country was winner of the East Anglian book of the year in 2018.

Now venturing into the increasingly popular audio realm, he is host of the podcast Louder Than Words – created to encourage difficult discussions and a platform to explain how we can take action on issues we care about, like climate change.

You can find the pod at louder-than-words.castos. com (and on all pod platforms).

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Elsa James exhibition at Focal Point Gallery

Visit the new exhibition at Focal Point Gallery in Southend-on-Sea from Essex artist and activist Elsa James, as well as the return of the summer cinema on Big Screen Southend… read on to find out more.

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unning from Sunday 26 June to Sunday 18 September 2022, Elsa James’ exhibition - Othered in a region that has been historically Othered – is the first major solo display by the British African-Caribbean artist, producer and activist.

The exhibition draws on James’ lived experiences, combined with the untold stories of past and current residents, of feeling ‘othered’ in a county that has been historically ‘othered’ and explores what it means to be a black woman in Essex.

Drawing on historical, chronological and spatial dimensions, the exhibition includes several new films, sound and text. James’ work challenges both perceptions and widespread narratives and encourages audiences to reflect upon their identity.

Her work also intends to encourage support and recognition of other black residents to create a collective mindset and narrative about Essex and its people. It presents a visionary tale from forgotten black protagonists propelled into the future - which sets the stage for the presentation of her most ambitious works to date – and features the speculative presence of a black woman during the Essex Witch Trials of the 16th and 17th centuries.

By layering visual imagery with historical and cultural oppression, James’ ambitious new film work takes place across vast timelines before eventually propelling people to a future vision of Essex. The exhibition – a form of speculative fiction – will be accompanied with new sound and text-based works which explores how trauma is absorbed and perpetuated in dominated cultural narratives, something which James’ seeks to disrupt.

For more information about the ‘Othered in a region that has been historically Othered’ exhibition – which was a finalist in the Freelands Awards 2021 – please visit www.fpg.org.uk/exhibition/elsa-james

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Summer cinema on Big Screen Southend

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on’t miss the return of the summer cinema programme on Big Screen Southend.

Located on Elmer Square, just outside Focal Point Gallery, join for free each Saturday in August at 3.00pm for a family friendly film. Bring your deck chairs and blankets and enjoy a fun day for all in Southend. Sign-up to Focal Point Gallery’s newsletter at www.fpg.org.uk to find out more.

Focal Point Gallery supports the production and presentation of new and recent contemporary art that challenges us to think and feel differently about locality, our sense of self and the importance of communities.

As south Essex’s only public funded gallery for contemporary art and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, its wide-ranging and pioneering artistic programme is relevant to local and national audiences alike, through exploring current concerns that also resonate internationally.

Its activities take place in locations across the region.

Focal Point Gallery is located on the ground floor of The Forum building in Elmer Square, 100 metres from Southend Central Station.

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Celebrate Cultural Diversity in Essex

Kinetika Silk River Flags at Global Village, Cressing Temple Barns

Essex Cultural Diversity Project (ECDP) is a focal point for the celebration of diversity across Essex and beyond. Offering a year-round programme of events, exhibitions, festivals and commissions, the charity energises diversity in arts and heritage, providing opportunities for all generations to create, teach, watch and participate in activity ranging from outdoor performance to artist development, schools’ workshops to world music festivals.

As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, ECDP has many years of experience developing engagement programmes, working with a wide range of local partners and artists to break down barriers and raise awareness of equality and inclusion.

ECDP is committed to building networks, providing skills development and creating stronger communities across Essex.

For more information about ECDP visit www.essexcdp. com. Sign-up to their newsletter and follow on social media to get the latest updates on events and activities taking place local to you.

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Mercury Rising

Steve Mannix

Mercury Rising, a five-year project to rejuvenate the Mercury Theatre in Colchester, was completed last year. Here we talk to Chief Executive, Steve Mannix, about what the project entailed and what he hopes the future of The Mercury Theatre will look like.

How long did the Mercury Rising project take and what did it entail?

The original Mercury Theatre building opened in 1972 but it was starting to show signs of age, so the Mercury Rising project started in the early summer of 2016 and we opened in June 2021, after delays due to the pandemic.

Not only have we improved the experience for audiences and artists alike but for this is the first time in our history our staff all work under one roof. Now we have an on- site rehearsal space, dedicated space for our community and education programme, meeting rooms and we are now fully accessible.

Throughout the project - which cost £11.6 million - we have been generously supported by Essex County Council, Colchester Borough Council, South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), Arts Council England, the European Regional Development Fund, Sport England, Trusts and Foundations and individual donors and sponsors.

