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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Keep Colchester Cool
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260711T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261108T170000
DTSTAMP:20260905T083852Z
CREATED:20260905T083852Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T083852Z
UID:132220-1783764000-1794157200@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Duncan Grant: Worlds Through Desire: From Drawing to Cruising to DMs
DESCRIPTION: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 technologies.\n\nAt the centre of the exhibition are drawings and paintings by Duncan Grant\, including work connected to the period he spent on a Suffolk farm with his then partner David Garnett during the First World War.\n\nMore than 35 drawings and paintings by Grant feature alongside contemporary works\, with the exhibition looking at the different places and technologies through which people have found one another\, from galleries\, bars and public spaces to online games\, social media and dating apps.\n\nWorlds Through Desire runs at Firstsite until Sunday 8 November 2026.\n\nAdmission is free and no booking is required.\n\nFirstsite is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 5pm\, Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 10pm\, and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. It is closed on Mondays.\n\nPlease note that the exhibition contains nudity. Sexually explicit artworks are displayed in a separate enclosed room restricted to visitors aged 18 and over.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/duncan-grant-worlds-through-desire-from-drawing-to-cruising-to-dms/
LOCATION:Firstsite\, Lewis Gardens\, Colchester\, CO1 1JH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions
ORGANIZER;CN="Firstsite Colchester":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail_com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260919T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270117T170000
DTSTAMP:20260905T114354Z
CREATED:20260905T084144Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T114354Z
UID:132222-1789812000-1800205200@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Simon Carter: From the Landscape
DESCRIPTION:Essex artist Simon Carter transforms Firstsite’s gallery with From the Landscape\, an immersive exhibition inspired by the Essex coast and countryside.\n\nCarter has spent more than 40 years walking\, drawing and painting the landscape around him. The exhibition brings together more than 30 acrylic paintings and drawings made since 2020\, an early watercolour painted when he was 23\, and three new series created especially for Firstsite.\n\nRather than simply hanging works on gallery walls\, From the Landscape uses painted surfaces\, installation and sound to create an environment visitors can move through. A 19-metre wall carries 500 monochrome painted sketches\, while recordings made by Carter during his daily walks bring sounds from the Essex coast into the gallery.\n\nCarter is based in Frinton and is President of Colchester Art Society. He has previously been Artist-in-Residence at both the University of Essex and Firstsite.\n\nFrom the Landscape runs from Saturday 19 September 2026 until Sunday 17 January 2027.\n\nAdmission is free and no booking is required.\n\nFirstsite is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am to 5pm\, Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 10pm\, and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. It is closed on Mondays.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/simon-carter-from-the-landscape/
LOCATION:Firstsite\, Lewis Gardens\, Colchester\, CO1 1JH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions
ORGANIZER;CN="Firstsite Colchester":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail_com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261001T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261031T173000
DTSTAMP:20260917T152705Z
CREATED:20260910T162637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T152705Z
UID:132690-1790845200-1793467800@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:New Face for Leprosy Exhibition
DESCRIPTION: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. \nThe project was conceived in 2019 by Emeritus Professor Diana Lockwood to challenge some of the myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease. \nWorking with photographer Tom Bradley\, the project visited Lepra’s programmes in India and Bangladesh\, meeting people affected by leprosy and recording their stories as they dealt with the physical\, social and emotional impact of diagnosis. \nBradley’s portraits aim to present the people photographed\, first and foremost\, as individuals\, challenging some of the images traditionally associated with leprosy and showing people living independent\, fulfilling lives. \nAlongside the photography\, the Colchester exhibition will feature artefacts from Lepra’s archives\, looking back at the organisation’s history and its work throughout the 20th century to improve the lives of people affected by leprosy and develop new treatments. \nThe exhibition is free to visit\, and no booking or ticket is required. \nTwo special events will also take place during the exhibition\, including a talk on Lepra’s history on Wednesday 21 October and a children’s storytelling session on Friday 30 October.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/new-face-for-leprosy-exhibition/
