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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Keep Colchester Cool
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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
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
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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:20261103T083000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261128T163000
DTSTAMP:20260910T181030Z
CREATED:20260910T181030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T181030Z
UID:132704-1793694600-1795883400@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Art Show by Nick Mair with Stella Davis
DESCRIPTION:Nick Mair returns to Level Best Art Gallery in Colchester this November for his second exhibition at the gallery\, showing work created in collaboration with Stella Davis. \nNick chooses the subjects for the pictures\, generally drawing inspiration from natural history\, before working with Stella to interpret them through painting. The pair work together once a month at the L’Arche Community in Ipswich\, where Nick lives. \nThe exhibition reflects their collaborative approach\, with each bringing something to the work that\, as Level Best explains\, neither could create alone. \nThe exhibition runs at Level Best Art Gallery from Tuesday 3rd to Saturday 28th November 2026.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/art-show-by-nick-mair-with-stella-davis/
LOCATION:Level Best Enterprises\, Level Best Enterprises
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261111T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261127T163000
DTSTAMP:20261027T193319Z
CREATED:20261027T193319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261027T193319Z
UID:135982-1794391200-1795797000@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Wild About Essex: Hands on with Shark Teeth 11/11/2026 - 27/11/2026 Natural History Museum Science and Nature\, Handling objects\, Special\, Bookable Event
DESCRIPTION:Sessions will run 10am – 12.30pm and 2 – 4.30pm on: \n   + Wednesday 11th November\n   + Friday 13th November\n   + Wednesday 18th November\n   + Friday 20th November\n   + Wednesday 25th November\n   + Friday 27th November \nAre you passionate about Essex’s wildlife and want to learn more about what Colchester Museums cares for? Then why not come along to one of our ‘Wild About Essex: Hands on with Nature’ sessions. You will get to discover a variety of objects never seen before by the public and find out how you can see and protect wildlife around Colchester! Try your hand at photographing\, labelling and sorting different animals and plants. By taking part in these sessions\, you will be playing a vital role in the redevelopment of Colchester’s Natural History Museum. \nThe focus this month will be shark teeth. \nThese sessions are suitable for ages 18+. \nFor useful information\, such as how to find us and what facilities the museum has\, we recommend reading our Access information: Access at the Natural History Museum
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/wild-about-essex-hands-on-with-shark-teeth-11-11-2026-27-11-2026-natural-history-museum-science-and-nature-handling-objects-special-bookable-event/
LOCATION:Colchester Natural History Museum\, Colchester Natural History Museum
CATEGORIES:Kids & Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Untitled-design-1-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261121T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270117T183000
DTSTAMP:20260905T155155Z
CREATED:20260905T155155Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260905T155155Z
UID:132262-1795269600-1800210600@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Jack and the Beanstalk - Mercury Theatre\, Colchester
DESCRIPTION:The Mercury Theatre presents Jack and the Beanstalk\, its 2026 Christmas pantomime\, with Colchester panto favourites Antony Stuart-Hicks and Dale Superville returning for another festive production. \nJack lives at Trott’s farm with Trevor and their mum Tilly\, but money is running low. When ruthless landowner Augusta Bigbucks buys the farm\, the family reluctantly decide to sell their beloved cow Pat at Culver Square market. \nThe appearance of a giant beanstalk soon changes everything\, leaving Jack with the challenge of climbing to Cloudland\, confronting a fearsome giant and attempting to save Colchester. \nJack and the Beanstalk runs at the Mercury Theatre from Saturday 21 November 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027\, with daytime and evening performances throughout the run. \nThe production runs for approximately 2 hours 30 minutes\, including an interval. Family performances have an age guidance of 5+\, with separate 18+ adult performances taking place in January. \nThe show is likely to contain haze\, loud noises\, loud music\, and flashing lights. Relaxed\, BSL-interpreted\, audio-described and captioned performances are available on selected dates.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/jack-and-the-beanstalk-mercury-theatre-colchester/
LOCATION:Mercury Theatre\, Balkerne Gate\, Colchester\, CO1 1PT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Kids & Family,Theatre
ORGANIZER;CN="Mercury Theatre Colchester":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail_com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261124T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261124T110000
DTSTAMP:20260911T131043Z
CREATED:20260911T033821Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T131043Z
UID:132801-1795514400-1795518000@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Mini Museum Explorers
DESCRIPTION:Sessions take place on 24 November\, 10–11am and 11:15am–12:15pm. \nDesigned for children aged 2½ to 5\, these relaxed\, hands-on sessions give you the chance to explore the museum together. Join your child as they discover science and history through play\, with plenty of opportunities to get involved\, create\, and learn side by side at the Natural History Museum. \nThis month\, we’re steering into the world of transport. From wheels and vehicles to how things move\, little explorers will discover different ways to travel and experiment with friction\, all brought to life through stories\, craft and play. It’s a fun way to spark curiosity while spending quality time together. \nKS1 home educators are welcome at the 11:15 session. Sessions are designed for children and their carers\, creating a relaxed\, small-group experience\, so they aren’t suitable for larger nursery groups\, but we’d be happy to arrange a dedicated session on request. \nFor useful information\, such as how to find us and what facilities the Natural History Museum has\, we recommend reading our Access information. \nSpaces cost £3 per child. \nhttps://www.facebook.com/events/2138308833410636/?event_time_id=2138308836743969
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/mini-museum-explorers-13/
LOCATION:Castle Park\, CO1 1TJ Colchester\, United Kingdom\, Castle Park\, CO1 1TJ Colchester\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Kids & Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/132801_image_714204362_1406972714785137_4381719918585378830_n.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Colchester Museums":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261124T111500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261124T121500
DTSTAMP:20260911T131043Z
CREATED:20260911T033823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T131043Z
UID:132803-1795518900-1795522500@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Mini Museum Explorers
DESCRIPTION:Sessions take place on 24 November\, 10–11am and 11:15am–12:15pm. \nDesigned for children aged 2½ to 5\, these relaxed\, hands-on sessions give you the chance to explore the museum together. Join your child as they discover science and history through play\, with plenty of opportunities to get involved\, create\, and learn side by side at the Natural History Museum. \nThis month\, we’re steering into the world of transport. From wheels and vehicles to how things move\, little explorers will discover different ways to travel and experiment with friction\, all brought to life through stories\, craft and play. It’s a fun way to spark curiosity while spending quality time together. \nKS1 home educators are welcome at the 11:15 session. Sessions are designed for children and their carers\, creating a relaxed\, small-group experience\, so they aren’t suitable for larger nursery groups\, but we’d be happy to arrange a dedicated session on request. \nFor useful information\, such as how to find us and what facilities the Natural History Museum has\, we recommend reading our Access information. \nSpaces cost £3 per child. \nhttps://www.facebook.com/events/2138308833410636/?event_time_id=2138308840077302
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/mini-museum-explorers-14/
LOCATION:Castle Park\, CO1 1TJ Colchester\, United Kingdom\, Castle Park\, CO1 1TJ Colchester\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Kids & Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/132801_image_714204362_1406972714785137_4381719918585378830_n.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Colchester Museums":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261124T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261124T213000
DTSTAMP:20260907T033810Z
CREATED:20260902T153825Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260907T033810Z
UID:132064-1795545000-1795555800@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Get into the festive spirit and create a stunning handmade Christmas wreath at our relaxed and welcoming workshop at The Romano Lounge in Colchester. \nWhether you’re a complete beginner or have made wreaths before\, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of creating a beautiful seasonal wreath using a selection of festive foliage\, decorations\, ribbons\, and natural materials. \nThis hands-on workshop is the perfect way to start the Christmas season\, enjoy some creative time for yourself\, and leave with a unique wreath to display on your door or in your home throughout the festive period. \nWhat’s Included: \nAll materials and equipmentStep-by-step tuitionA hot or soft drinkA slice of cakeYour finished Christmas wreath to take home \nWorkshop DetailsRomano lounge\, foundation house\, Colchester CO1 1LF£43.50 per person \nIncluding a hot or soft drink and cake \nSpaces are limited\, so early booking is recommended. BOOK HERE https://www.thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk/event-details/christmas-wreath-making-workshop-19
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/christmas-wreath-making-workshop-2/
LOCATION:Romano Lounge\, Romano Lounge
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ORGANIZER;CN="The Creative Workshop Company":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261124T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261124T223000
DTSTAMP:20260907T033810Z
CREATED:20260616T162405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260907T033810Z
UID:130525-1795548600-1795559400@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Blue Rose Code
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £20.Doors open 7.30pm\, starts 8pm.This gig is for a seated audience. \nFollowing headline performances in ‘24 at Cambridge Folk Festival and Gate To Southwell with his nine-piece Caley Soul band as well as a sold out bravura show for Celtic Connections at Glasgow’s 1\,400 cap Pavillion Theatre\, Wilson has spent the last few months reconnecting with his roots in live club performance. \nTouringin 2025\, the shows have workshopped new songs for 2026’s new Blue Rose Code studio album. The direction of travel seems to be closer to the broad Scots Folk/Singer Songwriter style that brought him to work with the likes of Karine Polwart\, Beth Nielsen Chapman\, Ewan McGregor\, to write for Steve Knightley\, and open for heavyweights like Van Morrison\, Deacon Blue and the Proclaimers. \nTonight Blue Rose Code appears in duo format. \n“A set of almost religious intensity and sincerity. Wilson makes widescreen soul in the spirit of Van Morrison\, and was full of the holy fire of live performance” The Times  \n“Ravishingly beautiful\, a burnished blaze of Caledonian Soul\, muted jazz and poetic recitation” UNCUT \n“Jubilant\, prayerful\, compassionate\, Caledonian soul maestro Ross Wilson’s latest iteration of his Blue Rose Code band sees his songs bursting with heart” The Scotsman \n“An expert ensemble\, led by Edinburgh singer-songwriter Ross Wilson\, brought the spontaneity and informality of an after-hours pub session to the Pavilion Theatre. The effect was both stirring and meditative” The Spectator \n“One of the moments of this year’s festivals. Nothing short of sublime” The Herald \nhttps://bluerosecode.com/
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/blue-rose-code/
LOCATION:Colchester Arts Centre\, Church Street\, Colchester\, CO1 1NF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Music
ORGANIZER;CN="Colchester Arts Centre":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail_com
END:VEVENT
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