BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Keep Colchester Cool - ECPv6.18.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Keep Colchester Cool REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20280326T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20281029T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE 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 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: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:20261208T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261208T203000 DTSTAMP:20261016T033903Z CREATED:20261016T033903Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261016T033903Z UID:135805-1796754600-1796761800@keepcolchestercool.co.uk SUMMARY:An Introduction to Gelli Printing DESCRIPTION:Learn about printing with gelli plates – an easy DIY printmaking process! Two hours of fun creating textures and layers with unique results! \nJoin Associate Artist Heidi Sharp for an exciting introductory workshop where you’ll dive into the playful world of gelli-plate printing. \nThis technique offers fabulous\, often surprising results that are perfect for both fabric and paper creations. In this two-hour session\, you’ll master the basics of mono-printing with gelatine plates\, discovering how to create intriguing textures and patterns without the need for a press. Heidi will guide you through experimenting with layering\, masking\, stamping and using found objects for unique mark-making. You’ll also explore creative ways to use your printed papers. By the end of the workshop\, you’ll leave with a collection of vibrant monoprints on A3 cartridge paper\, ready to inspire your next project. \nAbout the Associate Artist: Heidi is a Fine Artist and established Printmaker inspired by the vibrant world of Pop Art. Her work often explores the themes of social media and consumerism\, using printmaking techniques to reflect the mass production inherent in both areas. While she enjoys delving into conceptual pieces\, Heidi also loves creating light-hearted and humorous works. \nRegistered Members : Claim 50% discount on non-member price by entering registered email address in the PROMO CODE box at check-out. \nParticipants must be aged 18+.Materials included in cost.No refunds or ticket transfers. www.makercampus.co.uk/refunds-policy \nJoin Our Creative Community: Enjoy up to 50% off classes and 24/7 access to our space and equipment. Memberships start at just £15 per month. Learn more: www.makercampus.co.uk/membership \nNew to Colchester Makerspace? We’re a community workshop with ceramics\, printmaking and a vibrant program of classes. Explore our website: www.makercampus.co.uk \nSupport Creativity: Donate to our kiln fund and help us keep making amazing things happen: https://gofund.me/1d2f2158 URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/an-introduction-to-gelli-printing/ LOCATION:Trinity Works\,24 Trinity Street\,Colchester\,CO1 1JN\,GB ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/135805_image_616466070_1296773352492820_1153043689808342985_n.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Eventbrite":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail_com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261208T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261208T220000 DTSTAMP:20260907T033814Z CREATED:20260616T162407Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260907T033814Z UID:130530-1796756400-1796767200@keepcolchestercool.co.uk SUMMARY:JOHN OTWAY AND WILD WILLY BARRETT - THE CHRISTMAS BASH DESCRIPTION:On the road again\, JOHN OTWAY AND WILD WILLY BARRETT “Alive and Gigging” at the Colchester Arts Centre on TUESDAY 8th DECEMBER 2026. Show starts at 8.00pm. For tickets\, go to www.weloveconcerts.com or call the Box Office on 07879 208141. \nJohn Otway and Wild Willy Barrett have been at it …. and each other…. for over 50 years. Hilarious …. totally outrageous …. superb musicianship: It’s guaranteed you’ll never see anything like it again. Totally unmissable! \nOn the road again with their ALIVE AND GIGGING tour\, this magnetic bond still holds after more than 50 years of attempted escapes. Still loved for their total in-yer-face originality\, the contrast between the deadpan humour of Barrett and mad onstage antics of Otway are hilarious to watch. \nJohn’s lyrical genius is ably complimented by Willy’s outstanding musicianship (he seems to play almost every stringed instrument known to man\, plus a few hybrids of his own making including the Bagpuss!). \nFor any Otway/Barrett virgins out there who don’t know what to expect\, be prepared for everything from bare-chested theremin playing to wah wah wheelie bin as the duo jump from one hit and 40 near misses to another: An amazing and irreverent performance by two master entertainers. \nThis show is unreserved seating. \nAll enquiries / disabled bookings directly through the Box Office on 07879 208141. URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/john-otway-and-wild-willy-barrett-the-christmas-bash/ LOCATION:Colchester Arts Centre\, Church Street\, Colchester\, CO1 1NF\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Music ORGANIZER;CN="We Love Concerts":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR