5.14°C Fifteen years ago today, on 19th September 2009, I created a Facebook group—something I’d never felt compelled to do before. That day, I was chatting with someone about a gig I’d been to. The conversation shifted to how hard it could be to find out what was happening in Colchester. That idea stuck with me, and later that evening, I decided to take the plunge and create the group.
The name Keep Colchester Cool came to me that night. I envisioned it as a way to honour both the artists who had shaped Colchester’s music scene over the years and those contributing at the time. It’s always been a simple idea—let’s celebrate everything that makes Colchester unique: gigs, music, theatre, comedy, arts, news, events, shops, bars, festivals, and more.
As we celebrate 15 years of Keep Colchester Cool, it’s worth reflecting on its impact. Colchester Free Festival was amazing, but even more meaningful for me has been the chance to organise hundreds of Keep Colchester Cool gigs, each showcasing the incredible talent our city has to offer. Some of the artists I’ve booked have gone on to play at major UK festivals and tour across the UK, Europe, and the States. Others had their moment, shone brightly, and then moved on. I treasure and respect them all equally.
What I love most is that many of the artists who were around decades before I launched this are still making and performing great music. Some artists I referenced in the early weeks of Keep Colchester Cool are still going strong today. And with this latest influx of bands, the tradition continues—and will continue forever.
Fifteen years later, Keep Colchester Cool has become more than just a project; it’s a community of like-minded people.
I’m excited for Colchester and what lies ahead. As for the “cool” aspect that’s often questioned, Lewis Macadams said it best: “Cool is a knowledge, a way of life.” That sums it up perfectly.
Thanks for sticking with this over the past 15 years. Let’s keep it going!
Ben Howard
