Keep Colchester Cool

Puss in Boots Ballet for the Whole Family
2025-07-23 15:00 - 18:00 (Europe/London) | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
Based on the original version by Charles Perrault, the Let’s All Dance Ballet Company brings a new version of Puss in Boots about a friendship between a magical cat and a young man with a talent for music.
With Puss’ help, the man finds the confidence to use his talent and to be himself, winning the heart of the Princess, her mother the Queen, and the rather snooty Marquis de Carabas.
Treat your children to the magic of live, professional dance and fire their imaginations with this lovely new show for the wholefamily!
Suitable for all, especially 2-14 year olds, including those with special needs. Running time: 40 minutes + photo opportunity.For more information and to buy tickets (from as little as £12.50) visit: https://bit.ly/4l153gC

PokemonTCG Tournament @ Dice & A Slice (16 and under)
2025-07-23 11:30 - 15:00 | Dice & A Slice, 37 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PQ, GB
Our first event of the summer holidays for Juniors & Seniors (ages 16 and under) is happening at Dice & A Slice!
This will be a Swiss-style round-robin tournament. The number of players will determine the number of games per match.
You will need a player ID from Pokemon Trainer Club (email Lee for help if needed at Lee@Kanto.uk) and a legal deck (cards with Regulation Marks G or H – loan decks will be available) .
We have a maximum of 12 spaces available for this first event
Book now at the link below – £5 entry fee
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pokemontcg-tournament-dice-a-slice-16-and-under-tickets-1484843198979?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
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Event Notes: • This is a 16 & under event – Juniors / Seniors TCG Tournament (No Masters this time). • Players aged 10 or under must be accompanied by an adult. • Food, drinks, and facilities are available on site. • Free Wi-Fi is available.
We have a maximum of 12 spaces available for this first event, so book early via the link below – Entry: £5
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Event Notes: • This is a 16 & under event – Juniors / Seniors TCG Tournament (No Masters this time). • Players aged 10 or under must be accompanied by an adult. • Food, drinks, and facilities are available on site. • Free Wi-Fi is available.

Wednesday Night Open Mic @ The Victoria Inn
2025-07-22 19:30 - 22:45 | The Victoria Pub, The Victoria Pub
It’s Open Mic Night!Bring yourself… or send your friends in place of you…. or come with your friends and get involved.Bring your instruments or borrow mine (Guitar, Piano, Cajon & Mics provided).*We run a sign up board & work through the names in order & attendance prioritising those who arrive before 9.*The sign up board goes up around 7:30 & the mic goes live around 8:00. *We wrap up for 10:45.*Performers usually get 2-3 songs (up to 15 minutes in total) but this depends the number of participants on the night.

Kizomba Colchester
2025-07-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
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/2223348041463629/?event_time_id=2223348084796958

Storytelling and Family Fun at The Minories: Local children's authors and artists
2025-07-22 12:00 - 15:00 | The Minories, The Minories
Join us for some midsummer family magic in The Minories Garden.
Take your seat for our Twinkle, Twinkle Storytelling Armchair featuring BBC Essex’s Rob Jelly and local children’s authors.
Explore the fascinating stories of spices from around the world with writer, cook and storyteller Radhika Howarth.
Get creative and messy in our very own Earth Kitchen.
Learn how to weave your own Twinkle Twinkle Willow star.
Pop-up Library Book Tent and Storytelling with Essex Library Service
Spice painting with Lora Aziz
Tickets: Free or donate what you can, no booking required,Register your interest at eventbrite.co.uk

Mini Museum Explorers
2025-07-22 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 July session will focus on the theme of Mythical Creatures.
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. To reserve your place, call 01206 282939.
https://www.facebook.com/events/785361083715117/?event_time_id=785361087048450

Ghosts Of Atlantis with special guests: Beneath The Embers, Tales Of Time and Olympus
2025-07-20 19:00 - 22:30 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
Tickets £12 / £10 concessions.Doors open 7pm, starts 7.30pm.
Ghosts Of Atlantis return to the Colchester Arts Centre with Beneath The Embers, Tales Of Time and Olympus.
A lineup not to be missed, be sure to book your tickets today.

Football Quiz (Colchester)
2025-07-20 18:45 - 21:45 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
Test your knowledge of the beautiful game, and help raise money for an incredible cause!
– £3 a head (cash only)– Maximum 6 to a team– Food served throughout – Book by selecting the date of the quiz and choosing quiz booking: threewisemonkeyscolchester.com/book-a-table
If you book and then decide not to attend, please CANCEL YOUR BOOKING.
Please arrive at least twenty minutes before the quiz is due to start to place food and drink orders.

