As part of this year’s Essex Day celebrations (26 October), Visit Essex is launching a campaign to uncover the unsung heroes and milestone moments that have helped shape the county. From pioneering inventors and artistic trailblazers, the public is being invited to shine a light on what makes Essex unique.
Visit Essex is keen to hear from members of the public, historic building owners and historians. The most interesting person or event put forward, will be marked with a new blue plaque somewhere in Essex.
Essex streets are alive with history, marked by blue plaques that celebrate past residents and events. Thaxted’s High Street honours composer Gustav Holst. While Colchester’s Lexden Road remembers a young Margaret Thatcher.
The campaign will form part of the Essex Day celebrations. Councillor Mark Durham, Chair of Visit Essex, explains: “Essex Day is a wonderful chance to celebrate our amazing county. Essex is bursting with history, culture and incredible people who’ve helped shape not just our county, but the wider world. From inspiring innovators to remarkable local legends, it’s important we celebrate our heritage and take pride in where we come from. This is a fantastic opportunity for communities to shine a light on their unsung heroes and special moments in Essex history.”
Visit Essex hopes the campaign will also inspire residents to discover more on their doorsteps. Cities and towns from Colchester to Loughton have their own historical blue plaque trails for people to follow. Residents are encouraged to look-up next time they head to their nearest town or city and discover something new about where they live.
Essex Day takes place on 26 October each year, coinciding with St Cedd’s Day. St Cedd, the patron saint of Essex, was a 7th-century missionary who set-up one of England’s oldest churches at Bradwell-on-Sea. The day offers a chance to reflect on Essex’s long history while looking to the future with pride.
Essex residents can submit their blue plaque nominations at https://forms.office.com/e/YnKAYwKrQe by 19 October 2025.