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There were many overarching aims of the project, however, one was to improve the spaces and facilities that support the production and presentation of high-quality theatre and associated arts activities by professional and nonprofessional artists.

Following the project’s completion, we now have the opportunity to unlock major creative benefits for the Mercury, Colchester, Essex and East Anglia – as well as the wider theatre economy – which will cement the Mercury as a centre of national standing here in the East of England.

Mercury Rising was an ambitious project, is there anything you are particularly proud of?

We now been open for nearly a year and I continue to be grateful to our staff, contractors and suppliers for all their hard work and dedication but I’m proud of many things.

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Firstly, from a budget of £11.6 million we spent £10 million in the local economy of north Essex.

Throughout COVID-19, our project was a lifeline to many of these businesses, but they kept going. We really are a building ‘built by local people, for local people’. Next is that our new building achieved a BREEAM Environmental standard which means we are in the top 25% of sustainable buildings in the UK. Finally, I’m proud that our audiences and users love the spaces we’ve created, which they continue to tell us each and every day.

How much have you increased the capacity at the venue?

We’ve increased the seating capacity of the theatre to 530 seats and launched an all-day/evening café/bar and catering operation we’ve tried our best to source local produce from local suppliers – and as a charity all the profits from sales goes to support our work.

Also, there’s more space to hire for local groups and organisations – be it for meetings, shows or conferences. We’ve also created a dedicated creative learning space and an open plan office space for the theatre’s staff and resident partners along with installing 15 new hot desks for local artists and creative businesses. We’ve also transformed the exterior to create a plaza and open access to the Roman wall which runs adjacent to the theatre.

This summer look out for our new programme of Dance Schools from across Colchester and Essex presenting their end of year shows.

Did the local arts and culture community play an important part during the project and if so, how?

The local arts and culture community were vital in helping us with the project. Very early in the process we consulted a wide variety of groups about what they wanted such as onsite storage, the size of spaces, the overall ‘look and feel’, access for disabled people and the needs of children, young people and families. Now it’s a joy to see all those groups meeting weekly with us.

How important are local community groups, art and grassroot organisations to the Mercury Theatre?

Our local community is vital to our work. They say, ‘build it and they will come’ and it’s true. Would you believe that after a year after opening we’re running out of space? We have over 40 different community groups using our spaces each week –music and movement with tots, to senior clubs, two community choirs, dance classes, our Mercury Youth Theatre and even drag workshops. We’ve had to increase the amount of workshops and sessions we offer!

What do you see as the future of arts and culture in Colchester and Essex in general?

As we all still emerge from the impact of the pandemic it never been more important for us all to come together – whether that’s seeing a show, band or concert or going to a gallery. The arts bring us together. The arts and cultural scene in Colchester and throughout Essex have been hard hit but I genuinely feel optimistic for the future. Yes, these are tough times for us all but go and support your local arts scene.

Do you have any interesting or exciting plans or productions for 2022?

Some highlights include our summer family show ‘Alice in Wonderland’, our panto ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (including the now famous adult version) and we also have ‘Good Luck Studio’ coming this October from the creators of ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’. We are over the moon to be hosting a world premiere – one really not to miss – honest.

The Mercury Theatre is 50-years-old; do you have any special plans to celebrate the milestone moment?

We are planning a wide range of events to celebrate our birthday this summer. It’s the 50th anniversary of us being based in Balkerne Gardens, Colchester, but the organisation is actually 85 this year as we were originally founded in 1937 and based in the High Street.

For more information about the Mercury Theatre and its upcoming programme visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

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History and art, Jaywick Martello Tower has it all

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Take a trip to Jaywick Martello Tower and you’ll discover an arts, community and heritage venue that is steeped in history.

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uilt in 1809, Jaywick Martello Tower was originally one of 29 Martello Towers constructed on the east coast of England to help defend the country against the threat of invasion from Bonaparte and his army.

Named after the military sea defence at Mortella Point Tower in Corsica, near Italy, Martello Towers have walls that are two to three metres thick and approximately 10 metres high. The Mortella Point Tower withstood the force of a bombardment - which saw over 100 cannons fired from two English battleships – and the sea defence was only defeated after a fire broke out in the tower.

The British Navy was so impressed - with the tower’s strength and how it had withstood the bombardment - they took the towers measurements before they left Corsica. These measurements formed the basis for the size and shape of the English Martello Towers that you see today.

The east coast Martello Towers were constructed with approximately 750,000 London Clay bricks which were made in Grays, Essex, and transported to the sites by barges.

