Arts & Culture in Essex

Gallery openings, art trails, and workshops where you'll surprise yourself. Creative stuff that doesn't require a beret.

Arts & CultureWorkshops & Classes

Free Art Jam with Art Harbour

Based on different themes, Art Jam with Art Harbour is a free opportunity to explore, experiment and develop your own art ideas.

Fri 18 SeptFirstsite

via FirstsiteLocal gem

Arts & Culture

Imaginary Landscapes: Poetry And Harp With Chris Tutton And Tara Minton

An exquisite fusion of words and music, Imaginary Landscapes brings together the spellbinding poetry of Chris Tutton, acclaimed author, performer and raconteur, coined by Ned Sherrin as “the master of the short poem” with the semi improvised harp brilliance of international jazz harpist Tara Minton.  Together they have graced stages from the Hay Festival to the Royal Albert Hall, delighting audiences at sold-out shows across the UK.

Fri 18 SeptH Q Hospitality

via H Q HospitalityCurated

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Arts & Culture

Roots Chelmsford Windrush Exhibition

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Sat 26 SeptChelmsford Museum

via Chelmsford MuseumLocal gem

Arts & CultureWorkshops & Classes

Beginner's Crochet Granny Square course (3 week course)

This beginner's friendly 3 week course is the perfect kick start to your crochet journey.

Sat 26 Sept10:30Create98two

via Create98twoCurated

Arts & Culture

Life Drawing Classes

Have you waned to take up drawing or perhaps brush up on your already established skills? Sharon will be taking classes drawing models, she’ll help you with techniques and help beginners give it a try or experienced artists practice and join in with others. For more information or to book please contact Twice monthly classes

Wed 30 Sept20:00The Red Lion

via The Red Lion

Arts & CultureMarkets & Fairs

October Antiques, Vintage and Craft Fair

Sponsored by Isaac Auctions The Battlesbridge Antiques and Vintage Fair returns to the historic showground at Battlesbridge Antiques Centre for two special dates in 2026. Following the success of last year's fair, we're excited to welcome back collectors, dealers, interior lovers and trade buyers for two carefully curated events set in the heart of Essex's most established antiques destination. Taking place at Muggeridge Farm Showground, each fair will feature over 50 exclusive stalls for the day, offering a wide and ever-changing selection of antiques and vintage finds. Expect quality pieces spanning furniture, decorative antiques, vintage homewares, collectibles, curiosities and more — with something to suit both seasoned collectors and casual browsers alike. Whether you're hunting for a statement piece, sourcing for a project, or simply enjoying a day immersed in antiques and vintage culture, the Battlesbridge Antiques and Vintage Fair is a must-visit event. Event Details Location Muggeridge Farm Showground Battlesbridge Antiques Centre Battlesbridge, Essex SS11 7RF Dates Sunday 28th June Sunday 4th October Opening Times Open to the public and trade from 9:30am Fair closes at 4:30pm Admission · Cash only · £3 entry (over 16s) What to Expect Over 50 hand-selected antique & vintage stalls Antiques, vintage furniture & collectibles Open to both public and trade buyers Easy access within the Battlesbridge Antiques Centre grounds

Sun 4 OctMuggeridge Farm

via Muggeridge FarmLocal gem

Arts & Culture

Around £36.00

Creative Writing for Fun - Week 1

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] With Bianca Garcia. Thursday mornings – 9:30am to 11:30am Starting 8th October 2026 £36.00 for the four-week course payable in advance. This four-week foundation creative writing course (2 hours per week) is designed to help absolute beginners overcome the blank page, discover their unique voice, and learn the foundational elements of storytelling in a supportive environment. Weekly Writing Prompts: Practical, low-pressure exercises to get words on the page immediately. A Safe Space: Focus is entirely on experimentation and creative play, not perfection. Digital Toolkit: Access to a signposted curated list of reading resources, formatting guides, and writing apps to use after the course ends. Course Structure & Weekly Breakdown Week 1: Finding Your Voice & Overcoming the Blank Page Week 2: Building Believable Characters Week 3: World-Building & Setting the Scene Week 4: Plot, Structure, & Sharing Your Work A notebook, pen and pencil is all that you will need to bring.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1629726733259{background-color: #efefef !important;}”][vc_column] Register your interest: Your Name (required) Your Email (required) Your Telephone Number (required) Your Postal Address (optional) Additional comments (optional) Thank you for registering your interest in one of our workshops. Our admin team will be in touch when we have more details to offer.

