Town is transformed into collection of book shops

An author helped to transform his town into a large bookshop for the day, after realising no such store existed there.

The High Street in Great Dunmow was closed so people could enjoy John Tarrow's idea for Essex Book Festival celebrations on Saturday.

He said the festivities were "an amazing success" that led to authors selling out of books and increased footfall in shops.

Tarrow himself gained fame by spending 25 years turning his former council house into a labyrinth of 13 mythical rooms, serving as inspiration for his books.

"People didn't stop walking through the door all day," said Tarrow, who set-up his stall in a café.

"Between two bookends of torrential rain, we had the perfect sunny day on Saturday."

Each shop window in the High Street was occupied by displays of more than 30 Essex-based authors and independent book retailers.

Tarrow said a fellow author was so inspired he was considering instigating a similar initiative in his home town of Lewes, East Sussex.

Festival organiser Ros Green said she was "almost overwhelmed" by how the idea grew.

"I think we forget to read and how much joy it brings. You can have it [a book] in your bag and you can put it down" she said.

"It's a really wonderful thing to do. It is portable, magical escapism."

Festivities began on Friday evening at Foakes Hall, featuring a sit-down with author and star of The Traitors Harriet Tyce.

Essex Book Festival continues until the end of June.

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.