Author Archives: Ben Howard

Charles Debenham – The Man Who Painted Colchester

Colchester has lost one of its quiet constants in Charles Debenham, the artist whose work [...]

The SKBs Interview – The Second Act

In this interview, Al Sharp of The SKBs says he’s nearly 60. “Surely I should [...]

The Five Parishes Show in Peldon celebrates 90 years

The Five Parishes Show, a long-running traditional country show just outside Colchester, returns on Sunday [...]

Spaceman’s Guided Tour of Colchester

Colchester never really leaves Stephen Munson. The Colchester-born musician and writer – also known as [...]

Open Road brings John Robins to Colchester Arts Centre

John Robins will appear at Colchester Arts Centre in March as Open Road brings the [...]

Dr Cameron Abbott-Betts – Headgate Theatre and Global Spotlight

Colchester is set to host the World Fringe Congress in 2028 – the first time [...]

Rodney Appleyard on Colchester, Community and the Mayor’s Variety Show

Rodney Appleyard has always loved a stage. Back in the late 80s and early 90s, [...]

Dagenham’s Invincibles – The Original Lionesses Return to the Stage

Long before packed stadiums and Euros glory, women’s football was already drawing crowds, and one [...]

Why Steve Green and Tim Young Started Alternative Colchester

If you’d told people a few years ago that Steve Green and Tim Young would [...]

Interview: Jeanie from the Mountains

Jeanie from the Mountains talk songwriting, community and a return to live music ahead of [...]

Blues and Rock in the Garden returns this summer

Blues and Rock in the Garden is back on Saturday, 4th July 2026, with live [...]

Discover Colchester Walking Tours with Founder Sophie Cole

Since qualifying as a Colchester Tour Guide, Sophie Cole has become a familiar face, leading [...]

Keep Colchester Cool Theatre Awards 2025 – Winners and Highlights

Celebrating Colchester’s Theatre Community On Sunday 18th January, Colchester’s amateur and community theatre scene gathered [...]

Keep Colchester Cool Theatre Awards 2025 – The Nominees

It’s that time of year again as The Keep Colchester Cool Theatre Awards return to [...]

A Peaceful Noise – Colchester: Full Venue Guide

On Saturday 22 November, A Peaceful Noise brings a massive multi-venue takeover to Colchester, spread [...]

Dave Rowntree returns to Colchester with Blur Book

Colchester has always been part of Blur’s story, from school halls and local pubs to [...]

Shimmy & Shhh Silent Disco Comes to Colchester

Get ready to see Colchester in a whole new way as Shimmy & Shhh bring [...]

Interview with Paul T. Davies about Love Is A Bruise

Ahead of the world premiere of his new play Love Is A Bruise at the [...]

Interview with Rev Simpkins ahead of Colchester Gig

This Saturday, Colchester Arts Centre hosts another Keep Colchester Cool showcase, bringing together some of the [...]

Digging for Vinyl – Colchester’s Record Shops and Vinyl Trail

Colchester’s vinyl scene just got louder. The opening of Stone Rock Records on Head Street [...]