Virginia Beach & Essex: A transatlantic story of shared history, culture and future prosperity.
In 2025, the City of Virginia Beach and the region of East Anglia in the UK reaffirmed the deep historical and cultural ties that connect our communities by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. This landmark agreement celebrates centuries of shared heritage and highlights a modern alignment in ambition, industry, and community values—strengthening a partnership built on friendship, innovation, and opportunity across the Atlantic.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Strengths
From world‑leading offshore wind industries to vibrant creative and digital sectors, Virginia Beach and Essex continue to grow in parallel. One standout example from across the ocean is Dlala Studios in Witham, Essex, UK the award‑winning team behind the video game Disney Illusion Island. Dlala is one of the very few licensed studios in the world trusted to redraw artwork of one of the most recognisable big‑eared cartoon characters in history, showing not only the shared opportunities for creative industries, but also the delight both regions take in global cultural icons.
But the connection between our two regions runs far deeper than business. It is rooted in people, journeys, courage, and stories that stretch back hundreds of years.
A Tale That Spans Oceans and Centuries
To honor this intertwined past, the Essex Growth Agency commissioned Essex‑based creative storyteller James Lawrence to create a short film that captures the emotional and historical connection between Essex and Virginia Beach.
