A Galaxy of Culture and Curious Adventures

CALFE 2024 at Chelmsford Museum

The Children & Authors’ Literary Fanfare Events (CALFE) Festival took place in October 2024, with an exciting line-up of multicultural, literary-inspired activities celebrating Black History Month. This free, family-friendly series of events was designed to inspire creativity and cultural curiosity in children aged 4-11.

CALFE Festival promotes representation in literature and creative arts, designed to foster a love of reading and storytelling in young audiences. The annual festival highlights diverse voices and cultural experiences, providing an enriching platform for families to connect and learn. Each year, children, parents, families, and educators are invited to embark on a cultural journey and discover new worlds through stories and art. Events took place online, in Manchester, in Chelmsford and in Colchester.

At Chelmsford Museum, children met with talented authors and storytellers from diverse backgrounds including Jamaican, Nigerian, Black British, English, Sierra Leonean, Ghanaian, Zimbabwean, and Irish heritage.

The festival was made possible through funding from Arts Council England. The Chelmsford event was in partnership with Chelmsford Museum, and supported by Essex Cultural Diversity Project as part of the Stand Up For Diversity series, which was initiated by Essex Book Festival and Essex Cultural Diversity Project to bring together those who want to champion diversity in the arts and in our communities.

Featured authors, workshops and activities at Chelmsford Museum:

Shane Ibb‘s Storytelling workshop
Carrol May Nelson’s, I Spy the Alphabet Game
S.P. K-Mushambi’s Mysterious Melodies Workshop
Sade Fadipe’s Snowy Joy Workshop
Usifu Jalloh‘s Drumming & Storytelling
Patti Sloley’s Utensils & Spicy Workshop (Victorian Kitchen, booking required onsite)
Tia Coker’s African Fashion Workshop (in the Victorian Wardrobe)
TriggerBliss’ Nature Writing (in the JA Baker Exhibition)
Datonye Abrah-Adjei‘s Mancala & Flower Craft Workshops (Pertwee Suite)

Hosts and MCs:
– Preen Chakadonha, Founder of B.A.B.E.
– Sangita Mitra, CEO of NGDA
– Maxine Clarke