About this Event
In 2025 James Lawrence (Aka Man About Country) undertook an epic 400km, 21 day walking journey through the many ways of Essex. He walked through (and wild camped in) some of the remotest regions of Essex; from deep rural countryside to desolate coastal marshes; along with towns and villages that represented the huge demographic variety of the county. Along the way, he collected as many stories as he could, interviewed Essex residents, researched the history, and learned from the land itself.
As James says, "This project has been my love letter to Essex: the land which raised me and made me the man I am today. I hope it will bolster people’s pride in the county, highlight local heritage as well as the natural spaces on our doorsteps, give voice to those who might not otherwise be heard, and ultimately empower us by revealing more about who we really are."
We are delighted to be screening "The Essex Ways" a feature length documentary of his adventure produced by filmmaker Thomas Winward. Expect thrills, chills, myths, modern retellings of 2000 years of history, and a lot of love for trees and mud.
Following the 75min screening James will be joined in conversation with by Lora Aziz, a British-Egyptian interdisciplinary artist, cultural strategist and wildcrafter. Hear James and Lora discuss the nature, culture and features of Essex as they share their walking and storytelling connections and encourage us all to engage with the land.
Lora Aziz's work explores ecological memory, plant heritage and community care through land-based storytelling and creative research. Lora has also walked the Essex Way and her latest work, Blue Steps Along the Saffron Trail explores where Essex’s 70-mile Saffron Trail meets water-lines - springs, streams, wetlands and estuarine edges and asks: What becomes possible when we walk these water-corridors carefully, creatively and together?
James Lawrence, AKA Man About Country, is a storyteller, adventurer and history lover. For over 5 years he’s led walks around some of Britain’s most fascinating places, guiding people to discover the country like never before. James's Essex Ways adventure around his home county set out to bust 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 sharing the amazing stories of Essex far and wide, and showing just how much we have to be proud of.
James's project was made possible with a generous grant from Essex County Council’s Art & Cultural Fund 2025. Lora's work is supported by the Essex and Suffolk Water Bluespaces Fund.
Agenda
Running Order
Info: 5.30pm Doors and bar open
6pm Film Screening
7.15pm Break
7.30 pm Discussion with James and Lora-Walking the Essex way and other trails.
8pm Q+A with audience
8.30pm Close and bar open
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Patch Chelmsford, Springfield Road, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
GBP 11.55
