There is a thrilling mix of comedy, poetry, theatre, films, readings and discussions in the first week of Essex Book Festival which launches on Sunday 1 March.

We asked Director of the Festival Ros Green, who is based at Essex’s Colchester Campus, to pick out some of her favourites in the first week of the Festival.

Picks of the Week from Ros

1. Essex Chancellor and Director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti discusses her new book On Liberty, The Forum Southend-on-Sea
2. Professor Pam Cox talks about her new book Shopgirls: The True Story of Life Behind The Counter, The Forum Southend-on-Sea
3. Kerry Hudson on her new novel Thirst, Art Exchange
4. Alistair Carr describes his journey across remote Africa in The Nomad's Path. Wivenhoe Library

Full highlights

There are lots of other exciting, provocative and inspiring talks, debates and events with many linked to the University.

Here is a rundown of all events at our campuses or linked to our academics in the first week:

• 2.30pm, Sunday 1 March – Director of Liberty and our Chancellor Shami Chakrabarti, The Forum Southend-on-Sea, Southend Campus
• 7pm, Monday 2 March – Annual Burrows Lecture: Shopgirls, Professor Pam Cox, The Forum Southend-on-Sea, Southend Campus
• 7pm, Tuesday 3 March – Thirst, Kerry Hudson, Art Exchange, Colchester Campus
• 6.30pm, Thursday 5 March – Patrician Press, readings by Professor Philip Terry, Emma Kittle-Pey, Mark Brayley and Patricia Borlenghi. The Press was established by Patricia after completing her MA Creative Writing at Essex. Wivenhoe Bookshop, High Street, Wivenhoe.
• 7pm, Friday 6 March – The Edge of Extinction, Professor Jules Pretty, Lakeside Theatre, Colchester Campus
• 10.30am to 8pm, Saturday 7 March – Out of Essex: Poetry. Celebrating 50 years of poetry at the University of Essex, Lakeside Theatre
• 10.30am to 4.30pm, Sunday 8 March – Out of Essex: Theatre. Celebrating 50 years of theatre at the University of Essex, Lakeside Theatre