Soul Sunday!
2025-07-20 14:00 - 20:00 | Rubix Bar, Rubix Bar
Get ready to groove and dance the day away at Rubix Bar in Colchester! 🌟 Join us for a sensational ’70s and ’80s Soul and Disco Night on Sunday , July 20th, from 2 PM to 8 PM.
Feel the rhythm as DJs Lee Wells and Soamsey take you on a nostalgic journey through the golden age of soul and disco. Expect non-stop classics, infectious beats, and all the feel-good vibes you need to keep you moving!
🎟 Entry: Just £5 – an unbeatable price for a afternoon of pure musical magic.
Whether you’re dusting off your dancing shoes or perfecting your retro outfit, this is a party you won’t want to miss. Bring your friends, your best moves, and let’s turn back the clock to the ultimate era of music and good times! ✨
tickects txt 07563446552 or pay on door but only limited tickets
Mark your calendars, and we’ll see you there! 💃🕺

Annual Open Day - Sunday 20th July
2025-07-20 11:00 - 16:00 | JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, CO4 5UP Colchester, United Kingdom, JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, CO4 5UP Colchester, United Kingdom
The club’s annual event will see the doors of the JobServe Community Stadium open to the public, to showcase what’s on offer ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Admittance is free, as is parking, and the event runs from 11am until 4pm.
Last year’s Open Day proved to be very popular!
The kits for the new campaign will be launched, so you can look just like your Col U heroes.
Danny and Nicky Cowley, along with the U’s full first team squad, will be in attendance– interacting with our young supporters on the Astro-Turf pitches and later signing autographs.
The Women’s Team and Community Foundation will also be at the JCS, allowing you the chance to find out how you can be involved with the thriving women’s football scene and community projects across the city and out surrounding areas.
We’ll have a selection of local exhibitors on site and there will be plenty of options to keep you fed, watered and entertained with food, drink and games.
As usual, we will host a club Q&A, where you can ask all the Col U questions you want answered.
We’ll be bringing you more details of the Open Day in the coming weeks but for more information, or to find out about an exhibitor’s pack, get in touch on 01206 755165.

Jennifer Antill Book Signing
2025-07-20 11:00 - 14:00 | Waterstones Colchester High Street, 12-13 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1DA, GB
We are delighted to have Jennifer Antill at the store to sign copies of her latest novel Fortune’s Price. She is fresh from successful events in Sudbury and Bury St. Edmunds. If you love historical fiction please come and chat to her. Fortune’s Price is a historical epic set against the backdrop of war and cholera in 1830s Russia. When Andrey, a disgraced and impoverished young officer, claims to be the heir to Vasily’s family wealth, Vasily is forced to leave the comfort of his country estate and return to St Petersburg to investigate. Seeking the truth, he rediscovers his lost love and reveals a story of deception and fatal intrigue that threatens to cost him his life.To prove himself, Andrey marches to war, while the woman he loves, Vasily’s cousin, Nadezhda, must contrive to repel other suitors as she prays for his safe return. Jennifer will be signing from 11 am and during the lunchtime period.

The Tango Baby - nurturing connection every step of the way - intensive Argentine tango workshop
2025-07-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Colchester, United Kingdom, Colchester, United Kingdom
Argentine tango is an improvised dance relying tantamount on the connection between leader and follower to communicate every single nuance of every single step. At this intensive workshop you will be examining methods of establishing and maintaining connection in all the various different tango embraces and given detailed techniques and exercises to help you nurture a deep and communicative connection throughout your dance.
Miriam Gita is an experienced tanguera with a rigorous technical ergonomic dance education and eight years experience teaching Argentine tango in addition to dancing tango internationally for eighteen years.
This two-hour workshop is suitable for all with useful simplifications given tobeginners as well as advanced challenges on offer for more experienced tangueros.
To book your place text Miriam Gita on 07706746750
Sunday 20th July 11am-1pm, £10Colchester city centre – parking available

Retro Saturday!
2025-07-19 20:00 - 2025-07-20 03:00 | Rubix Bar, Rubix Bar
It’s Colchester’s Big Retro Party night Saturday from 8pm!
2 DJs over 2 floors playing the 80s, 90s & 00s Party anthems!
Free Entry before 11pm! See you on the Dance Floor later! 🕺

BEER & HYMNS
2025-07-19 18:00 - 21:00 | Hythe Hill, Colchester, United Kingdom, Hythe Hill, Colchester, United Kingdom
With the organ playing full throttle, a chance to belt out some favourite hymns with a beer in your hand!

