New film ‘A Poem for Chelmsford’ celebrates our city through local voices

Chelmsford City Council has launched a new, short video celebrating the city of Chelmsford. Created in collaboration with the district’s communities, ‘A Poem for Chelmsford’ highlights our city and the people and places that make it an incredible place to live, work and visit.

Produced by filmmakers Andy Delaney and Rich With, the video is centred around a poem about Chelmsford written by Rebecca Carter.

Council commission aimed to support creative sector

With a fresh video showcasing Chelmsford long overdue, the city council commissioned the new film in late 2024 and took the opportunity to support the city’s creative sector as part of the project.

Following a callout, up-and-coming spoken word artist, Rebecca Carter, was chosen to write a poem about the authentic Chelmsford of today to form the foundation of the film.

Rebecca worked alongside the selected filmmakers, Andy Delaney and Rich With, on the composition of her poem. As part of the process, she also received mentorship with creative writing tutor, Emma Kittle-Pey, organised by the city council to help develop her voice as a spoken word artist.

A love letter to Chelmsford shaped by its communities

Having grown up in Chelmsford and now raising her own young son in the city, Rebecca’s aim for the poem was to get to the heart of what Chelmsford means to its people; exploring and celebrating what residents, workers and visitors love most about it. To prepare for this, she spoke with community members across the district to get a sense of Chelmsford’s best qualities.

The outcome is a poem that spotlights the blend of modern and historic spaces that make up the Chelmsford of today; the hardworking communities and growing families that will shape our city in the years to come; and the big and small moments to be enjoyed every day – from the busy to the peaceful.

Film stars local people from across the Chelmsford district

Working alongside Rebecca, filmmakers Andy Delaney and Rich With then brought Rebecca’s words to life on screen, with the support of local participants.

A Poem for Chelmsford highlights our city’s diverse communities by drawing on local voices to read the poem, alongside appearances from Chelmsford’s families, business owners and workers. From paddleboarders and canoers enjoying a group outing at Paper Mill Lock to market traders chatting and laughing at Chelmsford Market; these scenes reflect the daily events, actions and interactions that bring Chelmsfordians together.

Just some of the participants featured in the film include South Woodham Ferrers’ beloved cake and coffee traders, Phoebe’s Pantry; Chelmsford Railway Station attendant, Tom; Central Park skater, Kaelyn; and nurse Ife from Broomfield Hospital.

Hot Box launch featured panel discussion with creative team

A Poem for Chelmsford launched at Hot Box Live earlier this week with a preview screening for local stakeholders and film participants. The event coincided with Hot Box’s regular monthly Waxes Lyrical evening – an open mic night for local poets and spoken word artists to share their work with a live audience.

The poem was screened to an audience at Hot Box Live ahead of their January Waxes Lyrical event.

Introducing the film, Councillor Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council said the film captures the shared connections that make up a city:

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“The film pulls together so many of the different aspects that make Chelmsford a great place to live and work, in a very creative and uplifting way. It really captures a sense of shared identity. Often people don’t interact with each other in person, but this work reminds us that Chelmsford is shaped by what connects us. It shows a Chelmsford shaped by people, creativity and care, and highlights the value of our community connections. It makes me incredibly grateful to everyone who helps make our city what it is.”

Councillor Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council

Following the screening, Rebecca, Andy and Rich joined Emma Kittle-Pey for a panel discussion on their creative processes and what they wanted the film to achieve.

During the discussion, Rebecca touched on the importance of supporting creatives across Chelmsford:

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“To me, Chelmsford is like the rivers that run through its heart. There’s a constant flow and converging of people moving and meeting, and it’s very much becoming more of a central hub where people want to spend time outside of London.”

“It’s important that we build on this by valuing and nurturing our creative scene, because the more we create spaces and opportunities for creatives to show up, the more those people will focus their intentions and their work into Chelmsford – creating an ecosystem that feeds and sustains itself. And this project is testament to the fact that there are growing paid opportunities for creatives in Chelmsford – chances to do the things we’re passionate about and, together, make Chelmsford an exciting place to be.”

Rebecca Carter, spoken word artist

Reacting to seeing the film for the first time this week, local partners said: 

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“I love the way the film and Rebecca’s poem flow together seamlessly, balancing the quiet calm of our parks and waterways with the city’s energy, movement, and collective ambition. What a joyful celebration of our city and district!”

Claire Gevaux, Culture Chelmsford

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“The film beautifully reflects what makes Chelmsford such a special place to live and belong. It feels personal, inclusive and full of local pride.”

Jennifer Pym, Anglia Ruskin University

Showcasing a vibrant and welcoming city

Through scenes of Chelmsford’s historic sites, green spaces and varied businesses and attractions, A Poem for Chelmsford highlights what a welcoming place Chelmsford is. This feeds into its core purpose; local stakeholders including the city council, Invest Chelmsford and Culture Chelmsford will use the film as a tool to help increase local tourism and attract investment in the city over the coming years.