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X-WR-CALNAME:Keep Colchester Cool
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Keep Colchester Cool
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BEGIN:VEVENT
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: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
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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
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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:20261030T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261107T212000
DTSTAMP:20260920T164557Z
CREATED:20260920T164557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260920T164557Z
UID:133663-1793386800-1794086400@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Picture of Dorian Gray
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/the-picture-of-dorian-gray/
LOCATION:Mercury Theatre\, Balkerne Gate\, Colchester\, CO1 1PT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Theatre
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261102T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261106T220000
DTSTAMP:20260907T033803Z
CREATED:20260224T071252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260907T033803Z
UID:129280-1793613600-1794002400@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:HEART Performance Retreat with Amy Sigil and Catherine Idalia
DESCRIPTION:Applications are open! https://forms.gle/ZhmSqAinckUPiPY97  \nApply now and pay later! Just a deposit (£100\, non-refundable) is required to secure your spot. The remaining can be paid in installments. \nHEART Performance Retreat with Amy Sigil and Catherine Idalia2nd – 6th Nov 2026in the historic city of Colchester\, UK \nA week for growth\, creativity and connection.No work\, no chores\, no day-to-day stresses.Just dance\, inspiration\, friendship and fun. \nA week for YOU.  \nJoin Catherine and SPECIAL GUEST AMY SIGIL for a dance experience that is both supportive and challenging\, grounding and innovative. A dance experience that’s all about HEART. \nA total of 43hrs of instruction! \nBefore the retreat: 15hrs of online classes \nDuring the retreat: 28hrs of in-person training+ social events+ ‘ask us anything’ evening with the teachers+ theatre show+ professional photos and video from the show \nInvestment: £747 \nAccommodation can be arranged for an additional costPayment plans available \nMore info: www.catherinetaylordance.co.uk/learn-to-dance/#performanceretreat2026
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/performance-retreat-with-amy-sigil-and-catherine-taylor/
LOCATION:Headgate Theatre\, 14 Chapel Street North\, Colchester\, CO2 7AT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Performance,Wellbeing
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261102T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261102T170000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084347Z
CREATED:20260923T084347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T084347Z
UID:134122-1793638800-1793638800@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Silent Book Club
DESCRIPTION:First Monday of the month\, 5pm\nDuring October we have a special Silent Book Club. Read more here \nTurn up\, read your book.  The simplicity of it is beautiful and\, in our case\, very necessary as we are struggling to find the time to read!  We are too busy talking about books to actually read them. Bring your own book and perhaps a blanket and a take out coffee. \nYour £8 ticket provides the space to read and you will be given a £10 book voucher (which can be exchanged at any time) \nThe idea was created by bookseller Joe Hedinger in response to research from the UK charity The Reading Agency\, which found that 67% of UK adults would like to read more and we couldn’t word it better.  Here he says\, \n‘The research found that reading wasn’t just for entertainment. Nearly two thirds of people said they’d like to turn to a book in times of stress\, anxiety or illness. However\, people struggle to find time to read\, because the demands and distractions of hectic lifestyles get in the way. \n‘Our idea was to think about reading as a practice. Rather than snatching a few lines before bed or on your commute\, what if reading was something you committed regular time to — just like putting an hour aside for the gym\, yoga or meditation? \n‘Considering the pace of modern life\, taking a moment to slow down and focus on one thing isn’t just good for our wellbeing – it’s actually quite a rebellious act!’
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/silent-book-club/
LOCATION:Red Lion Books\, 25 High Street\, Colchester
CATEGORIES:Talks
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261102T191000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261102T211000
DTSTAMP:20260923T145612Z
CREATED:20260923T145612Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T145612Z
UID:134350-1793646600-1793653800@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Film\, TV & Music Quiz
DESCRIPTION:Book Now \nTest your knowledge of all things film\, TV and music\, all whilst raising money for an incredible cause!\n\n– £3.00 a head entry\, will all proceeds going to a selected charity or cause\n– Maximum 6 to a team.\n– Food served throughout.\n\nPlease note you will be required pay on entry with cash. Please arrive at least fifteen minutes before the quiz is due to start to be seated/place food and drink orders.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/film-tv-music-quiz/
LOCATION:Three Wise Monkeys\, 60 High Street\, Colchester\, CO1 1DN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Quiz
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Screenshot-2026-02-16-at-10.52.48.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261102T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261102T230000
DTSTAMP:20260917T071254Z
CREATED:20260917T071254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T071254Z
UID:133277-1793649600-1793660400@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:French Night 2026 with Bof\, Paul Riley & Gwendal Moële and Corbeau
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £13/£12 concs \nDoors 7.30pm\, show 8pm\nThis gig is for a seated audience\n\nAn evening of French music with Bof\, Paul Riley & Gwendal Moële and Les Hirondelles. \nBof! is a four-piece band who play French and Breton music for dances and concerts. They appear mainly around East Anglia\, but have played at festivals and clubs across the UK and in France. Their current line-up comprises Gwendal Moële – Vocals / Val Woollard – Flute\, Bagpipes and Recorders / Phil Lyons – Guitar and Vocals / Simon Haines – Diatonic accordions. \nGwendal Moële & Paul Riley are an established duo who present a programme of 20th century French chansons\, including songs by Edith Piaf\, Charles Trenet\, Jacques Brel ad others. Paul’s jazzy\, bluesy guitar style is the ideal accompaniment to Gwendal’s powerfully sensitive vocals. \nCorbeau’s approach to French Balfolk draws on traditional and contemporary compositions\, taking inspiration from dances across France. Drawing on a range of musical influences and styles\, they combine melodic lines\, rhythms\, and harmonies\, to create an energetic and driving sound. Emma and Tom Hardy previously performed with Les Hirondelles and in Corbeau they have joined forces with Simon Keep\, accordionist with Fishclaw. \nCorbeau are: Emma Hardy (violin)\, Simon Keep (accordion)\, Tom Hardy (guitar).
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/french-night-2026-with-bof-paul-riley-gwendal-moele-and-corbeau/
LOCATION:Colchester Arts Centre\, Church Street\, Colchester\, CO1 1NF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/french-night-2026-with-bof-paul-riley-gwendal-moele-and-corbeau.jpg
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