Thu 8 Oct10:30Braintree & Bocking Community Association

via Braintree & Bocking Community Association

Likely freeArts & CultureCommunityTalks & Lectures

Memory Café

Join others for a relaxed session at the Museum of Chelmsford to explore objects with curators and volunteers, share stories, and enjoy a cup of tea, designed for those living with dementia and their loved ones.

Mon 12 Oct11:30Chelmsford Museum

via Chelmsford MuseumLocal gem

Arts & CultureCommunity

Poetry Plus

Do you enjoy Poetry? Do you write Poetry? Do you enjoy listening to Poetry? If you do then why not join every 2nd Tuesday of the month, a positive and welcoming poetry group meet in The Pump Room here to share, listen and enjoy poetry whether its your own work or someones else’s who has inspired you or you just adore. This month to help celebrate Earth Festival taking part in Manningtree and the local area the them of Poetry will be on Earth. It’s a free group and all are welcome.

Tue 13 Oct20:30The Red Lion

via The Red Lion

Arts & Culture

Life Drawing Classes

Have you waned to take up drawing or perhaps brush up on your already established skills? Sharon will be taking classes drawing models, she’ll help you with techniques and help beginners give it a try or experienced artists practice and join in with others. For more information or to book please contact Twice monthly classes

Wed 14 Oct20:00The Red Lion

via The Red Lion

Arts & Culture

Around £36.00

Creative Writing for Fun - Week 2

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] With Bianca Garcia. Thursday mornings – 9:30am to 11:30am Starting 8th October 2026 £36.00 for the four-week course payable in advance. This four-week foundation creative writing course (2 hours per week) is designed to help absolute beginners overcome the blank page, discover their unique voice, and learn the foundational elements of storytelling in a supportive environment. Weekly Writing Prompts: Practical, low-pressure exercises to get words on the page immediately. A Safe Space: Focus is entirely on experimentation and creative play, not perfection. Digital Toolkit: Access to a signposted curated list of reading resources, formatting guides, and writing apps to use after the course ends. Course Structure & Weekly Breakdown Week 1: Finding Your Voice & Overcoming the Blank Page Week 2: Building Believable Characters Week 3: World-Building & Setting the Scene Week 4: Plot, Structure, & Sharing Your Work A notebook, pen and pencil is all that you will need to bring.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1629726733259{background-color: #efefef !important;}”][vc_column] Register your interest: Your Name (required) Your Email (required) Your Telephone Number (required) Your Postal Address (optional) Additional comments (optional) Thank you for registering your interest in one of our workshops. Our admin team will be in touch when we have more details to offer.

Thu 15 Oct10:30Braintree & Bocking Community Association

via Braintree & Bocking Community Association

Arts & CultureLive Music

Around £3

Wood & Wire – Acoustic Jam & Open Mic Night

WOOD & WIRE – ACOUSTIC JAM AND OPEN MIC NIGHT Looking for a great night out with live music and a welcoming atmosphere? Whether you’re a musician or just love good music, Wood & Wire at Fairycroft House is the perfect place to be! This relaxed and friendly event is all about enjoying great acoustic performances in a sociable setting. If you play, bring your instrument, sign up on the board, plug in, and share your sound! A full acoustic setup is provided. If you prefer to sit back and enjoy, grab a drink from the fully licensed bar and soak up the fantastic performances. When? Every third Thursday of the month Doors: 19:30 Entry: £3 (payable on the door) Where? Fairycroft House, 37 Audley Road, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 3HD Parking: Free limited on-site parking. Additional parking at Fairycroft Road Car Park (next to Waitrose) – CB10 1FJ Card payments accepted Disabled access, toilet & parking available For more details: Phone: Come along, bring your friends, and enjoy a night of live acoustic music, good company, and a great vibe!