LOCATION:Colchester Library and Community Hub\, 21 Trinity Square\, Colchester\, CO1 1JB\, GB
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/a-new-face-for-leprosy-exhibition-colchester.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Lepra":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail_com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261002T083000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261029T163000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084207Z
CREATED:20260923T084207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T084207Z
UID:134166-1790929800-1793291400@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Bridging Dreams: By Sakai International Community Arts
DESCRIPTION:Bridging Dreams By Sakai International Community Arts\n2 to 29 October 2026\nLevel Best Art Gallery\, Colchester \nThis October\, Level Best Art Gallery welcomes Bridging Dreams\, a special international exhibition connecting artists in Sakai City\, Japan\, with the Level Best community in Colchester. \nFounded in Osaka in 2019\, Sakai International Community Arts is an inclusive arts organisation that brings disabled and non-disabled people together through art\, theatre\, and creative workshops. Its talented members work across painting\, calligraphy\, performance and dance. \nFor many of the artists\, travelling overseas is difficult\, but they have long dreamed of sharing their work internationally. Bridging Dreams makes that possible\, allowing their artwork to cross the ocean and create new connections between Japan and the UK. \nThe exhibition celebrates creativity without borders and the growing relationship between Sakai International Community Arts and Level Best Enterprises. \nThis project has been made possible with the generous support of The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation. \n 
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/bridging-dreams-by-sakai-international-community-arts/
LOCATION:Level Best Enterprises\, Level Best Enterprises
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Bridging-Dreams-1024x1024-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261010T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270228T000000
DTSTAMP:20260921T160859Z
CREATED:20260921T160740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T160859Z
UID:133879-1791590400-1803772800@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Against the Tide
DESCRIPTION:What does it mean to grow up by the sea today? \nFrom ambition and creativity to isolation and inequality\, explore intimate photographs and firsthand accounts that document what life is really like for young people growing up in coastal Britain. \nAbout the exhibition \nDocumentary photographer Polly Braden and journalist Lisa Bachelor spent more than a year travelling to coastal communities across England\, working closely with young people aged 16–25 using photographs\, film and personal stories to explore their lives. \nCreated as part of The Guardian’s Seascape series\, Against the Tide looks beyond the negative portrayals to reveal a more complicated picture of coastal Britain today. \nAcross Tendring\, Weston-super-Mare\, Scarborough\, Grimsby\, Southend\, Portsmouth\, Whitehaven\, Rhyl and Blackpool\, Polly’s photographs bring us into the lives of a generation growing up in some of the most deprived and often-forgotten places in England. \nAlongside accounts of isolation and lack of opportunity are expressions of resilience\, ambition and hope\, and a clear message: coastal towns are not just sites of decline\, but places of creativity and possibility. \nYoung people involved in this exhibition have created their own photographs\, exchanged ideas with peers and shared their experiences with UK policymakers\, showing how creativity and personal stories together can help inform decisions about coastal communities beyond words and numbers. \nWhat to expect \nDiscover intimate portraits\, honest first-hand accounts and a close-up look at the everyday lives of young people growing up in coastal England. \nPolly’s photographs are paired with the words and experiences of the young people she met\, creating a layered portrait of places that are often overlooked or reduced to stories of decline. \nThese artworks reflect both the challenges and strengths of coastal communities. Young people speak about education\, work\, mental health\, belonging and opportunity. \nThey also share stories of friendship\, creativity\, resilience and pride in where they come from. \nAbout Polly Braden \nPolly Braden is a documentary photographer known for her intimate\, long-term collaborations. \nHer work focuses on overlooked communities and social issues\, and her distinctive style combines quiet observation with deep empathy. \nPolly believes art can do more than tell stories. It gives people a chance to speak for themselves\, encourages empathy and starts conversations about issues that matter. \nWith special thanks to Attwells Solicitors\, Seán Kelly\, and Catherine for their generous contribution towards this exhibition. \n 
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/against-the-tide/
LOCATION:Firstsite\, Lewis Gardens\, Colchester\, CO1 1JH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/PollyBraden_Millicent_2025-07162025_Against_the_tide__PollyBraden_B0014464-Millicent_-small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261010T000000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270228T000000
DTSTAMP:20261015T145345Z
