Events
Our events are hosted in the city as well as online. Our relaxed monthly Socials are a great way to meet others and hear inspirational talks from local and national creatives. Our online, monthly Hub events are the ideal platform to promote what you are doing and call out for support and collaboration.
If you are holding a creative or cultural event in or near Chelmsford then fill in the ‘Add your event’ form below, and we will include in the monthly Ignite Members’ and Friends’ newsletters.
We recommend that all events are also listed on the Chelmsford for You website, the central hub for event listings in Chelmsford.
Ahead of this year’s Heritage Open Days Festival, September’s Ignite Social takes us on a journey back to the 90’s Rave Scene in Essex.
About this event
Every second Thursday, we host a social meet-up with creative inspiration and an opportunity to connect and learn how we can support one another’s work.
This month, in partnership with Intense Records, we hear from two speakers involved in the Rave Scene of the 90’s, its role in the social history of Essex and recounting the story of a magical time when people were fully immersed in the moment, no mobile phones or social media. Just pure love for the music.
Uncle Dugs, Rinse FM
Multi-award-winning rave historian and DJ who presents the only legal daytime Oldskool / Jungle radio show. Dugs will piece together the past, present and future of a scene and his climb to the top that started in Essex, playing his first paid DJ gig in the legendary Oscars in Clacton.
Share a moment in time that included record shopping, pirate radio stations, friendships, illegal parties and grew into international tours international including Germany, Ibiza, Amsterdam & Spain and to be part of founding a radio station that nurtures some of the UKs biggest music stars across garage, grime, dubstep, house, jungle and other dance music genres.
Darren Emmerson, East City Films
Co-founder of leading, London based, VR documentary makers East City Films, producing purpose-driven, social-impact storytelling. From award-winning virtual reality documentaries, 360° video and augmented reality to brand experiences, television and music video content.
Darren will talk about ‘In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats’ which he directed and was presented as part of Coventry UK City of Culture 2021. A multi-sensory joyride into the past bringing to life the stories of the promoters, police officers, and rave-goers, whose rivalries and relationships drove a revolution in music and society.
Image: East City Films, In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats Artwork
Cashless bar with soft and alcoholic drinks. Beer supplied by our friends at Chelmsford Brewery.
How to find the venue: Patch is in the old Chop Bloc space, just off the High Street, by the escalator entrance to Debenhams, and next to Nandos. Google maps: 51.732628, 0.475775
Help us grow our Creative Community
Ignite is the home for Chelmsford’s creative community. A place to connect with fellow creative people, and collaborate with others that can enrich your work. A place to seek support and inspiration from one another. A place that can ignite a passion for Chelmsford’s cultural identity and future.
We believe creativity thrives in a warm, open, and encouraging environment where everybody is welcome. We are passionate about helping Chelmsford realise its ambition as a city of creativity and innovation.
If you work, volunteer, or study in the creative and cultural industries in Chelmsford, have skills in field of work that you think could bring out the best in Chelmsford’s cultural identity – or are simply interested in supporting this work, we would love you to join our community.