Historically, the east coast towers would have featured three cannons – usually with a 24-pounder facing out to sea with two smaller Howitzers either side. Today, Jaywick Martello Tower features a replica cannon to help bring history alive.

Purchased by Essex Country Council in 2002 and following grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and English Heritage - Jaywick Martello Tower has been renovated and transformed into an arts and heritage venue which provides fun educational tours for schools and community groups.

Hosting thousands of visitors every year, Jaywick Martello Tower has become an extremely popular arts, community and heritage venue - so take a trip and bring the past to life.

For more information about Jaywick Martello Tower and a host of events visit www.explore-essex.com/jaywick-martello-tower

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New Marconi Company heritage walking trail launched

A new heritage walking trail featuring audio and visual stories from former Marconi Company workers has been launched on the mobile phone app, GoJauntly.

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vailable for free on GoJauntly, the app trail is part of the Essex Record Office (ERO) Communicating Connections: Sharing the Heritage of Marconi’s Wireless World project, which aims to preserve the history and memories of former Marconi Company employees.

Bringing to life the history of the company founded by Guglielmo Marconi - who made the first transatlantic wireless communication to Newfoundland, Canada - the three walks vary in length, from 12 miles to a circular four mile and a short one-mile route.

Starting and finishing at Chelmsford railway station, all the walks go past the former Marconi factory in New Street. On the walks, people can listen to the oral histories of former Marconi factory workers including one of the company’s first female apprentices in the 1970s, Barbara Stephens OBE.

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Other audio recordings tell the story of what life was like working at the factory, as well as living in the communal lodgings, while visual historical images of Chelmsford throughout the years are also available to view as you walk the route.

As part of the Communicating Connections: Sharing the Heritage of Marconi’s Wireless World project - funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Essex 2020 - the ERO has also digitised over 150,000 images which are available for the public to view at the ERO and Chelmsford Museum.

The ERO also hosted a highly successful exhibition at the High Chelmer Shopping Centre, Chelmsford, which featured some of the audio and visual history available on the GoJauntly app.

To view Marconi Company heritage trail visit www.gojauntly.com/marconi

The ERO regularly hosts talks and events. Coming soon are: ERO presents: The Story of Boxted Airfield Tuesday 5 July 10.30 – 12.00pm Tickets: £5.75 Join speaker Richard Turner as he describes how a Second World War airfield and 3000 military personnel affected a small village.

Essex Book Festival: Re-Writing the Archive: Flooding and climate change Sunday 23 July 11.00am – 2.00pm Tickets: Pay what you can, suggested £5 donation.

Join environmental writer and poet, Wendy Constance, for this writing workshop exploring the archives of Essex floods.

ERO Presents: Big Boys Toys - The History of Ernest Doe & Sons Limited 1898 to present day Tuesday 6 September 10.30am – 12.00pm Tickets: £5.75 Join speaker Graham Parker as he talks about the family firm, Ernest Doe, which can trace its history back to their first blacksmith’s shop in Ulting near Maldon opening in 1898.

ERO will also host the Manifesto for Essex Youth Summit Saturday 17 September The Manifesto for Essex is a creative platform for young people living in Essex and beyondto express their thoughts and ideas about tackling climate change. Part of the event will include the handing over of a special Manifesto for Essex Zine created in part by Southend based artist and founder of GrrrlZine Fair, Lu Williams.

For more information visit: www.essexrecordoffice.co.uk/events

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What’s on this Summer 2022

Audley End House and Gardens

Victorian Horses of Audley End

Brentwood

A Very Victorian Weekend

Sunday 28 – Monday 29 August

Art Trail

Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 July Join us for a jam-packed Victorian extravaganza of family fun and experience history first hand. Have a go at our traditional Victorian games, from the coconut shy to hoopla, try your hand at archery, laugh at the jester’s japes and experience interactive plays and stories. Days out with the kids have never been more rewarding. Suitable for all, especially families.

Book online now and save: www. english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whatson/audley-end-a-very-victorianweekend-23-24-july-2022

Take in the thrilling spectacle of Victorian skill as Audley End’s amazing animals soar, gallop and prance through the house’s beautiful grounds. Book online now and save. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ whats-on/audley-end-victorianhorses-28-29-aug-2022 Lakeside Aqua Park Saturday 28 May – Sunday 25 September Opening times may vary Slip, Slide Splash and share a lifetime of laughs on a giant inflatable obstacle course featuring the UK’s highest drop of 5.5m, The Tornado Tower, The Flip or Flop, Demolition Balls and much more. Suitable for children age six plus, friends, families, sports teams, colleagues and adrenaline junkies alike. Must be confident in the water and able to swim 25m. Online booking essential: aquaparkgroup.co.uk/ aqua-park-lakeside

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Saturday 4 June – Sunday 26 June The annual Brentwood Art Trail is a great way to enjoy the artwork of talented local artists, exhibiting in June in a wide variety of venues in the borough. Visit pop-up galleries and attend creative workshops and events in Brentwood, Ingatestone and Shenfield as part of this Trail.

