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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: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:20261205T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270103T170000
DTSTAMP:20260922T130829Z
CREATED:20260922T130401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T130829Z
UID:134107-1796461200-1798995600@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Colchester on Ice - Culver Square
DESCRIPTION:Colchester on Ice opens at Culver Square in Colchester on Saturday 5th December\, bringing a real ice rink to the city centre for the Christmas period. \nRunning until Sunday 3rd January 2027\, the covered rink will offer skating throughout the festive season. \nAlongside general skating sessions\, Colchester Ice Rink is planning family sessions\, skating lessons and festive events during its stay in Culver Square. \nTickets are available through the Colchester Ice Rink website\, where session times and further information can be found. \n 
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/colchester-on-ice-culver-square/
LOCATION:Culver Square\, Colchester\, CO1 1\, United Kingdom\, Culver Square\, Colchester\, CO1 1\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Kids & Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/colchester-on-ice-culver-square-colchester-scaled.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261205T094500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261219T094500
DTSTAMP:20260911T131530Z
CREATED:20260910T033747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T131530Z
UID:132650-1796463900-1797673500@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Santa's Grotto 2026
DESCRIPTION:Runs: Sat 5 – Thu 24 Dec 2026  \nAfter last year’s incredible response to our Santa’s Grotto\, the big man returns to the Mercury for 2026! \nJoin us for a heart-warming festive adventure as you and your group journey to Lapland\, where the magic of Christmas comes alive in Santa’s cosy grotto. \nGather round for a delightful interactive storytelling experience with Santa himself\, as he prepares for the big night on December 24th. He is full of festive cheer and ready to meet his young visitors. Once the storytelling experience has ended\, each family will then have the chance to meet him one-on-one for a photo and receive a magical gift – making it a seasonal outing to be remembered!
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/santas-grotto-2026/
LOCATION:Mercury Theatre\, Balkerne Gate\, Colchester\, CO1 1PT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Kids & Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/132650_image_687285140_1445065447651793_5792762209457813566_n.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Mercury Theatre Colchester":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail_com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261205T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20270103T164500
DTSTAMP:20260920T164558Z
CREATED:20260920T164558Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260920T164558Z
UID:133642-1796464800-1798994700@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Boy That Got Turned Into A Snowman
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/the-boy-that-got-turned-into-a-snowman/
LOCATION:Mercury Theatre\, Balkerne Gate\, Colchester\, CO1 1PT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Kids & Family
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T120000
DTSTAMP:20260911T131714Z
CREATED:20260616T162407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T131714Z
UID:130529-1796551200-1796558400@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Santa Fun Run 2026
DESCRIPTION:Our iconic annual Santa Fun Run returns to Colchester Castle Park! \nThe Santa Fun Run\, now in its 17th consecutive year\, is the ideal way to kick off your festive season and get fit at the same time\, with friends\, family and colleagues! \nDate: Sunday 6 December 2025 \nTime: 10am \nLocation: Colchester Castle Park\, High Street\, Colchester\, Essex\, CO1 1UG \nDistance: 2.5km and 5km routes available \nAge: All ages welcome\, under 5s go free! Under 16’s must be accompanied by a participating adult. \nAdult: £15 \nChild: £10 \nEntry Fee Includes: Festive event wear (Santa hat for under 5’s) and a medal on completion \nFundraising Target for Adults: £50 \nFundraising Target for children: As much as they can! \nYou can run\, jog or walk the 2.5km or 5km routes around Colchester’s picture perfect Castle Park. Most of all you’ll be having fun while doing something amazing for your local hospital. \nWe would love for your fundraising to support Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity Fund which supports patients and staff when they need us most. Alternatively you can choose to fundraise for one of our current appeals: Time Garden Appeal\, Butterfly Appeal\, Cancer Wellbeing\, Staff Wellbeing or for the ward or department within our services closest to your heart. Just let us know your preference when you sign up.  \nEveryone also gets a free festive wear which we will give you on the day. Under 5’s will get a Santa hat.  \nCome and experience the joy as you cross the finish line and receive a limited edition medal!  \nYour fundraising makes a vital difference to health and healing. \n£52.62 Could provide a bereaved family with a grief journal and a memory box to help create and keep precious and lasting memories of their baby and support their healing journey. \n£89.31 Could provide a calming space and a listening ear to people faced with a life-limiting illness and keep our butterfly centre open for half a day.  \n£131.28 Could support the mental health of children and adults diagnosed with and living with cancer by funding a week of restorative swimming sessions. \nBy registering you are agreeing to our terms conditions.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/santa-fun-run-2026/
LOCATION:Colchester Castle Park\, Colchester Castle Park