CREATED:20261015T145345Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T145345Z
UID:135711-1791590400-1803772800@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Polly Braden: Against the Tide
DESCRIPTION:What does it mean to grow up by the sea today? \nFrom ambition and creativity to isolation and inequality\, explore intimate photographs and first-hand accounts documenting what life is really like for young people growing up in coastal Britain. \n  \nAbout the exhibition \nDocumentary photographer Polly Braden and journalist Lisa Bachelor spent more than a year travelling to coastal communities across England\, working closely with young people aged 16–25 using photographs\, film and personal stories to explore their lives. \nCreated as part of The Guardian’s Seascape series\, Against the Tide looks beyond the negative portrayals to reveal a more complicated picture of coastal Britain today. \nAcross Tendring\, Weston-super-Mare\, Scarborough\, Grimsby\, Southend\, Portsmouth\, Whitehaven\, Rhyl and Blackpool\, Polly’s photographs bring us into the lives of a generation growing up in some of the most deprived and often forgotten places across England. \nAlongside accounts of isolation and lack of opportunity are expressions of resilience\, ambition and hope\, and a clear message: coastal towns are not just sites of decline\, but places of creativity and possibility. \nYoung people involved in this exhibition have created their own photographs\, exchanged ideas with peers and shared their experiences with UK policymakers\, showing how creativity and personal stories together can help inform decisions about coastal communities beyond words and numbers. \nPolly Braden: Against the Tide originated at Arnolfini\, Bristol\, in collaboration with Polly Braden. \n  \nWhat to expect \nDiscover intimate portraits\, honest first-hand accounts and a close-up look at the everyday lives of young people growing up in coastal England. \nPolly’s photographs are paired with the words and experiences of the young people she met\, creating a layered portrait of places that are often overlooked or reduced to stories of decline. \nThese artworks reflect both the challenges and strengths of coastal communities. Young people speak about education\, work\, mental health\, belonging and opportunity. \nThey also share stories of friendship\, creativity\, resilience and pride in where they come from. \nAbout Polly Braden \nPolly Braden is a documentary photographer known for her intimate\, long-term collaborations. \nHer work focuses on overlooked communities and social issues\, and her distinctive style combines quiet observation with deep empathy. \nPolly believes art can do more than tell stories. It gives people a chance to speak for themselves\, encourages empathy and starts conversations about issues that matter. \nWith special thanks to Attwells Solicitors\, Seán Kelly\, and Catherine for their generous contribution towards this exhibition.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/polly-braden-against-the-tide/
LOCATION:Firstsite\, Lewis Gardens\, Colchester\, CO1 1JH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/PollyBraden_Millicent_2025-07162025_Against_the_tide__PollyBraden_B0014464-Millicent_-small-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261010T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270228T160000
DTSTAMP:20260905T130039Z
CREATED:20260905T130039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T130039Z
UID:132225-1791626400-1803830400@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Out of Line: Banksy and the Art of Dissent
DESCRIPTION:Out of Line: Banksy and the Art of Dissent brings a major exhibition of street and urban contemporary art to The Minories in Colchester. \nThe exhibition features 28 original artworks by Banksy alongside significant works by more than 20 other artists from the international street art and urban contemporary art movement. Every Banksy work included is either an original artwork or an artist-certified print. \nThe majority of the works have been lent by John Brandler of Brandler Galleries in Brentwood. \nOut of Line runs at The Minories from Saturday 10 October 2026 until Sunday 28 February 2027. \nTickets are £12.50 for adults\, with concessions from £7. \nThe exhibition is supported by Colchester City Council and Sonia & Giles Coode-Adams.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/out-of-line-banksy-and-the-art-of-dissent/
LOCATION:The Minories\, 74 High Street\, Colchester CO1 1UE\, The Minories\, 74 High Street\, Colchester CO1 1UE
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions
ORGANIZER;CN="The Minories":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T104500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T114500
DTSTAMP:20261015T145830Z
CREATED:20261015T145805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T145830Z
UID:135717-1793184300-1793187900@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Holiday Fun October 2026: Circus
