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X-WR-CALNAME:Keep Colchester Cool
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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
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:20261215T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261215T110000
DTSTAMP:20260911T131042Z
CREATED:20260911T033832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T131042Z
UID:132819-1797328800-1797332400@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Mini Museum Explorers
DESCRIPTION:Sessions take place on 15 December\, 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 through play. Join your child as they discover science and history side by side\, with plenty of opportunities to get involved\, make\, and learn together at the Natural History Museum. \nFor our final Mini Museum Explorers of 2026\, we’re heading into the Ice Age. Wrap up warm and set off on a journey from giant woolly mammoths to the remarkable animals of the Antarctic\, brought to life through craft\, storytelling and imaginative play. It’s a fun\, engaging 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 for you 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/1757596445088077/?event_time_id=1757596448421410
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/mini-museum-explorers-15/
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/132819_image_710613726_1406975958118146_2588446051063973109_n.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Colchester Museums":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261215T111500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261215T121500
DTSTAMP:20260911T131042Z
CREATED:20260911T033833Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T131042Z
UID:132821-1797333300-1797336900@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Mini Museum Explorers
DESCRIPTION:Sessions take place on 15 December\, 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 through play. Join your child as they discover science and history side by side\, with plenty of opportunities to get involved\, make\, and learn together at the Natural History Museum. \nFor our final Mini Museum Explorers of 2026\, we’re heading into the Ice Age. Wrap up warm and set off on a journey from giant woolly mammoths to the remarkable animals of the Antarctic\, brought to life through craft\, storytelling and imaginative play. It’s a fun\, engaging 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 for you 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/1757596445088077/?event_time_id=1757596451754743
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/mini-museum-explorers-16/
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/132819_image_710613726_1406975958118146_2588446051063973109_n.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Colchester Museums":MAILTO:noreply@facebookmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261215T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261215T200000
DTSTAMP:20260917T083000Z
CREATED:20260917T083000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T083000Z
UID:133414-1797364800-1797364800@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Classic Horror Nights: From Beyond the Grave + The Classic Horror Christmas Quiz
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £6\nDoors 7.30pm\, show 8pm\nThis show is for a seated audience\n\n\nPresented by Classic Horror buff and local musician Jason Frederick\n\n\nMonthly nights of retro horror screenings from the mainly Brit school of Hammer\, Amicus etc.\nPopcorn\, a monthly themed cocktail\, plenty of dry ice and often very daft over-blown intros. Join us!\n\n\nFrom Beyond The Grave\nWith Peter Cushing\, Donald Pleasence and David Warner.\nAn anthology of four short horror stories revolving around a mysterious antique shop owner and his antique pieces\, each of which hides a deadly secret.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/classic-horror-nights-from-beyond-the-grave-the-classic-horror-christmas-quiz/
LOCATION:Colchester Arts Centre\, Church Street\, Colchester\, CO1 1NF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Film
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/classic-horror-nights-from-beyond-the-grave-the-classic-horror-christmas-quiz.jpg
END:VEVENT
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