For those that don't know me, hi! My name is Bucky. I'm a local artist and was appointed earlier this year as Ignite's Community Manager. I've been an Ignite Member and Partner for years, I used to own a comic shop in Chelmsford, and I've got a wealth of experience...

A new event for Chelmsford presented in the beautiful and historical Shire Hall which will bring together creatives from across the county and offer a cultural destination and experience for residents and visitors to the City. The Hive Zine Fair was a hint of an idea...

Shout Out to Makers, Artists, and Designers! Exciting News! 2 prime ground floor studios have become available at Hylands Estate – stunning spaces nestled in the charming Stables. Why You’ll Love It: Exclusive Ground-Floor Spaces: Enjoy working and selling in our...

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Kirsty Cornell. How would you describe...

As a lifelong procrastinator, it has taken me a while to write this blog. Do you know what the hardest part was? Just actually, properly starting. Often I tell myself that creative tasks will take too long, or I’m too tired, or I’m too busy – and, yes, sometimes those...

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Lynn Excell. How would you describe what...

This month we heard from two exciting Chelmsford based creatives. First up was Vignesh Vyas, Filmmaker, Occupational Therapist and operational lead for Mid-Essex Recovery College. Vignesh described how he uses the power of filmmaking to help people ‘preview’ what they...

On the outskirts of the bustling city of Chelmsford in the town of South Woodham Ferrers, there is a small community of creatives who are gathering together and finding their voice. We are the South Woodham Ferrers Creatives. We came together as the profile of art in...

Ignite member Nat Guinamard reflects on her practice, and current Gallery Wall exhibition in Chelmsford Museum.  The Gallery Wall is a joint initiaitve between Ignite and Chelmsford Museum to provide permanent, high quality, visual art exhibition space in Chelmsford....

Ignite member Paul Mumford gives his views on the music industry - a topic recently explored by at the October Ignite Social.  Our county has a rich musical heritage with musicians like Charli XCX, Blur and Depeche Mode all starting their journeys in Essex....

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Vignesh Vyas. How would you describe...

We are pleased to share some exciting training opportunities provided by Chelmsford City Council's Economic Development Team. The 'Get Better in Chelmsford' workshop series has returned this month,  offering free marketing sessions to Chelmsford businesses, designed...

The second Thursday of every month Ignite holds a free in person get together, 7pm at Patch in Chelmsford city centre. These Socials as we call them provide a friendly welcoming environment for people interested in creativity to meet, chat and make links. We also hear...

In May, we saw the streets of Chelmsford city centre brighten up once again with this year’s Concrete Canvas Festival. This year, Spark co-created Concrete Canvas Classroom, a street art competition for children and young people to give them the chance to play the...

The third annual Skills Fest, hosted by Chelmsford City Council, on June 27 at Writtle University College, was an incredible day bursting with creativity and discovery! This year, thanks to the brilliant efforts of Ignite Chelmsford’s Liz Hunter-Gray and Spark’s...

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Katie Deverell. How would you describe...

Chelmsford's New Climate Cafe Book a place at upcoming sessions Florence Chan is an Ignite Member, and Save the Children Changemaker. I am excited to announce the launch of a Climate Café in Chelmsford this July! Building upon the success of the Climate Screening...

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Chris Rickett . How would you describe...

My name is Jaiden; I’m 19 and a young entrepreneur. I’ve grown up in Chelmsford for most of my life and it hasn’t always been an easy living. In my earlier life, I was living between Chelmsford & London so I was becoming exposed to both living situations and...

Ignite Partner Nick Hearne reflects on the growing creative community in Chelmsford. What is the best thing about Ignite I used to think that Chelmsford had lost its creative edge. But when I joined Ignite meetings I met fascinating and diverse creative people from...

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Nicola Babbington. How would you...

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Gareth Roberts. How would you describe...

‘Throwing, rolling and playing games in the snow has always been on Adanah's wishlist of things to do before she turns ten. It just never snows where she lives! So when she gets whizzed away for her first snow-holiday, she is truly thrilled! But a storm soon strikes,...

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Paul Richard. How would you describe...

Jemma McDonnell vlogs about the exciting new The Paper Birds project, Navigate. Navigate is a new digital package of short films and resources exploring a diverse range of careers and routes into the creative industries. Suitable for a careers programme in schools and...

