A showcase in East Anglia for creative leaders in literature, media, art, environment and music
Back at Hedingham Castle on 14-15 June 2025
We have a new event series this autumn — at Tate Modern. Learn more
EA Festival 2024 Sponsor
Founded in 2015, Bishop & Miller is one of the fastest-growing auction houses in the East of England and has locations in Stowmarket and Holt. Its main focus is specialist and themed auctions of carefully vetted objects and collectibles.
2024 Forthcoming Events
10 September - 14 November, 7 pm, Corner Conversations: EA Festival x Tate Modern, Corner Bar at Tate Modern, London
19 November, 12 noon, The Red Emperor - Michael Sheridan, The Jockey Club Rooms, Newmarket
20 November, 6:30 pm, EA Festival x Eye Talks: The Red Emperor - Michael Sheridan, Abbey Hall, Eye
28 November, 7 pm, Tattoos - Matt Lodder, Firstsite, Colchester - co-presented in partnership with Essex Book Festival and Firstsite
9 December, 7 pm, EA Festival at Layer Marney Tower: Robert Harris, Colchester
“EA Festival was the most magical weekend I can ever remember, for so many, many reasons - and I suspect life-changing for a significant number of people.”
— John Lloyd, EA Festival 2021 speaker & creator of Black Adder, Spitting Image and QI
EA Festival Speakers & Performers
Peter Frankopan, Maggi Hambling, Misha Glenny, Christina Lamb, Lea Ypi, Shami Chakrabarti, Isabella Tree, Ben Goldsmith, Marcus du Sautoy, Anya Hindmarch, Arizona Muse, Tristram Hunt, Susie Dent, Jake Fiennes, Simon Heffer, Rowan Pelling, Justin Webb, Evelyn Glennie, Mike Figgis, Frances Morris, William Sieghart and many, many more.
DISCOVERY & ENCHANTMENT AT HEDINGHAM CASTLE
The 2025 Festival will be held on the grounds of Hedingham Castle, one of the most beautiful and historic destinations in East Anglia, conveniently located on the border of Essex and Suffolk (and a 90-minute drive from London) in the charming village of Castle Hedingham.
MORE KUDOS FOR EA FESTIVAL
It was the most memorable and uplifting day imaginable. The setting was magical, the weather perfect and, above all, the speakers were terrific.
-- Polly C.
I wanted to say how brilliant it has been for me to watch the whole festival live streamed as I was not able to attend in person. Food for the soul and the beginning of something very special. Go EA!
-- Claudia G.
I think EA Festival will transform the cultural life of this part of the country.
-- Will D.
Congratulations on a triumph of a weekend. I look forward to hearing about the festival going from strength to strength, taking its place among other major art and culture festivals of the UK.
-- Dr. Gavin Francis, EA Festival 2021 speaker
How it started
Instead of sitting around, feeling helpless and gloomy during lockdown, I thought, why not parlay adversity into opportunity and give the community where we live a shot in the arm by creating something they can look forward to - this year - and beyond.
By bringing together world-class leaders in performing arts, literature, poetry, moving image and the visual arts, my aim was not only to entertain and stimulate but to foster the creative eco-system in the region. Thus, many of the performers and speakers in the 2021 Festival hailed from Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk.
— Joanne Ooi, EA Festival Founder