CATEGORIES:Variety
ORGANIZER;CN="Colchester &amp%3B Ipswich Hospitals Charity":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T130000
DTSTAMP:20261019T150920Z
CREATED:20261019T150920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261019T150920Z
UID:135894-1796554800-1796562000@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Wreath Making
DESCRIPTION:Learn how to make your own eco-friendly festive wreath using seasonal foliage and natural decorations. \nDiscover sustainable ways to source materials before creating a bespoke wreath to take home and enjoy throughout the festive season. \nWhat to expect \nStart with a demonstration introducing the seasonal foliage and materials you’ll be working with\, along with tips for sourcing them sustainably. \nYou’ll then be guided step by step through making your own wreath. Choose from an abundance of seasonal foliage and decorations to create a wreath that reflects your own style. \nYou’ll leave with your own handmade wreath\, ready to adorn your front door or bring a festive touch to your home. \nGood to know \nAll materials are provided. A complimentary mince pie and hot drink is included with every ticket. \nNo previous experience is needed. \nAbout your tutor \nDeanna’s aim is to bring a more sustainable and natural approach to floristry\, she grows her own flowers and sources them locally to produce bouquets and arrangements inspired by nature. \nThe beauty of this means that all flowers and foliage are extra special because they are seasonal and of excellent quality due to the care that Deanna puts into her work.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/wreath-making/
LOCATION:Firstsite\, Lewis Gardens\, Colchester\, CO1 1JH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T150000
DTSTAMP:20260921T170246Z
CREATED:20260921T170222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T170246Z
UID:133973-1796554800-1796569200@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Writing About Place: A Creative Writing Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Discover how place can shape stories\, characters\, and atmosphere in this creative writing workshop. \nThrough a series of guided writing exercises\, discussions\, and creative prompts\, experiment with sensory language\, description\, and techniques for creating vivid settings. \nMemories of real places and imagined worlds can become powerful starting points. \nWhat to expect \nWork in a supportive and welcoming environment with opportunities to write individually\, share ideas with the group\, receive constructive feedback\, and connect with fellow writers of all experience levels. \nYou’ll leave with a collection of original writing\, practical techniques for writing about place\, and fresh inspiration to develop your creative practice. \nGood to know \nThis workshop is suitable for writers of all abilities\, from beginners to experienced writers\, and is aimed at ages 18+. \nWhat is ‘place’ in creative writing? \nPlace is more than simply describing a location. In creative writing\, it helps create atmosphere\, shape characters\, influence emotion\, and immerse readers in a story. \nBy drawing on memories\, observations\, and the senses\, writers can create settings that feel vivid and believable\, whether inspired by real landscapes or entirely imagined worlds. \nDeveloping a strong sense of place can add depth\, authenticity\, and emotional connection to any piece of writing. \nAbout your tutor \nNicola Werenowska is a multi-award-winning neurodivergent playwright and an experienced creative writing tutor from a working-class background\, who is committed to exploring underrepresented voices. \nNicola was 16 when she was a runner up in the Royal Court Young People’s playwriting competition but due to the debilitating effects of her undiagnosed disability it took her another 15 years before she wrote professionally\, following her life-changing dyspraxia diagnosis. \nHer work has been produced widely across the UK and she has been on attachment to Graeae Theatre\, the National Theatre studio\, High Tide Theatre (Peggy Ramsay/Film 4 residency) and a member of the Royal Court National Writers group.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/writing-about-place-a-creative-writing-workshop/
LOCATION:Firstsite\, Lewis Gardens\, Colchester\, CO1 1JH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Headshot-NW.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T164000
DTSTAMP:20260911T131653Z
CREATED:20260911T033829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T131653Z
UID:132813-1796554800-1796575200@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Meet Father Christmas
DESCRIPTION:Enjoy a festive experience with Father Christmas as part of your visit to Colchester Castle and create magical family memories together. Available on 5-6\, 12-13 and 19-23 December\, with sessions running from 10am (11am on Sundays) to 4.30pm and is suitable for all ages. \nMake Christmas extra special with a visit to Father Christmas in the historic surroundings of Colchester Castle. As part of your festive day out\, children can step into a magical grotto\, meet Father Christmas and his Castle helpers\, share their Christmas wishes and receive a special festive gift. \nDesigned to create memorable family moments\, this enchanting experience brings the spirit of the season to life within one of Colchester’s most iconic landmarks. Each child will have the opportunity to speak with Father Christmas and enjoy a magical start to Christmas. \nWhat to expect+A personal visit with Father Christmas+Time to share Christmas wishes+A special festive gift for each ticket-holding child+A magical grotto experience within Colchester Castle \nBabies and younger siblings are welcome to accompany families visiting the grotto. Gifts are provided for children with a grotto ticket. \nAdults must accompany children throughout the experience. \nWe want every family to enjoy their visit. The grotto is