Changing Chelmsford Festival of Ideas

Changing Chelmsford, an RSA Fellow-led project that helps local people shape the future of their town, is holding a three-day Festival of Ideas in temporary venues across Chelmsford on 22-24 October.

Events across the weekend include a screening of films from the Chelmsford Voices film festival, a pop-up radio station for young people, and a town commons meeting exploring new uses for Chelmsford’s heritage buildings.

The weekend will kick off with a one-day 'work-a-thon' on Friday 21 October, bringing together self-employed people in the town and helping this creative but dispersed group of people work together. On the Saturday, London-based RSA Catalyst award-winners Technology Will Save Us will hold a workshop on building simple electronic devices to help people learn making and repairing skills.

Changing Chelmsford is a partnership between RSA Fellows, Essex County Council, Chelmsford Borough Council and the Academy of Urbanism.  The project has received significant financial and political support from the two councils, and the Fellows involved are now seeking support from funders and local businesses.

Commenting on the project, RSA Networks Manager Sam Thomas said:

"Changing Chelmsford is a great example of RSA Fellows working with local organisations to bring about positive change. I hope that this weekend will inspire even more people to get involved in the group’s work, and have their say on the future of their town."

21 October: One day ‘Work-a-Thon’ for the self-employed. Work from home? Bring your laptops and creativity to Mouslham Mill for a 9-5pm day of working, socialising and 'watercooler' moments you don’t normally get when working alone. Meet like-minded people and experience an alternative office environment. Free event. Pre-registration required.

22 October: Technology will Save Us workshops. Have you ever wanted to know when your plants are thirsty? Wouldn’t it be grand if they would turn a little light on to tell you when they were dry? Sign up for a workshop in High Chelmer to make your own thirst detectors. Pre-registration advisable with workshop fee payable.

22 October: Youth Radio Station. Are you a budding broadcaster aged 8-18? Want to join in writing and broadcasting a drama? Conduct interviews? Stop by and have a chat about your neighbourhood? Let us know – or drop by on the day where we will have a pop-up radio station in High Chelmer from 9-5pm.

24 October: Changing Chelmsford Town Commons. A day long ‘place-making’  session in Shire Hall focussing on Chelmsford’s Heritage Triangle and public realm. Pre-registration required.