DESCRIPTION:Step right up\, step right up\, for this October Holiday Fun session to learn some circus skills with Beef Wright! \nThere’ll be spinning plates\, flower sticks\, juggling\, Diabolo and more! \nCircus is suitable for the whole family including children from 4+. Tickets must be purchased in advance for children to participate. \nParents are also welcome to join in the fun on the day if there is space to join. \nOur Holiday Fun activities are for families facing economic challenges or who require additional support during the school holidays\, including those that qualify for benefits-based free school meals. \nHoliday Fun is designed in partnership with African Families in the UK\, Bangladeshi Women’s Association Essex\, and Level Best Enterprises. \nFind out more about Holiday Fun. \nHow to book \nScroll down to book your spaces. \nEarly bird tickets are on sale from 9am on Tue 20 Oct 2026. More tickets will be released three days in advance of each session. \nBookings can be made by selecting a date at the bottom of this page\, or by calling 01206 713 700. Spaces are limited\, offered on a first come\, first served basis. \nHow to get to Firstsite \nPlease note there is no parking available at Firstsite\, however there are car parks nearby\, and Colchester Town Centre is well serviced by public transport. How to get here \nIf you can no longer attend your booking… \nIf you contact us 24 hours before the event your space can be made available for another family. Thank you! \nExplore more of Holiday Fun \nGet creative with all the family in our art drop-in activities\, plus children can take part in our Holiday Fun movement activities – find out more and book here \nDelivered in partnership with \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/holiday-fun-october-2026-circus/
LOCATION:Firstsite\, Lewis Gardens\, Colchester\, CO1 1JH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Kids & Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/IMG_0307_s-scaled-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T153000
DTSTAMP:20261015T135640Z
CREATED:20261015T135640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T135640Z
UID:135427-1793197800-1793201400@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Manic Macbeth
DESCRIPTION:Murder\, superstition and madness haunt this terrifying tale. a perfect story for a 6 – 12 year old. When Macbeth returns from battle he meets 3 witches who promise him he’ll be king\, but what will he have to do to get the crown? The classic tale cut down to size with a twist\, all the actors will be volunteers invited onto stage from the audience as storyteller Eden expertly weaves the tale of witch’s spells\, bloody battles and ghostly hauntings\, while guiding the new actors to the unavoidable fatal ending. with all the jokes Shakespeare forgot.						 \nColchester Fringe Festival. Performance venue: Headgate Theatre (Rehearsal Room). \nAge Suitability: All Ages \nSensitive Content: None\, More Information \nMore Information: Please Note: This venue has a No Late Entry Policy. \nTicket Price: £9 \nBooking information.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/manic-macbeth/
LOCATION:Headgate Theatre\, 14 Chapel Street North\, Colchester\, CO2 7AT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Kids & Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/09-07-2026-112056-1319-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T213000
DTSTAMP:20261005T141754Z
CREATED:20261005T141754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T141754Z
UID:134900-1793212200-1793223000@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Dungeons & Dragons at Dice & a Slice
DESCRIPTION:Come and join our weekly D&D Sessions! No Experience Necessary! \nAll Sessions 6:30pm-9:30pm – £5 to play \nOctober Sessions \nThursday 8th \nWednesday 14th \nThursday 22nd \nWednesday 28th
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/dungeons-dragons-at-dice-a-slice-2/
LOCATION:Dice and a Slice
CATEGORIES:Variety
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T194500
DTSTAMP:20261015T135640Z
CREATED:20261015T135640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T135640Z
UID:135431-1793214000-1793216700@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Antonio & Diego – desde Utrera
DESCRIPTION:No dancers. No spectacle. No concessions. Direct to Colchester from the ancient town of Utrera\, in the beating heart of Andalusia’s flamenco country\, come father-and-son virtuoso guitar duo Antonio & Diego. Both conservatoire trained\, they represent a rare evolution of the art: the flawless precision of the academy seamlessly combined with the “duende” of a storied lineage. Their performance burns with the raw emotion and intricate rhythms immortalised by Utrera’s flamenco royalty – Bambino (the “King of Rumba”)\, and the legendary Gitana sisters\, Fernanda and Bernarda. Through a haunting dialogue of voice and guitar\, Antonio & Diego navigate a range of traditional ‘palos’\, paying homage to the towering legacy of Paco de Lucía\, Paco Cepero and the hugely influential “rock andaluz” of Triana\, Lole y Manuel and Alameda. They don’t speak English; they don’t need to. Music is their mother tongue. This is flamenco straight from its source: direct\, intimate\, and uncompromising. A thing of rare beauty\, forged in the family home\, refined by years of study\, and seldom destined for export.						 \nColchester Fringe Festival. Performance venue: Coda. \nAge Suitability: All Ages \nSensitive Content: None \nTicket Price: £9 \nBooking information.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/antonio-diego-desde-utrera-3/
LOCATION:CODA \,63\, High Street\, Colchester\, CODA \,63\, High Street\, Colchester
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/08-30-2026-161952-8912.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T194500
DTSTAMP:20261015T135640Z
CREATED:20261015T135640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T135640Z
UID:135433-1793214000-1793216700@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Shall We?
