A WRITING festival will come to a Chelmsford venue for the first time next month.

The Southend Playwriting Festival is coming to the Cramphorn Theatre from February 9 to 11 as organisers look to expand the event now in it’s fourth year.

Starting at the Palace Theatre in Southend on February 5, works by young and new writers will be celebrated during the festival with 12 plays being performed on stage over the nights.

Tickets for an evening cost £8 while a season ticket for all three days at both venues costs £15.

For more information about the event or to buy tickets, visit www.southendplaywritingfestival.co.uk or call the theatre on 01245 606505.