Author Archives: Ben Howard

Paul Richards Heads to Offgridland

Flight. Mode. “The two most wonderful words,” according to writer and performer Paul Richards. They’re [...]

Choir Brings Rocking the Folly! to The Minories

Rock Choir’s Rocking the Folly! brings singers from 10 choirs across Essex and Suffolk together [...]

Karen Hall Mixes Bach, Clowning and Comedy

“I made this show because classical music is dying and I happen to love it.” [...]

Kate-Lois Elliott Takes on the Tradwife Trend

A fertility-fuelled identity crisis and a week spent scrolling through TikTok might not sound like [...]

Porteous on Change, Songwriting and Keeping Music Human

Every time I’ve watched Colchester artist Porteous perform, one thing has stood out. Whether he’s [...]

Will Davies Asks Whether We Still Need Heroes

Heroes used to be everywhere. They filled history books, stood on pedestals and gave people [...]

The Essex Women Behind Three Wise Women

Agnes Waterhouse, Ursula Kemp and Elsa all lived in Essex. Centuries after they were accused [...]

Jazz Ely Draws on Her Own Experience for Breathe…

For most people, breathing, blinking, and swallowing happen without a second thought. For Colchester playwright [...]

Mojams Events Returns to Roots & Grooves on 4th July

Mojams Events returns to Roots & Grooves in Colchester on Saturday 4th July with another [...]

Harrison Kirby Introduces Dr Jansen Majenkas

Harrison Kirby has only been performing comedy for just over a year, but his first [...]

Boudica & Me Comes to Colchester Fringe

“I stumbled across Boudica in Colchester Castle, and it felt like she had been waiting [...]

Luke Hayes on Hollyhock Café, community and Colchester

Luke Hayes reflects on his journey from IT to community work, the inspiration behind Hollyhock [...]

Thao Cao Brings What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Funnier to Colchester Fringe

Australian comedian Thao Cao has built a career from telling stories that many people would [...]

Pup Play Returns to Colchester Fringe

When Pup Play: A Queer Pseudo-Lecture (of sorts) premiered at Colchester Fringe in October 2024, [...]

Jo Coldwell, Red Lion Books and Colchester

Many people in Colchester know Jo Coldwell through Red Lion Books. Others know her through [...]

Ady Johnson Releases New Album Under Gainsborough Skies

Colchester-based singer-songwriter Ady Johnson is set to release his third album, Under Gainsborough Skies, on [...]

From Panini Stickers to Punk Energy – Five Colchester Events

Whether you’re swapping World Cup stickers, discovering new live music or heading out for a [...]

Lesley Watson Presents a Day of Music at the Victoria Inn

The Victoria Inn will host a special day of live music on Saturday, 4th July, [...]

Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender 2026 Guide

Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender takes place from 23rd-26th July, bringing four days of theatre, comedy, [...]

Phill Jupitus Brings Art and Conversation to The Minories

Phill Jupitus will visit Colchester’s Minories this summer for a series of workshops and conversations [...]

About the author:
Ben Howard is a writer, DJ and founder of Keep Colchester Cool. Since launching the platform in 2009, he has documented Colchester's gigs, theatre, exhibitions and grassroots creativity through interviews, reviews and event listings. Alongside running the site, he leads Ben Howard Communications, providing PR, content writing and marketing support for businesses, venues and cultural organisations. He also DJs regularly and continues to champion the people, places and events that make Colchester's cultural scene unique.