Duncan Grant: Worlds Through Desire brings together artworks, stories and poetry from different generations to explore the ways LGBT+ people have sought friendship, community and intimacy across changing times and [...]
Essex artist Simon Carter transforms Firstsite's gallery with From the Landscape, an immersive exhibition inspired by the Essex coast and countryside. Carter has spent more than 40 years walking, drawing [...]
This October, the New Face for Leprosy exhibition comes to Colchester Library for a free, month-long public exhibition exploring the lives and experiences of people affected by leprosy. The project [...]
Bridging Dreams By Sakai International Community Arts 2 to 29 October 2026 Level Best Art Gallery, Colchester This October, Level Best Art Gallery welcomes Bridging Dreams, a special international exhibition [...]
What does it mean to grow up by the sea today? From ambition and creativity to isolation and inequality, explore intimate photographs and firsthand accounts that document what life is [...]
Out of Line: Banksy and the Art of Dissent brings a major exhibition of street and urban contemporary art to The Minories in Colchester. The exhibition features 28 original artworks [...]
7 pm on Saturday, 24 October – 9 am on Sunday, 25 October 2026Ever wondered what Colchester Castle is like after dark? Now’s your chance to find out! Meet the [...]
Explore expressive landscape painting in this hands-on oil painting workshop inspired by the bold colour, movement and energetic brushwork of early Expressionism. Looking at artists including Vincent van Gogh and Edvard Munch, you’ll discover how colour, shape and brushwork can transform a landscape and communicate mood and emotion. Working from the view at Firstsite, you’ll [...]
Second Thoughts follows Clement Achebe, a once-successful Lagos professional who leaves behind a stable life in pursuit of greater opportunities abroad. What he hopes will be a journey toward a brighter future quickly becomes a confrontation with harsh realities, cultural shocks, and the emotional weight of having to start over. Told as an intimate one-man [...]
Free AdmissionDoors 1.30pm, show 2pmThis event is for a seated audienceA Recitation The Monica Ross Archive and friends are inviting people to join 80 tribute readings across the world to mark the 80th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 2028. Colchester Arts Centre is delighted to host this recital. It is a shared process, you [...]
We may fall… but can we rise?” From international acclaim to near-total isolation, this 5-star, award-winning solo show is a deeply moving, autobiographical journey of survival and creative rebirth. Written and performed by world-class composer and songwriter Mark Glentworth (celebrated collaborator of Steven Berkoff), the production chronicles a sudden, devastating breakdown that left him mute [...]
From the writer and producers of last year's sell-out show, Wonky Hearts Collective present a brand new collection of monologues Four new women. Four new toilets. Four new stories. In the most private of public spaces the masks drop and from behind the cubicle doors the women reveal their innermost thoughts. Once again, the stories [...]
“It’s the strangest feeling to be laughing out loud but feeling a burning rage bubbling inside me.” ★★★★ Perth Happenings The most thrilling play you’ll see, and it’s just a lectern and a slide show. This multi-award-winning lecture-performance takes you on a wild ride as it investigates consent in the digital age with wit, dark [...]
Robert Brown joins us at the Victoria Inn, bringing his soulful voice and rich acoustic sound to a mix of blues, folk and Americana. A singer-songwriter and guitarist, Robert combines his own heartfelt songs with influences drawn from across those musical traditions. This is a free gig, with no tickets required. Donations are encouraged to [...]
Tickets £12 25th October: Doors 5.45pm, show 6pm 27th October: Doors 6.45pm, show 7pmThis show is for a seated audience Following the success of the sell-out show Hebridean Fire, multi-instrumentalists Elsa and Gary return with Celtic Tales, enchanting audiences with myths and legends of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. This dynamic duo masterfully blend heartfelt ballads with high-energy jigs [...]
This is the true story of Reed Peggram. In 1939 the brilliant young Black scholar from Boston, travels to Paris so that he could live a life beyond America’s racial boundaries. There, he falls deeply in love with Arne Hauptmann, a Danish scholar. As Nazi Germany advances across Europe, Reed refuses to abandon the man [...]
Are you feeling evil? Do you love a catfight? Well hot off the success of Sunday Roast @ Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender we’re bringing you a double helping of Sunday [...]
Sale Dates and Times:Public Onsale : Fri, 28 Nov 2025 at 10:00 AMTicketmaster Presale : Thu, 27 Nov 2025 at 10:00 AM
Test your knowledge of horror films, and help raise money for an incredible cause! - £3 a head (CASH ONLY)- Maximum 6 to a team- Food served throughout - Book now: https://tinyurl.com/7j5kk5vIf you book and then decide not to attend, please CANCEL YOUR BOOKING.Please attend with the number of people you book for. Please arrive [...]
Colchester Fringe debut of dark comedy following hit Edinburgh Fringe run! Mary Kennedy, yes one of those Kennedys, third cousins twice removed; all of the tragedy, none of the money stars in Hail Mary, None of the Grace. No Irish Catholic story is complete without a mention of a good Irish funeral! Join Mary as [...]
With one foot in stand‑up comedy, the other in TED‑style presentation, this one‑person musical ride dives into Eurovision’s history, queer joy, fandom culture, and identity. Expect big music, big humour and heartfelt reflections woven through slides and song. ★★★★ - Edmonton Journal, ★★★★★ - Hamilton Hammer, 2025 Calgary Fringe Award Winner, “McLean has broken the [...]
Rhys James has made a discovery that could fix everything.It's been staring him in the face the whole time, in a mirror held behind his head.If he can ignore his own problems for long enough, he might just be able to solve yours.A fast, forensic show of big ideas and gag-dense overthinking from one of [...]
Last here performing as a member of the Joni Reimagined Quartet, when she wowed the audience with her superb vocals, be prepared once more to be mesmerised and captivated by the voice of Jana Varga.Citing a mixture of influences - from classical music to songwriters such as Janis Ian, James Taylor, and the well-travelled folk [...]
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