Colchester Mid Summer Evening Market
2025-07-19 16:00 - 20:00 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
Our fantastic Summer Evening Market is back outside The Mercury Theatre in Colchester on July 19th.
You’ll find our wonderful market filling the gorgeous piazza area, outside the theatre where we’ll be spending this midsummer afternoon and early evening with over thirty amazing local stallholders selling a range of top quality food, drink and crafts and some delicious street food.
Entry, as always is totally free of charge.Parking is a two minute walk away at St Mary’s NCP with some Blue Badge parking available directly outside the theatre.Well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome.
A full list of stallholders can now be found on our website at https://www.suffolkmarketevents.co.uk/events/colchester-mid-summer-evening-market/
So get July 19th in your diary and pop along to enjoy a few hours of Summer Evening fun with family and friends.
In order to minimize annoying scammers, comments cannot be made on this page so for further information please email us atjustine@suffolkmarketevents.co.uk

Luau party
2025-07-19 16:00 - 19:00 | The Foresters Arms
We are hosting a Luau this Saturday (19th July) at 4pm! This is something you can’t miss !
We will be doing specialty cocktails – Mai Tai’s, Blue Hawaiian’s and Rum punch’s.
With the pub being decorated we are encouraging everyone to match the occasion by wearing their best Hawaiian shirt and there will be a prize for the best Hawaiian shirt.
So make sure you come prepared !!

Country Music and Line Dancing in the Vines
2025-07-19 16:00 - 19:00 | Thorrington Mill Vineyard, Thorrington Mill Vineyard
After a wonderful evening in 2024 we are delighted to welcome back Buckin Boots for some more incredible line dancing to the best country music tunes, new and old by DJ Big Hig.Bring chairs if you can!Free parking on site.Food and drink available at additional cost.

CODA - Acoustic Showcase
2025-07-19 15:00 - 17:30 | 63 High street, co1 1dn Colchester, United Kingdom, 63 High street, co1 1dn Colchester, United Kingdom
A Saturday afternoon showcase featuring:Backroom StereoSilver LiningThree Steps To HeavenStu E Skinner(Hosting)Event Info:A weekly event featuring 3 to 5 acts performing live acoustic sets between 3-5:30pm.Hot & cold beverages served from 2:30pm onwards.This is a family friendly event so younglings are welcome providing they’re properly managed.Mics, pa and backline are provided but performers are welcome to bring their own microphones etc

The Queen Street Brewhouse 10th Anniversary Ska Party and BBQ
2025-07-19 14:00 - 17:00 | 7 Queen Street, Colchester, 7 Queen Street, Colchester
-you know the score-free entry on the door -band blows at 7pm-outdoor garden party -craft/european ales -DJ sets in between – reggae/dub/roots
classics-judgement free dancefloor -tell your friends

Mick Fest IV
2025-07-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £15
Doors open 1pm, gig starts 1.30pmThis gig is for a standing audience (although the afternoon generally has crash mats and cushions in front of the stage – depends on ticket sales)
TICKETS AVAILABLE ON THE DOOR
An all day celebration of Colchester Arts Centre’s very own Mick Newman – Box Office Guru, celebrated Chilli Chef and all-round force for good.
Come and celebrate the existence of this local legend, feted by bands worldwide for his culinary skills (as featured on BBC 6 Music with Steve Lamacq) and loved by many as a bona fide Colchester Institution and top bloke.
And the line-up this year is:
Poisoned Electrick HeadMasal / Oz / AlBada DüumThe Abominable Mr TinklerJøtnarrValhallansMezzotintLee AshcroftBeard FXSun Cutter

