Chelmsford Community Radio started in 2013 and we gained our FM license nearly 5 years ago. We are proud of the wonderful platform that has evolved over all this time and how it benefits local people of all ages. Hopefully many of you will have taken part in a show or project of ours already.

Here are a few personal thoughts and reflections on that ‘difficult’ third Light Parade.

March’s Ignite meet-up was held at the newly renovated Essex Print Studio in Ingatestone.

In February's meet-up we listened to two wonderful speakers about the way their organisations can help to enhance an individuals lives.

The theme for January’s Ignite meetup was Games, Spaces and Community Places, which was hosted, appropriately, by local board game shop Counter Culture Games.

The theme for the night was ‘The Art of Growing’ so we were in the perfect location-with low lighting to make it a magical and enchanting environment.

Our theme this month was Creative Technology and Digital Arts.

Originally Inspired by quantum physics and the idea that we are made of the same elements as everything in the universe Black Chapel (Steve Mortimer) set out to explore the theme of connection; raising questions about our relationships to ourselves, each other, nature and the planet through a multi-media performance Connect.

First up was Bucky Ringsell, owner of Chelmsford’s independent comics shop Dark Side Comics, who delved into gender and queer representation in the Marvel universe.

June’s Ignite Chelmsford meet-up was buzzing with a friendly, community vibe from familiar and new ignite attendees. The subject to be discussed was Independent/small press publishing, focusing on zines and comics.

Thanks to all who came out to A Canteen Thursday night, it was a special one! With a more relaxed and intimate feel than usual, a good 20 people huddled in on the sofas and chatted about what’s next for Ignite meet ups.

Ignite Chelmsford each month takes over spaces in the most unexpected places, in the true DIY subculture way this month Hotbox skate shop hosted the meet up.

Another aspect of the finale weekend we love is the THE MOTHERSHIP PROJECT which was devised by Essex Book Festival and UK/Chinese charity The Mothers’ Bridge of Love: Culture for Children, to build new friendships between children living in Essex and China.

To celebrate Essex Book Festival, this month’s Ignite Chelmsford meet-up focused on the theme of Distributed Storytelling, which saw a range of local creatives come together at Foyles Bookstore to listen to our two guest speakers on the night.

My name is Carmel Green. I am a local Chelmsford artist and, like so many other local free-thinking creatives, I want to create positive change in the world.

The focus of August’s “Ignite Chelmsford” meet-up was “Art for Everyone”. For someone who has been known to utter the words “I can’t draw”, this might not have been a promising title.

On Thursday 12th July, locals with an interest in the creative, cultural and heritage industries came together at Acanteen to Ignite Chelmsford. This month’s theme, The Power of Music, followed a celebration event held by the Chelmsford Arts and Cultural Festival, who shared the success of their events and thanked sponsors and supporters.

On Thursday 14th June, Ignite Chelmsford descended on The Transition for The Magic of Festivals.

For the last six years, if you happen to have been passing through or around High Chelmer shopping centre or the Civic Theatre in central Chelmsford during mid-July, you may well have been pulled up sharp by some impressive fine art or performance gracing your lunchtime stroll.

Sunburst Festival is, at its very heart, a celebration of community.