Standing in the midst of the National Saturday Club’s Summer Show launch at Somerset House last July - an event literally buzzing with creativity and passion, and most importantly young people from across the UK - sealed it for me. There was no way that Essex Book...

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Jessica Bailey. How would you describe...

How would you describe what you do? I started Parlour as a lockdown takeaway service serving traditional Indian dishes in Chelmsford whilst on furlough from my full time job in the music industry, wanting to bring a more authentic Indian taste and more of my heritage...

Home is where the heart is. Home can be interpreted in many different ways by each individual. Home can be the smell of your favorite food. Home can be your favorite memory of a childhood experience. Home can be an object that connects you back to your roots. I grew...

When I was younger, Christmas was an exciting time. There would be presents, mountains of food, TV specials and games. But Christmas isn’t my favourite holiday nor is it a time that I relish. When I was a kid, of course I loved those aspects I just described but I...

I am proud to work as Senior Curatorial & Learning Officer at Chelmsford Museum, with an amazing team who share my passion to connect people with culture and heritage through our museum collections. I love how a single object can hold multiple stories, revealed...

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Becky Wasteney. How would you describe...

Creativity deserves to be challenged. In a world where we often perceive everything in black and white terms, creativity offers an exciting opportunity to challenge its purpose. To most people, creativity means to create tangible outcomes, such as artwork, a book or...

Witches are a common sight this time of year, casting spells with a cackle in spooky Halloween displays. But these seasonal cartoon hags are a far cry from the real ‘witches’ of Essex who form part of a much darker history in our county. During the 16th and 17th...

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Chester Tribley. How would you describe...

It is with sadness and satisfaction that I am leaving my post as chair of Ignite.    When I joined about 18 months ago, I was determined to find an ‘Arts Building for Chelmsford’ (ABC get it?) and thought Shire Hall might be it - however, upon actually looking round...

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Ola Aminu. How would you describe what...

 "The only true voyage of discovery… would be not to visit strange lands but to possess other eyes.” (Proust, The Captive, 1923) Marcel Proust's words resonate not only in the realm of art but also in our profound connection with nature and the Earth. Amidst the...

Have you ever seen that episode of Miranda where her mother can't say certain, shall we say, risqué words out loud and just mouths them silently, often picking the wrong words to censor? Well, the latest art exhibition here at Spread – a brand design studio come art...

My name is Michelle and I’m a Radio Anorak. I’m also the Community Outreach and Fundraising Support Officer for Chelmsford Community Radio CIC. We’re a not-for profit organisation that broadcasts to the whole of Chelmsford on 104.4FM, we’re also streaming online and...

I’m very excited to be one of the artists exhibiting & working at the Artist Studios at the Meadows (unit 32) for 7 weeks. A bit about my creative background - way back in the 1980’s, having an Art A level, I completed an Art Foundation Course at Thurrock Tech....

I’ve always been a creative person, and I feel silly saying that, because it implies there are people who aren’t creative, and I don’t believe that. We’re all born creative. And when I say creative, I don’t mean artistic. As defined by the dictionary, creativity means...

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Indigo Sapphire Moon. How would you...

Take a deep breath, exhaling out of your mouth to create an ocean-like sound. Now place a hand on your heart, feel and listen to that constant rhythmic pulse from inside your very being. Now take a moment to become aware of all the sounds happening all around you....

Hello people of Ignite and the further cultural community of Chelmsford. I have lived in our city for most of my years and having been born in Wales from purely Irish stock (sadly no Scots that I'm aware of) I do feel truly British. My passion is live theatre and...

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Sarah Hammond. How would you describe...

I would say one of the most challenging parts of my job is being the wearer of many hats, yet of course that is what keeps the role exciting. If someone asks me what I do for a living, it is difficult to find a label and they are often puzzled when I can’t give them a...

Each month, Nikki Wilson interviews an Ignite Member, asking five simple questions, to find out what creativity means to them, and how they see culture and creativity, and its potential, in Chelmsford. This month Nikki talks to Sade Fadipe. How would you describe what...

Way back in the mid 80's my secondary dance teacher invited my friends and I to go to the Blue Coat Chambers Art Gallery in the heart of Liverpool city centre to take part in a cross-arts project. This opportunity recognised our ability as dancers but also provided us...