DESCRIPTION:Eccentric and unfiltered stand up comedian Jeanie Vowles brings her work-in-progress show back home to Essex\, suppling fast paced humour on anything from golden flutes\, troll farmers\, thumbs\, windmills\, and whatever else has been living rent-free in her brain.  \nExpect fast paced humour\, new jokes\, best bits\, and chaotic fun.  \n“Hilarious! Great energy with unique joke writing. No doubt this will be an excellent show.” – Ansum Comedy \nCornish Comedian of the Year Finalist 2025. \nPatch\, 7:00pm: 27th and 28th October 2026. 18+						 \nColchester Fringe Festival. Performance venue: Patch. \nAge Suitability: 18yrs+ \nSensitive Content: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes\, Strong Language/Swearing \nTicket Price: £9 \nBooking information.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/shall-we/
LOCATION:Patch\, 24 Trinity Street\, Colchester\, CO1 1JN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/08-22-2026-141855-5377-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T195000
DTSTAMP:20260923T145613Z
CREATED:20260923T145613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T145613Z
UID:134332-1793214000-1793217000@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Pseudonym
DESCRIPTION:“Bridget is my pseudonym\nMy thinly-veiled attempt to make sense\nTo add structure\,\nDramatic structure\,\nA beginning\, middle\, and end-\nTo a thing that has none” \nA semi-autobiographical poetic one-woman show by award-winning playwright Deanna Strasse. \n“Bridget” looks back on her life\, contemplating the messy tapestry of experiences that have led her here. She confronts her struggles with body dysmorphia\, creative complacency\, parasocial relationships\, and the brazen decision to move to the UK following a mental breakdown. A raw and intimate look at self-discovery\, identity\, and the art of becoming. \n“Ms. Strasse is a wordsmith. She grabs the language and does not let it go.” — Krane Reviews \n“I didn’t expect to cry. The switch between the fun and the painful was masterful.” — Lakeside Theatre audience member \n“It’s funny\, heartfelt\, warm and fuzzy\, cheeky\, and oh so beautiful.” — Lakeside Theatre audience member \n“Deanna really drew me in…I couldn’t take my eyes off her.” — Brighton Fringe audience member \n*Please note there is no lift to access the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys. There are five flights of hand-railed stairs to reach the top floor with rest opportunities between each flight. Also\, their licensing does not allow anyone under the age of 18 years of age to be in the venue past 9pm. Please consider this when booking.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/pseudonym-2/
LOCATION:Three Wise Monkeys\, 60 High Street\, Colchester\, CO1 1DN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Performance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/08-25-2026-233614-7262-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T195000
DTSTAMP:20261015T135640Z
CREATED:20261015T135640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T135640Z
UID:135429-1793214000-1793217000@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:#SHORN
DESCRIPTION:#SHORN presented by the highly talented Elsa McTaggart. Celebrating 15 years of touring and five-star Fringe performances\, this show features original song\, eclectic musical styles\, loop-pedal and spoken anecdotes. Drawing on a lifetime of music-making\, Elsa performs with warmth\, humour and artistry. #SHORN signifies a coming of age\, shedding the old and embracing the new. This is a rare opportunity to see Elsa at her most unique and vulnerable state as she invites audiences to share in a captivating celebration of creativity\, passion and the transformative power of music.						 \nColchester Fringe Festival. Performance venue: Headgate Theatre (Main). \nAge Suitability: All Ages \nSensitive Content: None \nTicket Price: £9 \nBooking information.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/shorn-2/
LOCATION:Headgate Theatre\, 14 Chapel Street North\, Colchester\, CO2 7AT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/09-09-2026-091906-5632-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T200000
DTSTAMP:20261015T135520Z
CREATED:20261015T135520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T135520Z
UID:135547-1793214000-1793217600@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Zeus Shags Anything – Greek Myths Not For Kids
DESCRIPTION:Some of the most popular Greek Myths nowadays are family friendly stories\, but in truth\, the origins of these tales are much more X rated and scandalous\, hear the full details of what Zeus and the other Gods got up to. Hear about Gods shagging anything that moves\, or even corpses that don’t\, a deal is a deal after all. From the award-winning storyteller Eden\, who brought you the award winning Buckets Of Blood – Fairy Tales Not For Kids\, & Thor’s A Dick – Viking Legends Not For Kids.Audience Participation is a gentle conversation\, no shagging involved.						 \nColchester Fringe Festival. Performance venue: Headgate Theatre (Rehearsal Room). \nAge Suitability: 12yrs+ \nSensitive Content: Audience Participation\, More Information \nMore Information: Please Note: This venue has a No Late Entry Policy. \nTicket Price: £13 \nBooking information.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/zeus-shags-anything-greek-myths-not-for-kids/
LOCATION:Headgate Theatre\, 14 Chapel Street North\, Colchester\, CO2 7AT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Theatre
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/09-03-2026-101550-7114-4.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T193000
DTSTAMP:20260921T201942Z
CREATED:20260921T201942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T201942Z
UID:134050-1793215800-1793215800@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Jeremy Bamber White House Farm Murders – Guilty or not Guilty? with Mark Williams-Thomas
DESCRIPTION:Join award-winning investigative journalist and criminologist Mark Williams-Thomas for a gripping\, immersive theatre experience delving into one of the most infamous and debated murder cases in British criminal history: The Jeremy Bamber White House Farm Murders. \nNearly forty years after Bamber’s conviction for the 1985 killings at White House Farm—a crime for which he has consistently maintained his innocence—the case continues to provoke fierce discussion\, new claims\, and ongoing scrutiny. Over the decades\, Mark Williams-Thomas has conducted extensive investigative work on the story\, including direct communication with Jeremy Bamber himself\, examining both the original evidence and the material that has since emerged. \nIn this uniquely interactive live event\, you\, the audience\, take on the role of a jury. Guided by Mark’s expert insight\, you will journey through the key moments\, evidence\, controversies\, and unanswered questions that have shaped the case for almost four decades. Has the full truth yet been uncovered? Is the conviction safe? And what should justice look like after 40 years of protestations of innocence? \nThought-provoking\, forensic\, and often deeply emotional\, this show invites you to confront one of the UK’s most enduring true-crime mysteries—and cast your own verdict: Guilty… or Not Guilty?
