A New Ignite Market Stall Ignite are launching a new monthly Market Stall, which will be pitched outside Barclays Bank on the High Street. We will run this stall on the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of every month, engaging with shoppers and passersby to get them excited about...

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...

Artist Submissions Now Open! You may have already heard the buzz in the local media, but I wanted to share the exciting news that Farleigh Hospice is bringing a first-of-its-kind event to Chelmsford in 2025. Next summer, the city will come alive with ‘Buzz in the...

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...

Re-imagining East Coast Narratives We are looking for skilled writers and digital artists for a story gathering project which collaborates with the local communities in Harwich and in Orford Ness, in a heritage, creative and walks-based exploration of their shared and...

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...

Megan Crisp highlights an opportunity for Ignite members, to provide workshops for people taking part in Home Education. Home education is a hugely growing movement in the UK, with an estimated 97600 children being homeschooled in Summer 2023 (gov.uk). Chelmsford...

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...

Dr Sarah McLachlan (Senior Research Fellow, Anglia Ruskin University and Research & Scholarship Lead, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance) sets out an opportunity for a visual artist to help people living with traumatic brain injury explore their experiences. I am...

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...

On Thursday 27 June, Chelmsford City Council will be holding their third annual skills festival at ARU Writtle (Writtle University College). This is a relaxed, fun, festival-style environment which allows young people to get a hands-on experience of Chelmsford...

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...

Calling all storytellers, artists, craft practitioners, reenactors - your local museum is looking for you! Chelmsford Museum is growing its events and outreach offer, and we're looking for creative people to be a part of our journey. Chelmsford Museum sits at the...

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...

Ignite have launched a survey to understand the needs of Chelmsford’s creative community, so that future work can focus on what is most important. The survey is for everyone who has an interest in culture or creativity in Chelmsford! Please take 10 minutes to complete...

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...

Do you believe in the power of arts, culture, and heritage to stimulate the economy, improve health and wellbeing, better connect our communities, and put Chelmsford on the map? Would you like an exciting role that puts you at the epicentre of three partners all striving for a culturally ambitious Chelmsford?

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

Chelmsford City Culture is seeking a Programme Manager to lead on the development of a new Local Cultural Education Partnership, maximising creative opportunities for every young person living in Chelmsford…

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…

EXCITING NEWS! Empty the larder, preheat the oven, and set the table – the theme for Heritage Open Day’s 2021 is Edible England…

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’…

We are looking for an experienced, successful Fundraising Officer with a can-do personality and loads of energy to start as soon as possible…

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…

The successful candidate will collaborate with businesses, community groups, education providers, artists, scientists and engineers to deliver objectives in the City’s Cultural Strategy…

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…

The selected artist/s will be given their own studio space in The Dairy and a £10,000 commission to create an artwork that will form part of a new Cressing Temple art trail…

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…

Can you offer an engaging activity, workshop or performance? Our friends Chelmsford Creatives and Chelmsford Museums have an excellent opportunity to contribute to their annual Culture in the Park event…

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…

From 30th – 31st March 2019, Chelmsford launches its first Artist in Residence as part of Essex Book Festival, in partnership with Meadows Shopping Centre and Chelmsford City Council and funding from Arts Council England…

We are looking for a local artist to help us illustrate what some of the rooms at Oaklands House may have originally looked like…

Chelmsford Cultural Development Trust is seeking an Executive Director with the passion, experience and skills to help to shape a strong future for the arts and culture in the City of Chelmsford…

Between now and December 2020, SECCADS aims to help more than 370 companies and sole-traders with business support or match-funded grants of up to £20,000…

To celebrate Essex Book Festival, this month’s Ignite Chelmsford meet-up focused on the theme of Distributed Storytelling…

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic Deputy Theatres’ Manager to work at Chelmsford City Theatres… 

Community Musicians/Singing Group Leaders/Tutors, required for friendly, fun, inclusive, non-auditioned community singing group (adults)…

The objective of Essex 2020 is to harness and expand the opportunity provided by the British Science Festival coming to Essex…

In Nov 2018, Chelmsford Creatives visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington for some inspiration and to attend an Art and Design Careers event…

Backnang in Germany has been twinned with Chelmsford since 1990. In 2020 we will share our 30th Anniversary…

Do you believe in the transformative power of arts, culture and heritage to enrich people’s lives, improve our health and wellbeing, and increase civic pride?…

The Ideas Festival Chelmsford, local artist Victoria Button is launching a crowdfunding campaign for an event that will bring together many different faiths and ethnicities…

My name is Carmel Green. I am a local Chelmsford artist and, like so many other local free-thinking creatives, I want to create positive change in the world…

The focus of August’s “Ignite Chelmsford” meet-up was “Art for Everyone”…

I am looking for people. who like me, are as passionate about recording and capturing the tales that exist in the hearts of local people…

Hi, I’m Candy Joyce (aka Flipping Zombies) I’m a freelance designer, illustrator and toy maker…

On Thursday 12th July, locals with an interest in the creative, cultural and heritage industries came together at Acanteento Ignite Chelmsford. This month’s theme, The Power of Music…

I’m Lynn Excell and I do a multitude of things! I’m a visual artist, but I also write, take photos, crochet and embroider and I’m always looking for new things to stimulate my imagination…

In recognition of National Democracy Week, on Thursday 5th July 2018, we will be screening ‘When Women Rule’, a documentary by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, at Chelmsford Museum…

This guest feature comes from Holly ‘Bucky’ Ringsell of Dark Side Comics in Chelmsford. Make sure you take a look at what they’re up to on Facebook or www.darksidecomics.co.uk…

Launching the first in a new series of blog posts, we talk to Illustrator, Hayley Wells…

On Thursday 14th June, Ignite Chelmsford descended on The Transition for The Magic of Festivals. Garry Ormes and Pete Watts from Essex Pride (16th June) were our first guest speakers of the evening…

For the last six years, if you happen to have been passing through or around High Chelmer shopping centre or the Civic Theatre in central Chelmsford during mid-July, you may well have been pulled up sharp by some impressive fine art or performance gracing your lunchtime stroll…

Sunburst Festival is, at its very heart, a celebration of community. The Festival presents us at City of Chelmsford Mencap with the unique opportunity to work in the core of retail business in Chelmsford, and to bring something unexpected and different to our city…

You might have heard by now that Chelmsford Museum is changing. If not, where have you been? Find out all about it here…

On Wednesday 9th May, the Cramphorn Studio played host to over 80 creative minds celebrating the launch of Ignite Chelmsford, the city’s new cultural form. Opening the meet-up was new Front of House manager at Chelmsford Theatres, Amy Worsdale, who introduced the local brewery team now supplying the theatres’ bar with their unique products…

What will arts and culture look like in Chelmsford in 2040? This was the question posed to stakeholders in the local creative economy over two workshops at the Civic Centre on 10th April 2018…