Keep Colchester Cool

Stand Up Comedy Night at The Friar, Colchester
2025-04-26 20:00 - 23:00 (Europe/London) | The Friar, St Christopher Road, Colchester, The Friar, St Christopher Road, Colchester
Join us at The Friar on Saturday 26 April as we have Top Stand-up Comedy from the Four Leaf Comedy Club as they take over the Friar for a night of Comedy.
Headlining the evening is comedian John Mann well known from the TVand appearances across the UK circuit.
Steve Ward acts as MC for the evening with supporting acts Ali Bell, Martin Westgate,Rob Wood and Aaron Jay

Live music with Jax & Co
2025-04-26 20:45 - 23:00 | Ye Olde Albion Pub, High Street, Rowhedge, Colchester, CO5 7ES, GB
A welcome return for Jax & Co – come along to hear some great country inspired tunes

Classics - Twisters Bar Anthems past and present
2025-04-26 21:00 - 2025-04-27 00:00 | 45 North Hill, CO1 1PY Colchester, United Kingdom
DJ Ben Howard is back at Twisters Bar for a night of one-off classics, spinning the anthems that make Twisters legendary.
Expect one of Ben’s signature DJ sets, covering all genres.Good music, good vibes, guaranteed.
Starts at 9pm – Free Entry

Rhythm of the Night!
2025-04-26 21:00 - 2025-04-27 03:00 | Rubix Bar, Rubix Bar
Celebrate Saturday with the biggest 80s, 90s & 00s Classic Pop, Party & Dance!
Free Entry before 🕚 11pm!

BestDays Live Presents: Sunday Matinee Session
2025-04-27 15:00 - 18:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
BestDays Presents: Sunday Matinee SessionFeaturing Jeanie from the Mountains, Greebo (Unplugged), and Lost Movies (Unplugged)3pm – 7pmKick back and enjoy an afternoon of live music. This special Sunday Matinee Session brings you an incredible lineup of acoustic performances in a relaxed, intimate setting.Tickets:– Advance Tickets: Just £4 – grab yours now via the link below!– On the Door: £11 (if available)Under 18’s welcome if accompanied by a reasonable adult.Don’t miss this chance to unwind with great music, great vibes, and great company. Whether you’re a fan of acoustic sets or just looking for a perfect Sunday afternoon, this is the event for you.See you there!

Henshaw
2025-04-27 17:30 - 20:30 | Victoria Inn Colchester, 10 North Station Rd, Colchester, CO1 1RB, GB
Henshaw is back for another Sunday afternoon of great folk punk.
There’s plenty of great stories to tell!!
Free gig and donations encouraged.
Let’s keep live music alive.

EXPOSURE; a film networking event
2025-04-27 18:00 - 20:30 | Curzon Colchester, Curzon Colchester
Calling all film makers and lovers to Curzon Colchester for this evening of guest speakers, icebreaker activities, audience Q&A, live music, open forum and fundraising. Book your FREE ticket here – https://www.outsavvy.com/event/26002/exposure-a-film-networking-event
Please arrive from 5.30pm to ensure your seat for our film networking event:
6pm – Acoustic Set from Kyren 6.15pm – Introduction by Nick Pelas (Director of Colchester Independent Short Film Festival)6.25pm – Joe Allen (Actor in Mamma Mia; Here We Go Again!, The Grinch, Rocky Horror Picture Show)6.35pm – Leigh Martyn Thomas (Casting Director and Chair of Colchester Film Makers)6.45pm –Colin Tofts (Independent Film Maker and Cinematographer with Underdog Crew)7pm – Acoustic Set from Kyren7.15pm – Q&A panel featuring the guest speakers8pm until 8.30pm – Raffle Draw then Networking
Feel free to stay as long as you wish after the event to make the most of networking with other creatives.

Simon Munnery: On Tour
2025-04-27 19:00 - 22:00 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £17.50.Doors open 7pm, starts 7.30pm.This show is for a seated audience.
Simon Munnery – ‘one of the all-time great British stand-ups’ (Stewart Lee) – is back on tour in 2025.
Expect all your classic Munnery one-liners, sketches and anecdotes from the British Comedy Award nominee, serial innovator and ‘Perennial fringe maverick’ (Guardian).
When every room you’re infaintly reeks of urineit is timeto wash your trousers.