Supported by the Brentwood Business Partnership, sponsored by Beresfords and Tees. Suitable for all ages. www.brentwoodarttrail.co.uk Beth Chatto Estate The Beth Chatto Symposium: ‘Rewilding the Mind’ Thursday 1 September Friday 2 September An exciting combination of leading horticulturists, garden designers, conservationists, landscape architects, developers, planners, academia & local authority interdisciplinary teams, to discuss the meaning, purpose and best practice of ecological and sustainable planting for the 21st century. www.bethchatto.co.uk/thebeth-chatto-symposium-2022

What’s on this Summer 2022 Beth Chatto’s Plants and Gardens

English Cream Tea Company

Now until Monday 31 October Tuesday to Saturday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Late Summer Afternoon Tea with etiquette quiz

A unique visitor attraction, privately owned and managed, dedicated to continuing Beth Chatto’s ethos of gardening in an ecological and sustainable way. Gardens include Gravel, Water, Reservoir, Scree and Woodland. Visitors can browse the well-established nursery, an inspirational treasure trove of highquality, unique, unusual plants, mostly propagated on site, ideal for the most discerning gardener.

Plants can be purchased from the nursery or online. The Beth Chatto Education Trust offers a varied annual programme of courses, workshops and events, including practical gardening courses over eight to 12 weeks. Courses and workshops to suit everyone. www. bethchatto.co.uk Clacton Heritage Trail Now running The Clacton Heritage Trail celebrates Clacton-on-Sea’s 150th birthday. The trail covers more than five miles of beautiful coastline and engages with local schools, elder care settings and the wider community. Interactive technology brings history to life to convey Clacton’s story and the town’s heritage. Listening benches and audio posts connect individuals with stories of Clacton through the years. www.tendringdc.gov.uk/ leisure/clacton-150

Family Fun drop in: Make an animal mask Tuesday 2 August

Saturday 17 September Join us for this delicious Afternoon Tea treat at The Secret Sconery with a fun British Etiquette Quiz on Afternoon Tea customs. Cost: £39.95 www.englishcreamtea.com/alate-summer-afternoon-tea-withetiquette-quiz-17th-sept-2022 Epping Forest District Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition

Join us anytime between 10.30am and 3.30pm to have a go at making your own animal mask, inspired by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Suitable for five to 11-year-olds. Cost: £2.40. www. eppingforestdc.gov.uk/museum/ whats-on/activities-for-children Family Fun drop in: Print an animal picture Tuesday 9 August

Now until Saturday 27 August The world-renowned exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, and featuring exceptional images which capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.

For more information and opening hours see www.eppingforestdc. gov.uk/museum Family Fun drop in: Make a creature from clay Tuesday 26 July and Tuesday 23 August Join us to have a go at making your own creature out of clay, inspired by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Suitable for five to 11-years-old. Cost: £2.40. www. eppingforestdc.gov.uk/museum/ whats-on/activities-for-children

Join us anytime between 10.30am and 3.30pm to have a go at printing your own animal picture, inspired by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Suitable for five to 11-year-olds. Cost: £2.40. www. eppingforestdc.gov.uk/museum/ whats-on/activities-for-children Family Fun drop in: Make your own paper puppet pet Tuesday 16 August Join us anytime between 10.30am and 3.30pm to have a go at making your own paper puppet pet, inspired by the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. Suitable for five to 11-year-olds. Cost: £2.40. www. eppingforestdc.gov.uk/museum/ whats-on/activities-for-children Discover a series of drawing, painting and college workshops.

Wednesday 24 August – Friday 26 August eppingforestdc.bookinglive.com

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What’s on this Summer 2022 Essex Record Office

Literacy Outside

Great Lodge

ERO Presents: a series of talks every Tuesday

Thursday 30 June

The Soprano Behind The Screen

www.essexrecordoffice.co.uk/events Essex Book Festival: Re-Writing the Archive: Flooding and climate change Sunday 23 July: 11.00am - 2.00pm Tickets: Pay what you can, suggested £5 donation Join environmental writer and poet, Wendy Constance, for this writing workshop exploring the archives of Essex floods. essexbookfestival.org. uk/event/re-writing-the-archivewith-southend-museums Essex Wildlife Trust #30DaysWild Throughout June Join The Wildlife Trusts’ biggest campaign of the year and get ‘wild’ for the whole month of June.