What is STEAM? No, not the gaming platform or the gaseous phase of water, but the acronym STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics. Even though I use this phrase several times daily, I think it’s confusing to many people, who, when considering...

The LCEP Incubator   Earlier this year, we invited creative practitioners and organisations to express an interest for our incubator programme. The incubator is a key part of the LCEP’s investment in developing new creative ideas that prioritise opportunities for...

My eldest daughter Heather is very artistic and whilst at school was very keen to study Art at university.  Her aim was to have a career as an Art Therapist. I remember the attitude of her school when we were discussing this with them, although I should say this was...

As a community of creative individuals, we all know the value of the arts for children and young people, whether it’s about well-being and mental health, building character, or learning about what it means to be human. Schools, in this case, play a huge part on how...

Today I had the great opportunity to go down to High Chelmer and have a look at the amazing artwork done by the students at MENCAP. There is a wonderful variety of art in multiple different mediums done by 50 students, all aged between 18 and 68 for you to enjoy. The...

Hi, my name is Shope Fashade and for the next two weeks I will be joining the Ignite Chelmsford team! I am a 21-year-old Modern History student at the University of East Anglia and have lived in Chelmsford all my life. Before I start my last year of university I have...

In a recent blog I shared the “Story so far” of Chelmsford’s Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP) and things are now ramping up as Rachana Vaja joins us as the Programme Manager, ready to roll out the initial two year programme of research, governance set up,...

Today is Katie’s final day with my team and I didn’t want it to pass without recognising her incredible contribution. I believe we’ll see the impact of her work for a long time.

Chelmsford Jewish Community invites you to join a shared moment of reflection in a world scarred by genocide.

At the start of December the Ignite Chelmsford Cultural Partnership, Chelmsford City Council and Culture Chelmsford hosted its first creative ideas lab with funding from the European Union Welcome Back Fund. Hosted at Art Place pop-up (the old Top Shop space)...

In this Guest Blog by Adrian Deakes, Ignite Cultural Partner and Ideas Hub Outreach Projects Coordinator, we hear all about the Ideas Hub’s amazing creative work in schools celebrating Chelmsford pioneers. 

In Autumn 2019 I was invited to facilitate a meeting aimed at harnessing ideas and interest for the development of a Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP) in Chelmsford, the second meeting of its kind.  While the LCEP would be new to Chelmsford, it would build on a national networ

As you might know, Ignite Chelmsford has been working for a while on plans to develop a new creative space in the city – a place where creatives and other people from across the city can work, rest and play, collaborate, share and create. We’re now at the point where...

Patch is a new work club and cultural venue in Grays Yard – we officially opened our doors just this week! We have already had a great time getting to know lots of you and setting the foundations for what we hope will see Patch become a meaningful long term partner to...

Our summer takeover of an empty unit in the Meadows was a great success. We brought together the Chelmsford Creative Collective and the Council’s Waterways working group to come up with ideas for improving the concrete canalised sections of the river in the City...

Held at the HotBox music venue, the event was launched to secure a legacy to the city’s recent Knife Angel visit and to recognise the incredible creative talent and positive youth culture of young people in Essex…

Hot off the press! Held at the start of December, our first cross-sector lab will be on the theme of ‘using arts and culture to reinvent the city centre’…

Imagine the scene…30 of the most curious and generous individuals you can imagine – from artists to architects, planners to creative producers – gathered together all in the name of re-inventing Chelmsford’s city centre…

A week-long programme of events has been planned to spark creative conversations about further enhancing Chelmsford’s waterways….

Chelmsford Community Radio started in 2013 and we gained our FM license nearly 5 years ago. We are proud of the wonderful platform that has evolved over all this time and how it benefits local people of all ages…

Ignite Chelmsford held a dementia-friendly community event in partnership with the Alzheimers Society; the intention, to share ways of ensuring that people impacted by Dementia can feel a part of the city’s cultural life…

A parade not being possible, we produced installations incorporating art and coding, responding to the theme ‘Lockdown Loss and Future Hope.’ These were displayed around the city and online…

With over 500 events, competitions, exhibitions and recordings, it has been a brilliant year of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (STEAM) right across Essex. As Essex 2020 -Year of Science & Creativity draws to a close, plans are actively underway to build on this legacy in 2021.