Thu 15 Oct20:30Market Square

via Market Square

Arts & CultureWorkshops & Classes

Autumn Crochet Pumpkin Workshop

Get in the cosy, Autumnal mood with this fun crochet project.

Sun 18 Oct10:30Create98two

via Create98twoCurated

Arts & Culture

Around £36.00

Creative Writing for Fun - Week 3

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] With Bianca Garcia. Thursday mornings – 9:30am to 11:30am Starting 8th October 2026 £36.00 for the four-week course payable in advance. This four-week foundation creative writing course (2 hours per week) is designed to help absolute beginners overcome the blank page, discover their unique voice, and learn the foundational elements of storytelling in a supportive environment. Weekly Writing Prompts: Practical, low-pressure exercises to get words on the page immediately. A Safe Space: Focus is entirely on experimentation and creative play, not perfection. Digital Toolkit: Access to a signposted curated list of reading resources, formatting guides, and writing apps to use after the course ends. Course Structure & Weekly Breakdown Week 1: Finding Your Voice & Overcoming the Blank Page Week 2: Building Believable Characters Week 3: World-Building & Setting the Scene Week 4: Plot, Structure, & Sharing Your Work A notebook, pen and pencil is all that you will need to bring.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1629726733259{background-color: #efefef !important;}”][vc_column] Register your interest: Your Name (required) Your Email (required) Your Telephone Number (required) Your Postal Address (optional) Additional comments (optional) Thank you for registering your interest in one of our workshops. Our admin team will be in touch when we have more details to offer.

Thu 22 Oct10:30Braintree & Bocking Community Association

via Braintree & Bocking Community Association

Arts & Culture

Life Drawing Classes

Have you waned to take up drawing or perhaps brush up on your already established skills? Sharon will be taking classes drawing models, she’ll help you with techniques and help beginners give it a try or experienced artists practice and join in with others. For more information or to book please contact Twice monthly classes

Wed 28 Oct19:00The Red Lion

via The Red Lion

Arts & Culture

Around £36.00

Creative Writing for Fun - Week 4

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””] With Bianca Garcia. Thursday mornings – 9:30am to 11:30am Starting 8th October 2026 £36.00 for the four-week course payable in advance. This four-week foundation creative writing course (2 hours per week) is designed to help absolute beginners overcome the blank page, discover their unique voice, and learn the foundational elements of storytelling in a supportive environment. Weekly Writing Prompts: Practical, low-pressure exercises to get words on the page immediately. A Safe Space: Focus is entirely on experimentation and creative play, not perfection. Digital Toolkit: Access to a signposted curated list of reading resources, formatting guides, and writing apps to use after the course ends. Course Structure & Weekly Breakdown Week 1: Finding Your Voice & Overcoming the Blank Page Week 2: Building Believable Characters Week 3: World-Building & Setting the Scene Week 4: Plot, Structure, & Sharing Your Work A notebook, pen and pencil is all that you will need to bring.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1629726733259{background-color: #efefef !important;}”][vc_column] Register your interest: Your Name (required) Your Email (required) Your Telephone Number (required) Your Postal Address (optional) Additional comments (optional) Thank you for registering your interest in one of our workshops. Our admin team will be in touch when we have more details to offer.

Thu 29 Oct09:30Braintree & Bocking Community Association

via Braintree & Bocking Community Association

Arts & Culture

Bev Caleno - Beginners Watercolour, Poppies

This is a new and exciting day, based on a range of poopy studies I did last year for our exhibition.

Sat 7 Nov10:00Old Bank Studios

via Old Bank Studios

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