created at the beginning of December\, and photographs will be available for visitors who would benefit from seeing the space in advance. If a member of your party has a sensory impairment\, please email museums@colchester.gov.uk after booking and we will be happy to help. \nFor answers to common questions\, please see our Q&A. Information on facilities\, accessibility and how to find us can be found on our Colchester Castle Access page. \nDon’t miss this much-loved festive tradition and add a touch of Christmas magic to your Castle visit. \nTickets cost £12.95 per child and £1 per adult for the grotto experience. \nGrotto tickets are sold separately and do not include admission to Colchester Castle. You’re welcome to visit Father Christmas without purchasing Castle admission\, but if you’d also like to explore the Castle\, you’ll need a valid admission ticket or annual pass for each visitor. \nhttps://www.facebook.com/events/1076169798492993/?event_time_id=1076169808492992
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/meet-father-christmas-2/
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/132813_image_790970141_1488007220015019_7539151263193511080_n.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Colchester Museums":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T140000
DTSTAMP:20260923T084348Z
CREATED:20260923T084348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T084348Z
UID:134097-1796565600-1796565600@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Children’s Author Harriet Howe reading The Street Where Santa Lives
DESCRIPTION:The Street Where Santa Lives read by the author\, Harriet Howe\n2pm-3pm on Sunday 6th December 2026\nWhen an old man moves in next door\, everyone is too busy to notice. Except for one little girl\, who’s absolutely sure he must be Santa Claus! A heartwarming Christmas story book for children. He’s got a white beard and a round tummy and is very handy at repairing toys in his workshop – he must be Santa Claus! When the old man becomes unwell\, the little girl hatches a plan to rally the whole street together to look after Santa. But will he be better in time for Christmas Eve . . \nThis playful\, festive story celebrates the joy of community and gently explores the theme of looking out for the elderly\, especially during the holiday season. With beautiful\, cosy illustrations from the hugely talented Julia Christians (Magnificent Mabel) and a gently humorous text\, this is the perfect Christmas Eve box filler. \nHarriet Howe \nHarriet’s first word was ‘book’\, she’s loved stories ever since\, so it’s a dream come true to end up writing her own. Her festive picture book\, The Street Where Santa Lives (illustrated by Julia Christians) was featured on CBeebies Bedtime Stories. When not writing\, Harriet works in television. But she’s happiest with a pencil in one hand\, a cup of tea in the other\, brewing up her next story. \nharriet howe the street where santa lives \nchildren’s event
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/childrens-author-harriet-howe-reading-the-street-where-santa-lives/
LOCATION:Red Lion Books\, 25 High Street\, Colchester
CATEGORIES:Kids & Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/9781801048576.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T170000
DTSTAMP:20260911T131636Z
CREATED:20260911T033829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T131636Z
UID:132815-1796569200-1796576400@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Calm at the Castle
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the first Sunday of every month from 3 PM to 5 PM for a quieter experience at Colchester Castle. \nThese sessions are designed for anyone who would benefit from a calmer environment\, including visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities. During this time\, we reduce sensory stimulation by turning off sounds and visual displays\, and a dedicated sensory space is available away from the main galleries. \nEar defenders\, visual guides\, and twiddlemuffs are available free of charge at the museum’s reception. \nFor more information about accessibility and our sensory-friendly resources\, visit our Access page. \nThis event is included as part of Castle admission. There is no need to book; just purchase general admission tickets to the Castle\, or consider a Museums Pass to enjoy unlimited visits during the year!
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/calm-at-the-castle-5/
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/132815_image_711655718_1406974938118248_4614664708143673277_n.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Colchester Museums":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T200000
DTSTAMP:20260907T033814Z
CREATED:20260616T162352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260907T033814Z
UID:130477-1796576400-1796587200@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Devil's Prefects at The Victoria Inn\, Colchester
DESCRIPTION:The Devil’s Prefects. They play songs. They like Smokey & The Bandit a whole lot. \nJoin us for a Sunday evening at the fantastic Victoria Inn!
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/the-devils-prefects-at-the-victoria-inn-colchester/
LOCATION:Victoria Inn\, 10 North Station Road\, Colchester\, CO1 1RB\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Music
ORGANIZER;CN="The Devil's Prefects":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261206T220000
DTSTAMP:20260907T033814Z
CREATED:20260827T160407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260907T033814Z
UID:131472-1796583600-1796594400@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Total Stone Roses & Oaysis Live in Colchester
DESCRIPTION:🍋🍋🍋
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/the-total-stone-roses-oaysis-live-in-colchester/
LOCATION:Colchester Arts Centre\, Church Street\, Colchester\, CO1 1NF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Music
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR