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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk
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
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: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:20261203T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T100000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084347Z
CREATED:20260923T084347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T084347Z
UID:134128-1796292000-1796292000@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Needle Felting Workshop with Nicola
DESCRIPTION:First Thursday of the month at 10am \nNeedle felting workshops. Seasonal themes with Nicola\nOctober –      pumpkins and bats\nNovember – mixed media Robins\nDecember –  gingerbread people & stars \nLet’s create! \nGet creative with Nicola in these  fun\, hands-on\, needle felting workshops! \nSuitable for beginners and those with previous experience can try some new techniques using yarn. No experience needed – just bring yourself! We’ll provide everything you need for a relaxed\, creative session where you can learn a new skill and leave with something totally unique.\n£25\, ages 14+
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/needle-felting-workshop-with-nicola/
LOCATION:Red Lion Books\, 25 High Street\, Colchester
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/shot-Nicola-Paton-1-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T170000
DTSTAMP:20260911T102107Z
CREATED:20260911T033826Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T102107Z
UID:132809-1796310000-1796317200@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:First Thursdays: Relaxed Opening
DESCRIPTION:As part of the First Thursdays Festival\, join us at Colchester Castle for a special session designed for visitors with autism or other sensory sensitivities.We turn off sounds and visual displays to reduce sensory stimulation\, so you can enjoy the museum in a more calm and relaxed atmosphere. \nIn the Chapel\, we have a quiet area with sensory toys and items\, clearly marked as a peaceful space. Visitors can use this area however they feel comfortable\, and it’s a supportive\, judgment-free environment. \nYou can also get free ear defenders\, visual guides\, and twiddlemuffs at the museum’s reception. \nSuitable for ages 4+. \nFor helpful information\, such as how to find us and what facilities Colchester Castle has\, we recommend reading our Access information: Access at the Castle \nFor more information about the First Thursdays Festival\, visit the Creative Colchester Website. \nThis event is included as part of Castle admission. Admission tickets can be purchased online or on the day.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/first-thursdays-relaxed-opening-6/
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/132809_image_712664181_1406973854785023_6860613149366877451_n.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Colchester Museums":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T210000
DTSTAMP:20260911T131800Z
CREATED:20260909T153804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T131800Z
UID:132556-1796320800-1796331600@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Cat Café Christmas Wreath Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Join us on Thursday 3rd December at 6:00pm at Brews & Whiskers\, The Cat Café\, 23 Sir Isaac’s Walk\, Colchester CO1 1JJ for a truly unique and relaxing Christmas Wreath Workshop. \nYou’ll create your own beautiful fresh foliage wreath using non-toxic materials safe for cats\, so you can hang it at home without worry. It’s a perfect way to enjoy some mindful making time surrounded by the café’s friendly feline residents. \nYour ticket includes entrance to the Cat Café\, with refreshments available to purchase on the evening. All materials are provided\, and the workshop is suitable for beginners. \n£43.50 per personPlease note: this event is for over 16s only. \nSpaces are limited\, and this one is sure to be popular — book your spot at https://www.thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk/event-details/cat-cafe-christmas-wreath-workshop-2
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/cat-cafe-christmas-wreath-workshop/
LOCATION:Brews & Whiskers\, Brews & Whiskers
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/132556_image_706337351_1002631585631376_7356977979202125405_n.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="The Creative Workshop Company":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T210000
DTSTAMP:20260923T152155Z
CREATED:20260923T152155Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T152155Z
UID:134408-1796324400-1796331600@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Sluts Read Smut
DESCRIPTION:A judgement-free zone to celebrate the books that make you blush! Didn’t finish the book? No worries! Show up for the debrief\, giggles and drinks.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/sluts-read-smut-3/
LOCATION:Two Brews\, 11 Church Street\, Colchester\, CO1 1NF\, GB
CATEGORIES:Talks
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/SlutsReadSmutposter-2-scaled.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T210000
DTSTAMP:20260921T194145Z
CREATED:20260921T194145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T194145Z
UID:134016-1796324400-1796590800@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Hansel and Gretel
DESCRIPTION:By Alan P. Frayn \nHeadgate Theatre Productions \nGet ready to embark on a magical journey through the woods. In the village of Munchen Lunchen\, discover whether Fairy Bluebell can rescue Hansel and Gretel before they are eaten by Nightshade\, the wicked witch of the woods. This colourful\, funny and magical adventure for all ages features sweets\, songs and plenty of panto fun! \nBy permission of Stage Right Creative Ltd.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/hansel-and-gretel/
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/Untitled-design.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261205T213000
DTSTAMP:20260923T094641Z
CREATED:20260923T094641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T094641Z
UID:134195-1796326200-1796506200@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Weirds
DESCRIPTION:Every family has baggage. The Weirds have an entire circus.\nThe Weirds have always been a little peculiar\, but not one of them suspected they’d been cursed by their grandmother. \nAt the moment of their birth\, Annie Weird gave each of her five grandchildren a special power that she thought was a blessing. Richard\, the oldest\, always keeps safe; Abba always has hope; Lucy is never lost and Kent can beat anyone in a fight. As for Angie\, she always forgives\, instantly. But over the years each blessing proved to ruin their lives. \nNow Annie is dying and she has one last task for Angie\, her favourite grandchild: she must gather her far-flung brothers and sisters in their Grandmother’s hospital room so\, at the moment of her death\, she can lift these blessings turned to curses. \nDevised from the novel Born Weird by Andrew A. Kaufman\, this is a delightfully chaotic story that explores the hilarious and heart-breaking bonds of a deeply eccentric family navigating life\, love\, and each other. \nAdapted from the novel by Andrew A. Kaufman\nDirected by Montse Gili\nPresented by the East 15 BA Acting & Physical Theatre graduating actors \nTICKETS ON SALE FROM 9AM ON MONDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/the-weirds/
LOCATION:Lakeside Theatre\, University of Essex\, Wivenhoe Park\, Colchester\, CO4 3SQ\, GB
CATEGORIES:Theatre
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/THE-WEIRDS-Cropped.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261203T200000
DTSTAMP:20260917T073031Z
CREATED:20260917T073031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T073031Z
UID:133339-1796328000-1796328000@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Emotional Madness with MaryAnn & Mates
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £3\nDoors 7.30pm\, show 8pm\nThis show is for a seated audience\n\nAn evening of spoken word and poetry hosted by Mary-Ann Ambrose.\nA mixture of emotions\, a roller coaster of fun and sadness.\n\nLine-up to be announced!
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/emotional-madness-with-maryann-mates-4/
LOCATION:Colchester Arts Centre\, Church Street\, Colchester\, CO1 1NF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Performance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/emotional-madness-with-maryann-mates.jpg
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