Steve Tilston
2025-04-28 19:30 - 22:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £13.50 / £12.50 concessions.Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.This gig is for a seated audience.
…as seen on Later with Jools Holland & BBC Four Songwriters’ Circle…BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winner – Best Original Song…inspiration for Hollywood movie Danny Collins starring Al Pacino…Such Times, new studio album, released in 2021, 50 years after his debut recording An Acoustic Confusion…
Steve Tilston, the hugely talented award-winning performer presents an intimate evening of music, featuring his own critically acclaimed material, alongside unique arrangements of popular folksongs.
Perhaps best known for his song-writing prowess, Steve is also a blinding, dazzling guitarist with a style echoing the elaborate rhythmic “folk baroque” but also drawing from classical, roots and the tradition to create a style that is recognisably Tilston.
His latest studio album Last Call will be released on Talking Elephant Records in March 2025. Steve says, “Last Call is an album I’m very proud of and in my opinion contains some of my best work.”
“…great stuff…great fun, wonderful playing and top songs, what more do you want from an evening.” Mark Radcliffe, BBC Radio 2
“The more you listen, the more there is to discover.” Bob Harris
“A great narrator on top form.” **** The Observer
“…a fine and thoughtful songwriter and singer and a remarkable guitarist.” **** the guardian
“…songs of great heart, delivered with authority and instrumental panache.” **** The Scotsman
Support… The Columbines …are Jem, Lynne and Dorothy – a local all-female trio who have performed around the East Anglian folk scene for the past few years. Known for their close harmony singing, they perform a variety of original songs and their own arrangements of well known folk songs, accompanied on a range of acoustic instruments and a cappella.

Mini Museum Explorers
2025-04-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Hollytrees Museum, Hollytrees Museum
Sessions are at 10 – 11 am and 11:15 am – 12:15 pm.
Designed for children aged 2 1/2 to 4, along with their parents, grandparents, and carers, these monthly sessions offer an immersive journey of exploration and discovery. The April session will focus on the theme of Insects and Mini Beasts.
These sessions offer a unique opportunity for children and their caregivers to bond and learn while exploring the Garden Room and its displays. Through storytelling, interactive play, craft activities, and science exploration, they aim to stimulate development, encourage communication, and nurture curiosity.
Parents/carers must stay with their children throughout the session. Mini Museum Explorer sessions are designed for pre-school children and their carers – they are unsuitable for larger nursery groups.
Spaces cost £3 per child. Booking is required.
https://www.facebook.com/events/818600259987189/?event_time_id=818600263320522

Musical Theatre Tuesdays @ Mercury Theatre
2025-04-29 18:15 - 19:30 | Balkerne Gate, CO1 1PT Colchester, United Kingdom, Balkerne Gate, CO1 1PT Colchester, United Kingdom
Calling all show tune lovers, get those jazz hands at the ready for MT Tuesdays every week at Mercury Theatre!
Join us for a double bill of Musical Theatre classes every Tuesday:
6.15pm – Musical Theatre Dance ClassOur experienced choreographer will teach routines inspired by hit musicals. Incorporating energetic warm-ups, routines from classic and contemporary shows, you will be introduced to various styles such as Modern Jazz, Latin, Hip Hop and many more.mercurytheatre.co.uk/class/musical-theatre-dance-class-apr-jul-25/
7.30pm – Musical Theatre ChoirFor those 18+ who love to sing, our Musical Theatre Choir is for you. Come along, make friends with The Nicest Kids in Town and learn a bit of Broadway Rhythm with performance opportunities throughout the year.mercurytheatre.co.uk/class/musical-theatre-choir-weekly-apr-july-25/
Booking now open for Tue 22 Apr – Tue 22 Jul 2025!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2151286478674468/?event_time_id=2151286525341130

Kizomba Colchester
2025-04-29 19:30 - 21:30 | Three Wise Monkeys, Three Wise Monkeys
Join us upstairs at Three Wise Monkeys every Tuesday for our weekly Kizomba lessons.Every class is unique. The routines are progressive and adaptive regardless of your experience or dancing background.It’s all about the fundamentals, the rhythm, timing and technique of Kizomba dance and its music.Venue: Three Wise Monkeys, 60 High St, Colchester CO1 IDN.Parking: The nearest car park is Priory Street Car Park – 40 Priory St, Colchester CO1 2QA. It is about a 5-minute walk to the venue.07:15 – 07:30 – Doors open07:30 – 08:30 – Kizomba lessons08:30 – 09:30 – Freestyle/SocialsEntry fee :£8 – Door/Card/Bank transfer.Who is it for?___________________________________________These classes are for anyone who has been searching for an opportunity to learn Kizomba but never had the chance, or if you need more practice.Fisayo is an experienced Kizomba instructor who is passionate about Kizomba and Semba dance and music.
https://www.facebook.com/events/914501247350840/?event_time_id=914503714017260

