Discover the many ways of Essex with this special screening of ‘The Essex Ways’, a feature length documentary by filmmaker Thomas Winward.

The film follows Essex-born storyteller James Lawrence on an epic 400km walking journey around the county to discover its places, people and stories.

Over 21 days, James adventures through rural Essex from Epping to Harwich, and then down the coast to Tilbury Docks.

Along the way, he explores the many beautiful natural landscapes of Essex, while delving into the history, folklore and stereotypes that make Essex the wild and fascinating county it is today.

Expect thrills, chills, myths, modern retellings of 2000 years of history, and a lot of love for trees and mud.

After the film, there will be a 30 minute Q&A with storyteller James Lawrence and filmmaker Thomas Winward.

There will also be a chance to purchase signed copies of James’s book, “The Essex Ways: A Walker’s Guide to the Stories and Legends of England’s Most Fascinating County” which will be launched to the public that evening.

Q&A Panel

James Lawrence

James Lawrence, AKA Man About Country, is a storyteller, adventurer and natural historian.

For over five years he’s led walks around some of Britain’s most fascinating places, guiding people to discover the country like never before.

James is fresh off the Essex Ways: a 400km walking adventure around his home county to discover its stories, people and places.

As a Cultural Ambassador for Essex, he set out to bust the negative media stereotypes and prove that Essex is one of the most fascinating counties in England.

After a sell-out storytelling tour around Essex, a film, and a book of Essex stories on the way, James is dedicated to showing how the old stories of Essex are at the heart of the special place it is today, and provide vital guidance on the issues facing the county’s future.

Thomas Winward

Thomas Winward is an award-winning documentary filmmaker from Essex.

He has created films for National Geographic, CNBC, the BBC, the United Nations, and many more.

His work explores the intersection between humans and nature, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing and distracted world.