ESSEX will come alive this summer with exhibitions, cinema screenings, artistic workshops and music festivals for residents and visitors of all ages. 

The Summer of Culture and Heritage will celebrate the county’s vibrant arts, cultural and heritage sectors. It will provide free and low-cost activities including: 

• children’s digital and artistic workshops in Colchester, Clacton-on-Sea and Maldon  
• countywide art trails and displays alongside exhibitions featuring The Great Baddow coin hoard, displays depicting Roman life, an Anglo-Saxon reenactment weekend and an event celebrating the 250^th anniversary of Romantic artist John Constable     
• a radio project by Phoenix FM in Brentwood which will see members of the community share and record their stories on themes like local history  
• community cinema screenings at the Electric Palace Cinema in Harwich and activities at heritage venues, such as The Essex Festival of Archaeology and Heritage at Cressing Temple Barns 
• music events for all ages in Colchester, Maldon and Thaxted, The Essex Book Festival and the Essex Film Office visitor attractions 

All the events and activities taking place are designed to celebrate the creative industries and unite the Essex cultural sector.  

This year’s Summer of Culture and Heritage will also bring local communities together, inspire residents and support participation, inclusion and pride of place. 

Since launching in 2021, Essex County Council has supported over 80 countywide art and cultural events and worked with over 15,000 schoolchildren. It has also seen arts and cultural performances take place to audiences of over 500,000 people. 

Councillor Jeff Bray, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Heritage, said: “The Summer of Culture and Heritage promotes community identity and highlights the richness of the county’s cultural landscape.  

“It brings together activities from across the cultural and creative industries, including events, exhibitions, festivals and experiences that are open and accessible to all Essex residents and visitors.  

“By partnering with the county’s arts, cultural and heritage organisations, we’re able to showcase a range of performances that are sure to delight people of all ages. There really is something for everyone in this year’s Summer of Culture and Heritage.” 

Find out more about by visiting: www.explore-essex.com/magazine/soc-guide.