A Shoddy Detective - Mercury Theatre, Colchester
2025-04-29 19:30 - 2025-04-30 21:30 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
A laugh-out-loud slapstick whodunnit featuring four actors, a dozen characters and a whole load of chaos.
When a priceless painting goes missing at a private auction, Detective Stuart Pidcock is called upon to uncover the mystery. However, when he cannot solve it himself he is forced to enlist the help of an old nemesis. Together, the pair must interrogate the many characterful suspects that reside at the manor, in order to catch the conniving culprit and solve the crime of the century!
Fresh from selling out their run at The Ed Fringe, Camden Fringe, New Normal Festival and a 2022 Spring Tour. Shoddy are back with their hit show “A Shoddy Detective”. Grab your tickets now for the slapstick comedy that’s taking the country by storm.

Colchester Brewkulele
2025-04-30 19:30 - 22:30 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
NOT YOUR AVERAGE UKULELE BAND. JOIN US FOR A FUN UKULELE SINGALONG IN THE GROUND FLOOR BAR OF THREE WISE MONKEYS FROM 7.30PM. FREE ENTRY
Turn up, tune up and get involved. There is a different songbook each month, downloadable via QR code on the night so anyone can play or sing along. It’s not about serious music, it’s about having fun, lively playing and releasing your inner backing singer.
Unapologetically lively. If other Uke bands have sent you to sleep, Brewkulele is here to wake you up!
About Colchester Brewkulele: started in 2014 as Colchester Ukulele, and in 2023 the group relaunched as Brewkulele with the support of Colchester Brewery, and in 2024 relocated to Three Wise Monkeys which is the perfect venue for a group which often pulls in close to 40 ukes.https://www.facebook.com/COLCHESTERUKULELE

Bird Song I.D Workshop
2025-05-01 09:30 - 12:30 | South Green Road, CO5 7DN Colchester, United Kingdom, South Green Road, CO5 7DN Colchester, United Kingdom
Is there a more beautiful sound than bird song?
Learn to recognise the sounds of spring, join our expert guide Liz for a half day workshop to introduce you to the world of birdsong.
Start the morning with an hours theory talk inside before heading out onto the reserve to see what you can hear!
£15. Places limited, booking essential, please call 01206 729678

Students Union, Street Market
2025-05-01 10:00 - 15:00 | Square 3 University of Essex, Wivenhoe park, Colchester C04 3SQ, Square 3 University of Essex, Wivenhoe park, Colchester C04 3SQ
I will be in attendance with my full range of home made Chilli sauces, Chutneys, Jams, Alcoholic jams, marmalade’s, and cordials.

Call it Love
2025-05-01 11:30 - 17:00 | Art Exchange, Art Exchange
​Masters students from Art History at the University of Essex present ‘Call it Love’.
Love is fluid, messy, and often political. This exhibition rethinks the narratives we inherit—beyond romance, beyond tradition—to explore love in all its complexity. From chosen families to radical acts of care, this exhibition showcases contemporary artists and archival materials that challenge the limits of intimacy and connection.
Inspired by Charan Singh’s “They Called it Love, But Was it Love?”, the exhibition highlights love’s contradictions: it can be joyful yet painful, intimate yet collective. What happens when we reclaim tenderness as strength? When love becomes an act of defiance against a world that tells us to disconnect?
In a time of growing isolation, ‘Call it Love’ reminds us that reaching out—to ourselves, to others—isn’t just personal, it’s radical. What do you call love? Step inside and decide.
Featuring the artworks of Anna Maria Maiolino, Marina Abramović, Chloe Jones, Charan Singh, Soula Oluode, and Daisy Blower.
This exhibition is curated by MA Curating and MA Museums and Heritage students: Lauren Wainwright, Scarlett Angove, Yu Li, Carla Reboud, Vendija Zile, and Freeha Hashmi.
Free admission and everyone welcome.
For our Opening Hours visit our website: https://www.artexchange.org.uk/visit/
Image credit: “They Called it Love, But Was it Love?”, by Charan Singh, Commissioned by Day With(out) Art and Visual AIDS, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/events/519554680977914/?event_time_id=519554764311239