Challenge yourself to walk outdoors every day, read about wildlife, plant wildflowers in your garden or listen to birdsongs – sign-up to this free nature challenge and get connected with nature in Essex. www.essexwt.org.uk/get-involved/ campaigns/30-days-wild

Get outside and create stories, let nature inspire you at Langdon Nature Discovery Park, Basildon.

Learn how nature can be your creative muse at this outdoor event. Pre-booking required. www. essexwt.org.uk/events/2022-06-30literacy-outside Nature Nursery Summer Camp Monday 25 July – Wednesday 31 August Make this the wildest summer yet with den building, pond dipping, bug hunting, seed planting, bird watching, bug hotel building and outdoor learning at Essex Wildlife Trust’s Nature Nursery. Suitable for two to five-years-old. Booking required. www.essexwt.org.uk/ what-we-do/outdoor-learning/ nature-nursery Explore Essex Mills Open days Visit Alderford, Beeleigh, Finchingfield, Mountnessing and Stock. View the latest details and opening times: www.explore-essex. com/places-to-go/heritage-places Firstsite The Singh Twins: Slaves of Fashion Saturday 7 May– Sunday 11 September Explore narratives around Empire, enslavement and luxury consumerism and their connection to India’s historical textile trade and our world today, in this colourful and thought-provoking exhibition from The Singh Twins. Presented at Firstsite, Museum of the Year 2021.

Curated in partnership with Essex Cultural Diversity Project. Free entry and suitable for all. firstsite.uk/event/ the-singh-twins

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Sunday July 17 Evening of songs from classic movie musicals in tribute to Marnie Dixon, the unknown and unacknowledged singing voice behind Audrey Hepburn, Deborah Kerr and Marilyn Monroe to name but a few. Suitable for all. Tickets from www.greatlodge.co.uk Great Leighs Leigh Folk Festival Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 June Popular Leigh Folk Festival is back in time for its 30th anniversary following a two-year hiatus, taking place on the last weekend of June.

The UK’s largest free folk festival is a celebration of everything folk and arts, with music, dance, comedy, poetry, storytelling, workshops, open-mic events, children and family activities, independent makers and street food. www. leighfolkfestival.com Green Island’s Summer Fayre Saturday 30 July Sunday 31 July A special occasion to visit the gardens and enjoy the sights and smells of summer with the giant tree lilies. Come and support our local artists and crafts people at our summer craft fayre. Suitable for all ages. www. greenislandgardens.co.uk

What’s on this Summer 2022 The Harwich Festival Wednesday 22 June – Sunday 3 July Annual Festival of the Arts. Live music of all genres (classical, rock, folk, jazz and pop), theatre, dance, film and children’s workshops. www. harwichfestival.com Hedingham and Chambers in Claction Clacton Breeze Saturday 28 May – Saturday 3 September A trip to Clacton isn’t complete without a ride on an open top bus – it’s the best way to see the sights. Great family day out for £6.40. Step on board at Clacton Pier Marine Parade.

Thirty-minute round trip. www. hedinghamandchambers.co.uk Hedingham Castle The Pantaloons present War of the Worlds Wednesday 13 July Gates open at 6.00pm for 7.00pm start The critically acclaimed Pantaloons invade the stage in this funny yet faithful open-air adaptation of H. G. Wells’ sci-fi classic as they use musical instruments, puppetry and enthusiasm to recreate deadly heat-rays, giant fighting-machines, squidgy tentacled Martians and interplanetary warfare on an epic scale. Suitable for adults and children (recommend aged 10-years-old and over). www. hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events

Chapterhouse Threat Company presents Pride and Prejudice Wednesday 3 August Gates open at 5.00pm for 6.00pm start Take a step back in time as we meet Elizabeth Bennett and her sisters. Join family and friends for what promises to be the most splendid evening of the summer as you picnic under a beautiful summer sky and lose yourself in this unforgettable love story. Suitable for adults and children (recommend aged 10-years-old and over). www. hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events Box Tree Productions present The Three Musketeers

Knights of Arkley Joust Sunday 28 August Monday 29 August: 10.00am The Castle grounds will be filled with medieval magic as the Knights of Arkley battle it out in front of the ancient Keep. A fantastic day out for the whole family. Gates open at 10.00am each day, with the first joust starting at approximately midday.www.hedinghamcastle. co.uk/events Hylands Estate Open Estate Day Sunday 17 July, Sunday 21 August and Sunday 18 September

Wednesday 10 August Gates open at 4.00pm for 5.00pm start Young D’Artagnan comes to the big city with one aim, to follow in his father’s footsteps and become one of the King’s Musketeers. This family friendly musical will be an incredible mix of amazing adventure, magical music, comical characters and swashbuckling sword fights. Suitable for the whole family. www. hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events

Hylands House opens its doors to reveal the secrets behind its history with an exhibition displayed every Open Estate Day in the library.