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/the-jeremy-bamber-white-house-farm-murders-guilty-or-not-guilty-with-mark-williams-thomas/
LOCATION:Charter Hall\, Charter Hall
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/The-Jeremy-Bamber-The-White-House-Farm-Murders-SQUARE-scaled-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T214500
DTSTAMP:20260920T164545Z
CREATED:20260920T164545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260920T164545Z
UID:133664-1793215800-1793223900@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Reflections - The Musical Legacy of Diana Ross
DESCRIPTION:Hailing from the USA\, Tameka Jackson is the most authentic tribute to Diana Ross\, which has made her the official number 1 and most sought-after tribute\, worldwide. Her distinctive style sets her apart from others. Tameka has performed to sell-out crowds in some of the most prestigious and well-known theatres across the UK and abroad\, which includes several sold-out performances in London’s West End. A few years ago\, Tameka was asked to star in the touring theatre show In The Name of Love – The Diana Ross Story!With her incomparable vocal similarity and looks\, Tameka delivers an unforgettable performance with her heartfelt homage to the diva herself. Join her alongside her renowned live band (lead by Wendy Richardson) as they take you on a journey through some of the timeless classics and favourites of The Supremes and solo career of the legendary singer! During this concert experience\, Tameka will perform: Ain’t No Mountain\, I’m Coming Out\, Baby Love\, Where Did Our Love Go\, Stop In The Name of Love\, Reflections\, and many more favourites.Adding to the evening’s excitement\, Tameka’s dear friend – the legendary Roy Carter from the ’70s hit sensation\, HEATWAVE – brings his dynamic presence to the stage as he opens the evening singing the classics such as Boogie Nights\, Always & Forever and The Groove Line.Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to Diana’s magic\, this show promises an exhilarating concert experience.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/reflections-the-musical-legacy-of-diana-ross/
LOCATION:Mercury Theatre\, Balkerne Gate\, Colchester\, CO1 1PT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/diana-ross-web-LST948384.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T200000
DTSTAMP:20260917T073031Z
CREATED:20260917T073031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T073031Z
UID:133329-1793217600-1793217600@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Wonderful Wednesdays - Platform 4: The Alice Project
DESCRIPTION:Tickets Pay what you can afford  \nDoors 7.30pm\, show 8pm \nThis show is for a seated audience\n\nWho are you?\nasks the Caterpillar. \n\nAlice is not sure… \n\nAcclaimed performance company Platform 4 take you on a sonic journey through the Wonderland of Alice\, weaving together original music\, interviews with inhabitants of the New Forest\, Lewis Carroll’s text and voices from 40 contemporary Alices! \n\nThis is a ri!\, a homage and a fascinating audio adventure down the rabbit hole\, with a four-piece band of multi-instrumentalist performers. \n\nExpect twisting melodies\, smiling cats\, percussive teacups and surreal storytelling… \n\nAimed at adults and young people\, it’s not the normal Alice family show!\n\n\n“An exceptional company.” The Guardian
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/wonderful-wednesdays-platform-4-the-alice-project/
LOCATION:Colchester Arts Centre\, Church Street\, Colchester\, CO1 1NF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Performance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/wonderful-wednesdays-platform-4-the-alice-project.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T233000
DTSTAMP:20261001T171616Z
CREATED:20261001T171616Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T171616Z
UID:134887-1793217600-1793230200@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Half A Laugh Comedy Open Mic
DESCRIPTION:Half a Laugh presents open mic comedy at Coda!
