Chelmsford City Council has unveiled a new short film celebrating the people, places and shared identity of Chelmsford.
Created in collaboration with local communities, A Poem for Chelmsford brings together spoken word, film and real-life stories to highlight what makes the city a special place to live, work and visit.
At the heart of the film is an original poem written and performed by Chelmsford-born spoken word artist Rebecca Carter, with visuals captured by filmmakers Andy Delaney and Rich With.
Supporting Chelmsford’s Creative Community
The project was commissioned by Chelmsford City Council in late 2024, with a dual aim of creating a fresh promotional film for the city while also supporting local creatives.
Following an open call, Rebecca Carter was selected to write a poem reflecting the Chelmsford of today. She worked closely with the filmmaking team throughout the process and also received mentoring from creative writing tutor Emma Kittle-Pey, arranged by the council to support her development as an artist.
A Love Letter Inspired by Real Chelmsford Life
Having grown up in Chelmsford and now raising her own family in the city, Rebecca set out to capture what Chelmsford truly means to the people who live, work and spend time there.
In developing the poem, she spoke with residents, workers and community groups from across the district, drawing inspiration from everyday moments as well as Chelmsford’s blend of historic landmarks, green spaces and modern city life.
The finished poem reflects both the quieter, reflective sides of Chelmsford and the energy of a growing city shaped by its people.
Local Faces and Familiar Places on Screen
The film features a wide range of Chelmsford residents and businesses, with local voices helping to bring the poem to life.
Scenes include paddleboarders at Paper Mill Lock, traders chatting at Chelmsford Market, skaters in Central Park and workers going about their day across the city. Participants include local business owners, families, healthcare workers and transport staff, offering an authentic snapshot of everyday life in Chelmsford.
Filming also took place at recognisable locations including Chelmsford Cathedral and around the city centre, reinforcing the strong sense of place running through the film.
Film Launches at Hot Box Live
A Poem for Chelmsford was officially launched earlier this week at Hot Box Live, with a preview screening attended by local partners and those involved in the project.
The launch coincided with Waxes Lyrical, Hot Box’s monthly open mic night for poets and spoken word performers. Following the screening, Rebecca Carter joined filmmakers Andy Delaney and Rich With, alongside Emma Kittle-Pey, for a panel discussion exploring the creative process behind the film.
Celebrating Connection and Identity
Speaking at the launch, Councillor Stephen Robinson, Leader of Chelmsford City Council, said the film reflects the shared connections that shape the city.
He described the project as a creative and uplifting portrayal of Chelmsford, highlighting how everyday interactions and community spirit play a vital role in defining the city’s identity.
Rebecca Carter also spoke about the importance of supporting creative opportunities locally, noting that projects like this help encourage artists to stay, work and invest their talents in Chelmsford.
Showcasing Chelmsford to a Wider Audience
Alongside celebrating local life, the film will also be used by organisations including the council, Invest Chelmsford and Culture Chelmsford to help promote the city to visitors, businesses and potential investors.
By showcasing Chelmsford’s historic sites, green spaces, cultural venues and diverse communities, A Poem for Chelmsford aims to present the city as a welcoming, creative and connected place with a strong sense of pride.
Click Here To Watch The Poem Video