This week the Essex Book Festival launched their programme of events for 2025. Starting on 28 May and continuing through to 30 June, this year’s festival features more than 100 events taking place across the county in a spectacular celebration of literature.

The lineup of authors coming Chelmsford’s way includes well-known historian, Alison Weir, set to talk about her latest novel on 16th-century cardinal, Thomas Wolsey. There’s also Essex-based novelist, Nicolas Padamsee, who was named one of the Observer’s best new novelists for 2024; a husband and wife who write mystery novels together under pen name Ambrose Parry; and former Norfolk Police officer, Blessin Adams, who now writes about female killers in early modern Britain.

There are even more renowned creatives listed in the full Essex Book Festival 2025 programme. Check it out and book your tickets below.