Vinyl Night - 70s Sounds
2025-05-01 17:00 - 21:00 | Two Brews, 11 Church Street, Colchester, CO1 1NF, GB
Vinyl Nights – Thursday evenings every other month starting from May 1st. Enjoy a relaxed evening of great music, good company, and some fantastic records spinning all night long!
This month – 70s sounds!!!

Guided Walks: Nightingales
2025-05-01 18:00 - 21:00 | South Green Road CO5 7DN Colchester, United Kingdom, South Green Road CO5 7DN Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us for a special evening : one of our guides will take you round the reserve in a small group private tour of the reserve to enjoy the speculator sound of the Nightingale.Visitor center cafe and shop will be open from 6-7pm for hot and cold drinks, snacks.Walk will commence at 7pm for approx 2 hrs.Booking essential.Please call 01206 729678. £15
https://www.facebook.com/events/1326723768343808/?event_time_id=1326726991676819

Colchester Makerspace Social
2025-05-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Trinity Works,24 Trinity Street,Colchester,CO1 1JN,GB
A FREE monthly Open Workshop, a chance for current & potential members to come together and catch up.
Thinking of becoming a member and want to know more? Already a member and want to catch up with the others? Colchester Makerspace Socials are free of charge, include a short introduction to Colchester Makerspace and an opportunity to meet some of our members and associate artists.
You will also hear a short show-and-tell from our Maker of the Month.
This Social is part of a city-wide programme called First Thursdays – a new monthly festival with events throughout Colchester, celebrating its vibrant and diverse cultural scene. Venues across the city are thrown open for the community to showcase fantastic performances, workshops and interactive experiences.
Join our creative community: Enjoy up to 50% off classes and 24/7 access to our space and equipment. Memberships start at just £11 a month. Learn more: www.makercampus.co.uk/membership
Support Creativity: Donate to our kiln fund and help us keep making amazing things happen: https://gofund.me/1d2f2158
New to Colchester Makerspace? We’re a community workshop with ceramics, printmaking, and a vibrant program of classes. Explore our website: www.makercampus.co.uk

OMB Film Quiz 12
2025-05-01 18:50 - 21:50 | Other Monkey Brewing – The Taproom, 5-6 St Nicholas St, Colchester, CO1 1LB, GB
Test your knowledge of films and help raise money for an incredible cause!
– £3 a head (cash only, all proceeds to charity)– Maximum 6 to a team – Food available throughout – Book via https://sevn.ly/xJWOHUhN
If you book and then decide not to attend, please cancel your booking.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the quiz is due to start.

Life Drawing - Thursday, 1st May 2025
2025-05-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Straight Road Community Centre, Straight Road Community Centre
We are a local life drawing group in Colchester. We meet up for untutored drawings with professional models from all backgrounds.
All abilities are welcome. Just drop in, draw and pay £10 cash for the session.
Drawing boards, easels, papers, charcoal and pencils are provided for free or bring your materials.
Accessible venue.
Location: Straight Road Community Centre329 Straight Road, Colchester, CO3 9EF

Classic Horror Nights! Shock Waves
2025-05-01 19:30 - 22:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £6.Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.
Monthly nights of retro horror screenings from the mainly Brit school of Hammer, Amicus etc. Presented by Classic Horror buff and local musician Jason Frederick. Popcorn, a monthly themed cocktail, plenty of dry ice and often very daft over-blown intros. Join us!
SHOCK WAVESFeaturing the gold and silver age masters of horror Peter Cushing and John Carradine – visitors to a remote island encounter aquatic nazi zombies – yes, you heard that right!

It’s a Thursday Thing!
2025-05-01 22:30 - 2025-05-02 02:00 | Rubix Bar, Rubix Bar
Join us for an our brand new Thursday night here in Colchester!
The big news is it’s 25%Off all drinks all night! 🥤🍸🍷🍺
Plus it’s FREE Entry!
After dinner, the pub or Karaoke in the city why not end your night in Colchester with a dance and a drink before you head home!

FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER - DISCO NIGHT
2025-05-02 19:00 - 22:00 | 63 High street, Colchester, 63 High street, Colchester
Friday the 2nd May we are transforming CODA back to the golden era of disco.
Get Ready to Boogie All Night!Slip into your shiniest polyester outfit and step under the glittering lights. It’s time for Friday Night Fever, the ultimate throwback party where the beats are funky, the vibes are electric, and the dance floor never stops! Join us for a night of non-stop grooves, classic disco anthems, and outrageous 70s flair. Whether you’re a dancing queen or a funky town traveler, this is your chance to strut your stuff and relive the golden age of disco. DJPressPlay will be spinning all the hits, from ABBA to Earth, Wind & Fire
Best/most outrageous costume wins a £40 bar voucher
Lots of great drinks deals and special themed cocktails
Free Entry all night long!
7-2am

Comedy Night
2025-05-02 19:00 - 23:00 | Colchester United FC, JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, CO4 5UP, GB
Join us for the second of our Quarterly Comedy Nights in 2025!
Our MC for this date is a regular at Colchester United – Justin Panks who will be presiding over the evening’s merriment with his customary wit and comedic timing.
Opening the show will be Josh James whose warm delivery, easy-going persona and killer punchlines have proven popular with audiences – he was recently voted “Essex Commedian of the Year”.
Moving on, we welcome Muhsin Yesilada – a Psychology PhD by day; comedian by night – who is quicky making a name for himself on the circuit to the delight of his audiences.
Finally, our headliner on this occasion will be the brilliant Andrew Maxwell – an accomplished comedian whose set is guaranteed to have our audience chuckling long after the curtain comes down!
Doors open from 7pm, with comedy starting at 8pm. Our bar food menu will be available on the night should you feel peckish. Over 16s only, 16 to 18 year olds with parental discretion.
Book 10 tickets in one transaction and receive 2 free pitchers of beer for your table*.
Please note that circumstances out of our control may necessitate a change in the comedian line-up for the evening.
*All ten tickets must be booked in one transaction. Two free pitchers of Carlsberg per ten tickets booked together. Drink offered is subject to change. To be consumed by over 18s only.

RGF Celebration - 10th Anniversary of JOGLE Cycle
2025-05-02 19:00 - 23:00 | Colchester and East Essex Cricket Club, Colchester and East Essex Cricket Club
Join us for a casual evening of reconnecting and reminiscing at Colchester and East Essex CC on Friday 2nd May 2025, 7-11pm. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the John O’Groats to Land’s End cycle and other fantastic FUNdraisers over the years. Tickets are £28pp (plus small booking fee) and include food provided by ‘Smashed@Trotters’. Let’s get together and CELEBRATE!!

Drag Me To The 80s
2025-05-02 19:30 - 22:30 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
DRAG ME TO THE80’S
Meet the cast of our 80’s Divas and join us on an unforgettable journey as this amazing production delivers a dazzling fusion of nostalgia, empowerment and a celebration of the extraordinary.
Get ready to dance, sing and be captivated by the powerhouse vocals of the queens who redefine the stage and bring the spirit of the 80’s roaring back to life.
The show features an incredible full live band and the music of Kylie, Madonna, Whitney, Bananarama , Queen, Abba, Rick Astley, Pet Shop Boys , Erasure,Duran Duran, Wham, Tina Turner and many more
Touring All Major Theatres 2024/25

Colchester Morris Dancers
2025-05-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Ye Olde Albion Pub, High Street, Rowhedge, Colchester, CO5 7ES, GB
Enjoy the Colchester Morris Dancers and keep your fingers crossed for dry weather!

Chop Suey! Nu-Metal Anthems | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
2025-05-02 21:00 - 2025-05-03 01:00 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
Chop Suey! Nu-Metal Anthems is coming to Three Wise Monkeys Colchester on Friday 2nd May for a massive nu-metal party!
Tickets on sale now from: skiddle.com/e/40810650
Playing Linkin Park / Limp Bizkit / System Of A Down / Slipknot / Papa Roach / Deftones / Korn / Mudvayne / Coal Chamber / Andrew W.K / Drowning Pool / Alien Ant Farm / Rage Against The Machine / Puddle Of Mudd / Staind / P.O.D / Soulfly and more.