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/half-a-laugh-comedy-open-mic-3/
LOCATION:CODA \,63\, High Street\, Colchester\, CODA \,63\, High Street\, Colchester
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/45e16b_d8bcdbea2f3446e4a2e190f62fcd8749mv2-2.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T203000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T211500
DTSTAMP:20261015T135640Z
CREATED:20261015T135640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T135640Z
UID:135435-1793219400-1793222100@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Birth Plan
DESCRIPTION:Birth Plan is C’s experience of birth and parenthood\, relayed between increasingly frequent contractions. In her lucid phases\, C unfolds the tragi-comic story of how she ended up labouring alone. \nAs the arrival of her newborn draws ever closer\, C voices doubts about her family relationships\, her fitness to be a parent and questions why she ever chose this path. She reveals her longing for a deeper bond with her husband\, her family\, her children – but unwittingly discloses a truth; that being a mum is all too frequently a lonely occupation. \nSharmila Peake is an actor and theatremaker from Essex. Birth Plan is her new one-woman show\, debuting at Colchester Fringe 2026.  \n“Every moment Sharmila is on the stage is worth the admission fee alone!” Tim Young on Kitty\, Black Brook Theatre \n“Sharmila Peake delivers a wonderful Hamlet\, insecure\, confident\, questioning” Paul T. Davies\, Keep Colchester Cool \n“Birth Plan is witty\, insightful\, and charming. Sharmila Peake shines a light on the perils and loneliness of both the labour process and motherhood as a whole. This is a story that needs to be told.” Deanna Strasse\, author of The Cafe Mocha Murders\, Dead Doves and Lemons & Pseudonym						 \nColchester Fringe Festival. Performance venue: Headgate Theatre (Rehearsal Room). \nAge Suitability: 16yrs + \nSensitive Content: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes\, Strobe Lighting (Very Quick Strobe)\, Strong Language/Swearing\, More Information \nMore Information: Please Note: This venue has a No Late Entry Policy. \nTicket Price: £9 \nBooking information.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/birth-plan-2/
LOCATION:Headgate Theatre\, 14 Chapel Street North\, Colchester\, CO2 7AT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Theatre
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/08-31-2026-222115-6591-2.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T203000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T212500
DTSTAMP:20260923T145612Z
CREATED:20260923T145612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T145612Z
UID:134334-1793219400-1793222700@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Unforgivable Crime of Love
DESCRIPTION: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 he loves. Their interracial queer relationship draws the attention of fascist authorities\, eventually leading to their imprisonment in an Italian concentration camp. \nSeparated\, starving\, and hunted\, the two men risk everything to escape and survive behind enemy lines. Their remarkable journey becomes a story of love and resistance\, and survival against a racist and homophobic world! \n*Please note there is no lift to access the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys. There are five flights of hand-railed stairs to reach the top floor with rest opportunities between each flight. Also\, their licensing does not allow anyone under the age of 18 years of age to be in the venue past 9pm. Please consider this when booking.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/the-unforgivable-crime-of-love/
LOCATION:Three Wise Monkeys\, 60 High Street\, Colchester\, CO1 1DN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Performance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/09-09-2026-100932-9338-5.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T203000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T212500
DTSTAMP:20261015T135520Z
CREATED:20261015T135520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T135520Z
UID:135549-1793219400-1793222700@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Return of Madama Butterfly
DESCRIPTION:Religious divide! Orientalism! Radical avant-garde! \nA Japanese Buddhist soprano trained in Western music struggles with Christian songs\, discriminatory stereotypes of Japanese women\, and the search for her own unique voice. \nA comical yet beautiful songbook from Theatre Group GUMBO\, exploring identity\, culture and the collision of East and West. Journey through a lyrical Japan across all four seasons\, as she discovers a singing style that is truly her own.						 \nColchester Fringe Festival. Performance venue: Headgate Theatre (Main). \nAge Suitability: All Ages \nSensitive Content: None \nTicket Price: £13 \nBooking information.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/the-return-of-madama-butterfly-2/
LOCATION:Headgate Theatre\, 14 Chapel Street North\, Colchester\, CO2 7AT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Theatre
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/09-03-2026-012739-7668.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T203000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T213000
DTSTAMP:20261015T135520Z
CREATED:20261015T135520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T135520Z
UID:135551-1793219400-1793223000@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Wonderful Wednesdays: The Alice Project
DESCRIPTION:A sonic journey through the Wonderland of Alice. Weaving together original music\, Lewis Carroll’s text and voices from 40 contemporary Alices. Plus\, interviews exploring transformation\, identity and growing older. This is a riff\, a homage and a fascinating audio adventure down the rabbit hole from an acclaimed performance company.						 \nColchester Fringe Festival. Performance venue: Colchester Arts Centre. \nAge Suitability: 12yrs+ \nTicket Price: FREE \nBooking information.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/wonderful-wednesdays-the-alice-project/
LOCATION:Colchester Arts Centre\, Church Street\, Colchester\, CO1 1NF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Variety
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/09-16-2026-140126-6563.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T203000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T213000
DTSTAMP:20261015T135640Z
CREATED:20261015T135640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T135640Z
UID:135437-1793219400-1793223000@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Mitch Benn is the 37th Beatle
DESCRIPTION:Mitch Benn is the 37th Beatle combines Mitch’s Scouse upbringing\, his love of music\, and a lifelong obsession with Liverpool’s most famous sons in one show. \nMitch Benn was born in Liverpool in January 1970. Three months later the Beatles broke up. Coincidence? Yes. \nMore than 60 years on from the release of Please Please Me\, Mitch once again explores the enduring legacy of the Fab Four and shamelessly milks his own (incredibly tenuous) connection to them. \nMitch Benn is the 37th Beatle is a glorious mix of spot-on Beatles parodies\, trivia and an endearingly personal account of his own claim to the title of ‘The Fifth Beatle’.						 \nColchester Fringe Festival. Performance venue: Coda. \nAge Suitability: 14yrs+ \nSensitive Content: Strong Language/Swearing \nTicket Price: £13 \nBooking information.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/mitch-benn-is-the-37th-beatle-4/
LOCATION:CODA \,63\, High Street\, Colchester\, CODA \,63\, High Street\, Colchester
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/08-28-2026-150022-9697.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T220000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261028T225500
DTSTAMP:20261015T135640Z
CREATED:20261015T135640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T135640Z
UID:135439-1793224800-1793228100@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Blip Blarp: An Alien Love Story
DESCRIPTION:Meet Blip Blarp\, galactic overachiever and full-time romantic disaster. She lands on Earth with one goal: conquer the planet and produce 1\,000 offspring. There’s just one problem: dating humans. Thrown into modern romance chaos of thirst traps\, mixed signals and situationships\, Blip discovers seduction is harder than invasion. Planetary domination? Easy. Getting a text back? Impossible.Blending physical theatre\, character comedy\, burlesque flair and audience interaction\, this bold\, playful spectacle brings Blip’s chaotic mission to life. Sexy\, brainy\, and unhinged\, expect sharp comedy\, ridiculous characters and plenty of opportunities to get involved as Blip navigates the strange world of human attraction.  \nCheck out what audiences are saying: \n“Cleverly conceived\, technically inventive and anchored by a terrific central performance\, Blip Blarp is bold and quintessentially Fringe.”-Counter Culture UK \n“Blip Blarp: An Alien Love Story…delivers exactly what it promises: an eccentric mix of sci-fi physical theatre\, cabaret movement\, and situation comedy. For Fringe goers seeking something genuinely offbeat\, Alicia Queen delivers a memorable\, bold experiment.”-Edinburgh Reviews \n“It was weird\, wonderful and had me laughing the entire time. It felt very welcoming and the crowd work\, that I was lucky enough to be a part of\, really pulled you in and made the show feel even more enjoyable. I’ll absolutely be looking out for more performances!”-Hayden D. \n“Fantastic\, funny\, weird and other worldly.”-Mike \n“Alicia Queen\, pardon me\, Blip Blarp is an amazing must see late night show at Fringe! This intergalactic sci-fi comedy has all the perfect ingredients to keep you thoroughly entertained and possibly feeling like you may want to leave Earth and explore the galaxy. Blip Barp is interactive\, seductive\, and just down right FUN! The music\, lighting\, visual world of all things absurd make this an impressive one woman show that all Sapiens need to see and experience!! Hi						 \nColchester Fringe Festival. Performance venue: Headgate Theatre (Main). \nAge Suitability: 16yrs + \nSensitive Content: Audience Participation\, Nudity\, Scenes of a Sexual Nature \nTicket Price: £13 \nBooking information.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/blip-blarp-an-alien-love-story-2/
LOCATION:Headgate Theatre\, 14 Chapel Street North\, Colchester\, CO2 7AT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/08-30-2026-173832-9939.jpg
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