Chelmsford Creatives has provided skills development for everyone involved, broadening horizons through unique professional and personal experiences – they have truly accomplished something great…

A Manifesto For Essex is set up to give children and young people a platform to share ideas on protecting the environment and preventing the worst impacts of global warming…

Arts collective, Resonance, launches ‘Wilding Chelmsford’ – a collaborative sound and visual installation to provoke thinking about Chelmsford and what it could become…

Inspired by quantum physics Black Chapel (Steve Mortimer) set out to questions about our relationships to ourselves, each other, nature and the planet through a multi-media performance Connect…

Whilst data itself may seem monotonous and boring, presenting data holds lots of creative potential…

For me and my friends, Pride is always the most memorable and significant event of the year…

These are challenging and unprecedented times for everyone. It’s easy to feel anxious and fearful, but hopefully this can be a chance to reconnect with ourselves…

Essex 2020’s focus on innovation and creativity has been pushed to the fore in recent weeks with event organisers showing a huge amount of resilience and creativity despite the obvious challenges…

Welcome to the Chelmsford Creatives blog! We will be showcasing creative projects produced by local young people, sharing how we are keeping ourselves busy during social distancing…

The project was Chelmsford Museum’s first major co-creation initiative and became the museum’s most highly attended event in its history…

Our future plans and ambitions have been under the microscope, but what has been magnified is the essence of Chelmsford’s creativity and resilience…  

March’s meet-up was held at the newly renovated Essex Print Studio in Ingatestone – a lovely, comfortable venue for Ignite!…

In February’s meet-up we listened to two wonderful speakers about the way their organisations can help to enhance an individual’s life…

The gala welcomed a Chinese zither orchestra, song and dance performances ranging from traditional classic styles to folk, ethnic and modern acts…

January’s Ignite meet-up was hosted, appropriately, by local board game shop Counter Culture Games…

Set in the amazing tropical glasshouse at Chelmsford’s Writtle University College, the event’s theme was ‘The Art of Growing’…

It was great to see some new faces as well as longer term supporters, all gathered to hear six pitches around the day’s theme of ‘Skills Development and New Pathways in STEAM’…

September’s Ignite meeting was held at Chelmer Cycling Club – Our theme was Creative Technology and Digital Arts…

Sunburst grew from a desire to reach a new audience that aren’t necessarily aware of the work we do at City of Chelmsford Mencap…

I have long been asked if I can teach people to crochet, as, despite it’s past reputation as an ‘old person’s hobby’ it had a revival in recent years…

Project in the Paint Takes Chelmsford by Storm It was recently bought to our attention that local resident Gareth Roberts was collaborating with Chelmsford City Council Parks’ team on an initiative called ‘Project in the Paint’ to spruce up a Basket Ball Court on Chelmer Village Green.

I knew it would be colourful, and I knew the people would be welcoming, but wow, what a magical evening I had…

Continuing on from June’s Pride month celebrations, July’s Ignite meet-up focused on connections between gender and creativity, with two speakers from the local LGBTQIA+ community…

From visual art installations and sculptures to a line-up of various music and drama performances – there’s something for everyone to enjoy…

June’s Ignite Chelmsford meet-up was buzzing – the subject to be discussed was Independent/small press publishing, focusing on zines and comics…

Rebecca has a passion for the arts and culture in Chelmsford and will be using her background as a journalist and PR professional to engage our communities and develop the Trust’s charitable objectives…

As well as our High-Growth Business Mentoring programme, other services include events and networking opportunities and a grants programme…

Hopefully by now if you’re a resident of Chelmsford, you have seen and maybe heard the tinkling of the ivories of the community piano in the Meadows Shopping Centre in the middle of the city…

Thanks to all who came out to A Canteen Thursday night, it was a special one!…

Running a successful event requires a core group to ensure that things go smoothly, so the call goes out to you!…

Ignite Chelmsford each month takes over spaces in the most unexpected places, in the true DIY subculture way this month Hotbox skate shop hosted the meet up…

THE MOTHERSHIP PROJECT was devised by Essex Book Festival and UK/Chinese charity The Mothers’ Bridge of Love: Culture for Children, to build new friendships between children living in Essex and China…