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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: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: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:20261222T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261222T120000
DTSTAMP:20260921T210427Z
CREATED:20260921T210427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T210427Z
UID:134074-1797933600-1797940800@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Christmas Animation\, Neurodivergent-Friendly: ages: 7 – 11
DESCRIPTION:Participants will create their own short Christmas-inspired animated film using stop motion software. With guidance from our expert tutors\, they will use festive materials\, props and backgrounds to design characters and scenes\, building their films frame by frame. \nIn this festive Christmas-themed session\, participants will work in a smaller group at a pace that suits them in a relaxed\, structured environment where creativity and confidence can grow. This workshop provides a supportive space to bring seasonal stories and imaginative ideas to life. \nYou will learn: \n• How stop motion animation works (filming frame-by-frame)\n• Story planning and festive visual storytelling skills\n• Camera positioning\, sequencing and simple editing\n• Christmas-themed set design and creative expression\n• Problem-solving\, focus and project planning \nBy the end of the session\, each participant will have completed a short Christmas-themed animated film\, something they can share with friends and family. \nWhat makes this workshop neurodivergent-friendly? \n\nSmall\, supportive group size\nShorter session times\nClear visual instructions and step-by-step demonstrations\nFlexible participation (work independently or with light guidance)\nCalm\, structured environment\nBreaks available when needed\nNo pressure to perform or present\n\nOur Neurodivergent-friendly sessions are aimed at children and young people on the autism spectrum who may benefit from smaller classes sizes and a little bit more support. We have a maximum class size of 8 and at least two experienced tutors. \nThis workshop is suitable for all skill levels and ensures a supportive and inclusive environment for all participants. \nParents / carers are welcome to stay for part or all of the workshop if they would like to. \n10am – 12pm (2 hours) \nSuitable for ages 9 – 17 \nNo experience required. All materials are provided by Signals. \nSpaces are limited so book early – If for any reason you can no longer attend please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer the place to another child or young person. \nWe are able to offer this event at a reduced rate as it is kindly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/christmas-animation-neurodivergent-friendly-ages-7-11/
LOCATION:Signals Media Arts Centre\, Victoria Chambers St. Runwald St\, Colchester\, CO1 1HF\, GB
CATEGORIES:Kids & Family
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261222T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261222T164000
DTSTAMP:20260911T131438Z
CREATED:20260911T033836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260911T131438Z
UID:132825-1797933600-1797957600@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=1076169828492990
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/meet-father-christmas-8/
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:20261222T133000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261222T163000
DTSTAMP:20260921T210508Z
CREATED:20260921T210508Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T210508Z
UID:134073-1797946200-1797957000@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Christmas Animation: ages 7 -11
DESCRIPTION:Participants will create their own short Christmas-inspired animated film using stop motion software. With guidance from our expert tutors\, they will use festive materials\, props and backgrounds to design characters and scenes\, building their films frame by frame. \nYou will learn: \n• How stop motion animation works (filming frame-by-frame)\n• Story planning and festive visual storytelling skills\n• Camera positioning\, sequencing and simple editing\n• Christmas-themed set design and creative expression\n• Problem-solving\, focus and project planning \nBy the end of the session\, each participant will have completed a short Christmas-themed animated film\, something they can share with friends and family. \nThis workshop suitable for all skill levels and ensures a supportive and inclusive environment for all participants. However\, we do recommend that if you are looking to book for an individual on the autism spectrum that you start with a Neurodivergent-friendly session where we can offer more support and you can get to know us in a more relaxed setting. \nSuitable for ages 9-17 \n1.30pm – 4.30pm (3 hours) \nNo experience required. All materials are provided by Signals. \nParents / carers are welcome to stay for part or all of the workshop if they would like to. \n* Early Bird Offer* £5 off all workshop sessions over £35 or more when booked before the 1st of September. 
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/christmas-animation-ages-7-11/
LOCATION:Signals Media Arts Centre\, Signals Media Arts Centre
CATEGORIES:Kids & Family
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261222T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261222T140000
DTSTAMP:20260917T083000Z
CREATED:20260917T083000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260917T083000Z
UID:133394-1797948000-1797948000@keepcolchestercool.co.uk
SUMMARY:Family Christmas Show! Theatre of Widdershins - The Elves and The Shoemaker
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £6.95 / £25 family (including at least one child) \nChildren under 3 years are free but require a ticket when booking\n\nMorning Doors 10.30am\, show 11am \n\n\n\nAfternoon Doors 1.30pm\, show 2pm\n\n\nThis show is for a seated audience\nAge Guidance most suitable for ages 4 upwards\n\nPlease note: For family shows the bars are closed and you are welcome to bring your own drinks and snacks. \n\nElvis Schumacher\, cobbler and craftsman\, has worked all his life creating the most beautiful footwear.  But now he’s hit hard times….  Everyone’s buying boring shoes from the evil businessman\, Bunyan Sole-less.  Time is running out for Elvis.  With one piece of leather left and Bunyan’s factory growing\, can anyone help him? \n\nInspired by the exquisite Ladybird Book\, which all parents will remember\, Theatre of Widdershins brings you another Classic fable using magical puppets\, intricate design\, original music and the simplest of dialogue.
URL:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/event/family-christmas-show-theatre-of-widdershins-the-elves-and-the-shoemaker-3/
LOCATION:Colchester Arts Centre\, Church Street\, Colchester\, CO1 1NF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Kids & Family
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://keepcolchestercool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/family-christmas-show-theatre-of-widdershins-the-elves-and-the-shoemaker.jpg
END:VEVENT
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