The Farmers’ and Craft Market is a treasure trove of fresh, local food, drink, and crafts direct from the producers and makers. The Stables, home to a vibrant community of artists, designers, and makers, will be open for exploring. Free, all the family. www.Hylandsestate.co.uk/ explore/openestate

The Pantaloons present Much Ado About Nothing Tuesday 16 August Gates open at 6.00pm for 7.00pm start There’s plenty to shout about in The Pantaloons’ take on Shakespeare’s timeless summer comedy of masks, music and mistaken identities.

Suitable for adults and older children (recommend aged 14-years-old and over). www.hedinghamcastle. co.uk/events

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What’s on this Summer 2022 The Stables Summer Series

Dinosaurs in the Park

Sunday 19 June, Sunday 17 July Sunday 21 August and Sunday 18 September

Thursday 18 August Sunday 4 September

Hylands Estate x Hotbox Events Join us for a brand-new event for 2022 - The Stables Summer Series.

On selected evenings throughout the summer, a programme of some of the best upcoming music acts on the circuit will perform in the Stables courtyard. Acts for all dates to be announced. Tickets for each evening will go on sale soon, priced £10 - £15. Recommended for ages 16-years-old plus. www.hylandsestate.co.uk/events

Created by the organisers of successful attractions like ‘Dinosaur Encounters’ mini golf and the Bristol Christmas Markets, Dinosaurs in the Park is a whole day of fun for all the family. Featuring 35 lifesized animatronic models, the attraction boasts a feeding zone, dinosaur trail, and fairground rides. Walk the trail to discover well-known favourites such as the Stegosaurus, Triceratops and Velociraptor, and meet the hungry T-Rex. Suitable for dinosaur fans big and small. www.dinosaursinthepark. co.uk/chelmsford

Immersion Theatre: Rapunzel

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men: As You Like It

Monday 15 August

Tuesday 23 August

Let your hair down and get tangled in a brand-new musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Rapunzel.

Immersion Theatre proudly presents a witty, pantomimic, tonguein-cheek retelling of the family favourite complete with a laugh out loud script, a host of catchy songs, heaps of audience interaction, and an exciting array of larger-than-life characters. Tickets for Adults, over65’s and children under 16-yearsold available. hylandsestate. co.uk/events

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The Lord Chamberlain’s Men – with a history stretching back to William Shakespeare himself – invite you to join them this summer for the sparkling comedy, As You Like It. One of the UK’s finest touring theatre companies present this great play as Shakespeare first saw it performed – in the open air, by an all-male cast and with Elizabethan costumes, music and dance. This rustic romp packed with music, laughs, cross-dressing confusion and a dash of wrestling will keep you smiling to the last. Suitable for Shakespeare lovers of all ages. www.hylandsestate.co.uk/events

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The National Country Show Live Hosted at Hylands Estate, organised by Aztec Events Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September The National Country Show Live is a two-day outdoor event, offering a great day out for the family. The show features country shopping, food, entertainment, animals, live music, have-a-go activities, stunning arena displays, as well as all of your traditional country show finds. Suitable for all the family. www.hylandsestate.co.uk/ events/the-national-country-showlive-2/2022-09-17 Layer Marney Tower Cosi Fan Tutte, Orlando Joplin Thursday 7 July, Saturday 9 July and Sunday 10 July Three opportunities to enjoy Mozart’s Opera in our recently renovated Quintin’s Barn. Sung in English by a stunning cast of young singers, with the orchestral score played by six eminent chamber musicians in a new realisation by Orlando Jopling. Doors open 6:00pm. The performance will be in two halves of just over an hour each. The Sunday performance would suit a family audience. www.layermarneytower. co.uk/events/essex-opera-festivalcosi-fan-tutte

What’s on this Summer 2022 Henry VIII celebration Sunday 21 August: 11.00am – 5.00pm 500-years-ago, Henry VIII came to visit his long-time friend and Courtier, Henry Marney, at The Tower. Join our celebration to commemorate this important event. Follow Henry VIII as he walks around the buildings, listen to his speech to Lord Marney on the steps in front of the tower and see him be treated by The Cunning Woman in our beautifully renovated barn.

Come and join in, see the spectacle, try your hand at Archery, mend your ails and dance a Maypole. Fancy Dress welcome but not essential. www.layermarneytower.co.uk/ events/500-year-celebration-ofhenry-viiis-visit Secret Garden Ballet New Creations Collective Sunday 24 July: 4.00pm – 5.00pm Performed by an accomplished cast of dancers and musicians, the iconic story is brought to life like never before, in this high-quality, one-hour ballet. With a brand-new score and original choreography, The Secret Garden offers an enchanting, unforgettable experience for adults and children alike. www. layermarneytower.co.uk/events/thesecret-garden-ballet Ingatestone Hall Jazz Concert featuring The Jive Aces and The Salty Town Six Saturday 2 July: 6.15 pm Presented by The Rotary Club of Ingatestone. Charity Concert in aid of Marie Curie, CHESS Homeless and other local charities. Bar and food available but bring your own picnic. Tickets from: www. summereveningjazz.co.uk

Outdoor Concert – Shades of Simon

Lee Valley Park White water to Wildlife a guided walk

Saturday 16 July: 7.00pm Presented by Colin Davies. A five piece band celebrates the life and music of Paul Simon.

Tickets from Colin Davies, 07931 362792.

Flower Festival Thursday 21 – Sunday 24 July: 10.30am – 5.00pm Presented by The London & Overseas Area of the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies. Stunning floral displays on the theme of “Nostalgia”. Floral art demonstrations and trade stands.

Tickets: 07943 379962.

Outdoor Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

by William Shakespeare

Sunday 24 July Led by Lee Valley’s volunteers, wander from Lee Valley White Water Centre through the beautiful River Lee Country Park to the Wildlife Discovery Centre. Suitable for all ages. www.visitleevalley.org.uk/ event-listings/white-water-towildlife---a-guided-walk Pygmalion by Myddelton House Gardens Saturday 9 July Come and see if a flower girl can really become a fair lady in this classic tale, set in the beautiful surrounding of the gardens. Suitable for all ages. www.visitleevalley.org.uk/eventlistings/pygmalion

Monday 1 August: 7.00pm Presented by The Festival Players International. The ever-popular comic fantasy that tells of four lovers having an argument in the Atheniam woods at midnight but are confused by fairies who are only trying to help. Throw in some magic and an amateur actor who unsuspectingly becomes the fairy queen’s love interest…oh, and a magic set of ass’s ears. Tickets: www.thefestivalplayers.co.uk

The Wind In The Willows by Myddelton House Gardens Saturday 20 August Enjoy a picnic on the lawn of the gardens as Mole, Ratty and Badger go on their wild adventure to save Toad and his new car. Suitable for all ages. www.visitleevalley. org.uk/event-listings/the-windin-the-willows

Morris Dancing Monday 29 August: 1.30pm – 2.30pm Presented by Mayflower Morris Men. Mayflower Morris from Billericay have been performing their traditional dances, under the watchful eye of their mascot, Bill the Badger, up and down the county since 1973. Advance booking not required.

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What’s on this Summer 2022 Metal Culture

Markshall Estate

Naze Tower Summer Exhibition

Reciprocity Forest

Sculpture in the Walled Garden

May onwards

Saturday 23 July – Sunday 4 September

Saturday 18 June – Sunday 4 September

Reciprocity Forest is a brand new site-specific Augmented Reality (AR) app for NetPark by Joanna Sperryn-Jones that involves the local community in creating a virtual forest. This wellbeing-focused, user-generated content app leads participants on a meditative and creative journey to contribute to a virtual forest, growing with each visit. www.metalculture. com/reciprocity NetPark Wellbeing project Discover a free support system for people with mental health and wellbeing concerns aged 16-yearsold and over. A safe space for our community to make friends and explore their creativity. Courses include Dementia Groups, Art and Wellbeing Groups, Journaling Group, Digital Art Group, Yoga Art and Trauma Education Groups. www. metalculture.com/projects/netparkwellbeing-project Drawing in the Park Fridays: 9.30am – 12.30pm Experiment with drawing and painting methods during with these relaxed, guided sessions at Metal Art School. Discover materials such as inks, gold leaf, gouache, pastels, stencilling and blow pens as we look at Chalkwell Park and our local foliage in a new way. Tea and cake provided. All levels of artists very welcome. www.metalculture.com/ event/drawing-in-the-park

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130 sculptures will be making their way to the stunning landscape of the Walled Garden, this summer. 25 sculptors have produced a stunning variety of pieces to suit everyone’s style, garden, and budget. www. markshall.org.uk/whatsonevent/ sculpture-in-the-walled-garden Immersion Theatre presents Much Ado About Nothing Friday 12 August Having developed a reputation for producing first class, highly original adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays, Immersion Theatre now bring the world’s best-known battle of the sexes vividly to life. The riotous struggle for love and power explodes onto the stage with audience interaction, heaps of comedy, and an electric soundtrack. www. markshall.org.uk/whatsonevent/ much-ado-about-nothing Immersion Theatre presents Rapunzel Monday 22 August This fast paced, larger than life production contains all the ingredients Immersion’s loyal audiences have come to love and expect, including a laugh out loud script, heaps of audience interaction, a host of catchy songs, unforgettable characters, and maybe even the odd water gun or two! With magic and mayhem throughout, this is one hair raising adventure the family won’t want to miss. www.markshall.org.uk/ whatsonevent/rapunzel

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Explore this historic landmark and discover over six floors work by fifteen East Anglian artists working in a range of media. Also includes a cafe, museum and spectacular coastal views from the top. Suitable for everyone. www.nazetower.co.uk Rayleigh Windmill Open to the public Now to Wednesday 28 September, Wednesdays 10.00am –1.00pm, Saturdays and Sundays 1.00pm – 4.00pm The Rayleigh Windmill is a 200+ year old Grade II listed building, which contains a museum, exhibition space and information about Rayleigh Mount. Visitors will be welcomed by our enthusiastic and knowledgeable group of volunteers, who will be pleased to talk about how the windmill once worked. For the brand-new Virtual Tour and further details on exhibitions and special events visit: www.rochford. gov.uk/windmill Saffron Hall Aurora Orchestra: Beethoven 5 from memory Sunday 31 July: 4.00pm Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is made all the more exciting in a performance given entirely from memory Saffron Hall. www. saffronhall.com/whats-on/view/ aurora-orchestra-beethoven5-from-memory

What’s on this Summer 2022 National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain Friday 5 August: 7.00pm The National Youth Orchestra brings its trademark exuberance and vitality to Saffron Hall again this summer. www.saffronhall.com/ whats-on/view/national-youthorchestra-of-great-britain

Saffron Walden Carnival

Focal Point Gallery

Friday 8 – Saturday 16 July

Elsa James exhibition: Othered in a region that has been historically Othered

Enjoy the Saffron Walden Carnival ‘8 Day Weekend’ organised by Saffron Walden Round Table. THE ‘8 Day Weekend’ is a carnival celebration bursting with music, fun and events for the whole family. www.8dayweekend.co.uk

Rochford District

Pooty Pools Farm

Heritage Tapestry

Writtle Sunflowers

Tuesday 14 June Wednesday 20 July

Late July – End of August

Southend Forum Friday 22 July Wednesday 24 August Rayleigh Town Museum Come and see the Rochford District Heritage Tapestry on its tour of the district and beyond. The scenes have been designed by local artists and historians, then interpreted by over 60 adults using a wide range of techniques, including embroidery, appliqué, knitting and felting. 80 local school children have also been involved in some of the felt work.

The 10 panels form a timeline that covers over 1,000 years of local history and change. Suitable for all ages. www.rochfordtown.com/ heritage-tapestry

Discover the Essex Explorer magazine, a quarterly magazine with fascinating features, spotlight articles, inspirational lifestyle ideas, competitions and all of the latest news from across our parks and places. www.explore-essex.com/ essex-explorer

Sunday 26 June Sunday 18 September The first major solo exhibition

by British African-Caribbean artist, producer and activist Elsa James. www.fpg.org.uk/ exhibition/elsa-james Big Screen Southend

Visit our small family farm, where we’ve been running a PYO sunflower and mixed flower patch in the Essex countryside for almost twenty years. Featuring a small maze and a beautiful picnic area, refreshments available. Flowers and weather dependant, please see social media for updates.

Suitable for all. In dry weather the ground is fine for pushchairs and wheelchairs, but it can be uneven and muddy. Pre-booking essential: www.writtlesunflowers.weebly.com

Each Saturday in August 3.00pm Located on Elmer Square, just outside Focal Point Gallery, join us for free for a family friendly film each Saturday. www.fpg.org.uk

* Listings provided by Visit Essex Members Find out more about Visit Essex and sign-up to become a member: www.visitessex.com/industry-andpress/become-a-member

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SAVE with the Essex Country Parks

Explorer Pass

Get out and about

Annual car parking at 7 Essex Country Parks

10% discount at many cafés

From as little as

£1.0e0 k a we

Buy online: explore-essex.com/explorer-pass

SCAN ME