Saturo Sounds Summer Party With Elliot Moriarty
2025-07-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Drapers Hotel, Drapers Hotel
Saturo Sounds Summer Party returns to #DrapersHorel for sunshine ☀️ and sunny beats on Saturday July 19th 2025 🙌❤️🔥
As an added bonus #RickSierra [Crate DGGRS / Unwind Your Mind] will be joining us all the way from Colorado! 🛩️
++ Update ++
The amazing #ElliotMoriarty is now joining us 👏❤️👏
DJs on the day:
Elliot MoriartyDGRick SierraWeaverPaul MeltonAndrew GemmellJay DJShaun Strudwick
All these DJs from your favourite shows + Elliot Moriarty for absolutely free!
Look forward to seeing you there!
We recommend looking for hotel/airbnb in the Colchester / Halstead / Marks Tey area and getting a short taxi ride over 👌
https://www.google.com/search?q=hotels+in+colchester&rlz=1CDGOYI_enGB1073GB1073&oq=hotels+in+c&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDggAEEUYJxg7GIAEGIoFMg4IABBFGCcYOxiABBiKBTIGCAEQRRg8MgYIAhBFGDwyBggDEEUYPDIGCAQQRRg5MgoIBRAAGLEDGIAEMgoIBhAAGLEDGIAEMgoIBxAAGLEDGIAEMgcICBAAGIAEMgoICRAAGLEDGIAE0gEINjU2MWowajeoAhmwAgHiAwQYASBf8QV_zdqDf-CF9g&hl=en-GB&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

Star Wars Unlimited League
2025-07-19 12:15 - 15:15 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
New to the calendar Star Wars™: Unlimited league. Join for our Star Wars Unlimited league day & challenge your inner light or dark side.
How it works
Our bi-weekly league session for Star Wars™: Unlimited will give you plenty of casual play opportunities throughout the weeks. This is a great opportunity to meet new players, trade cards and pick up new stock while available. All you need to do is challenge a fellow player to a best of 3 match and you will both receive a weekly play booster (1 per week per player). Then each win will gain you 2 points on our league chart & 1 point if you lost. At the end of a set cycle we will then give out some extra prizes to the top 2 and some random prize going to anyone that has a point on the league chart.
Whats the cost?£5 each week, but everyone gets a Star Wars™: Unlimited booster during the event.
Start time: 12:15
Please note all of these events have limited spaces of 24 people, so to avoid missing out please either click attend on this event, come in and speak to a member of staff of call us on 01206 561912 to make sure you don’t miss out.

Colchester City Carnival 2025
2025-07-19 12:00 - 19:00 | Lower Castle Park Colchester, Colchester, CO1 1, GB
You are all welcome to join our march on Sat the 19th of July at 11:30am for the Carnival.
We will meet at 8 Queen Street down stairs or upstairs in our dance space. Then we all proceed to Eld Lane where we join the procession. From there we walk/dance 💃🏻 🕺🏼 through Head Street, to the Hight Street and end at the castle park. The funfair in the park begins at 2:30pm.
We will be representing Colchester’s Festival of Rice and Spice and will have our music box for some good vibes. You can dress in traditional outfits or bright vibrant colours to stand out. The main location to have our show down will be at the Town Hall.
Register your interest.
More about the Carnival.
The Carnival is more than just a spectacle; it’s an opportunity to connect and forge lasting friendships with neighbors, engage in lively conversations, participate in interactive workshops, and immerse yourself in the rich cultures that make up the Colchester City community.
Discover the stories, traditions, and experiences of your neighbors while celebrating the vibrant diversity that enriches our town. Celebrating these differences foster a sense of belonging to create unity through shared experiences and learning for all.

Colchester City Carnival & Funfair 2025
2025-07-19 12:00 - 19:00 | Colchester Town Centre, Colchester Town Centre
Please join us in celebrating our multicultural and inclusive community. Show up in your cultural clothes or your most comfortable ones, and get ready for a day of fun with your family. All are welcome!
The parade will start at 12:00pm at Sir Isaac’s Walk and Eld Lane, followed by the funfair in Castle Park. Floats, Vintage cars, eCargo bikes and the Steam Engine will start at Headgate and Essex Street and join the main parade as it passes Sir Isaacs Walk.
The Funfair is back and begins on stage at Lower Castle Park at 2:30pm with music and dance representing many of the different cultures we host in Colchester City. 19 food vendors provide options from across the world for purchase. There will also be 2 ice cream vans for those craving something a bit sweeter!
The Carnival is more than just a spectacle; it’s an opportunity to connect and forge lasting friendships with neighbors, engage in lively conversations, participate in interactive workshops, and immerse yourself in the rich cultures that make up the Colchester City community.
Discover the stories, traditions, and experiences of your neighbors while celebrating the vibrant diversity that enriches our town. Celebrating these differences foster a sense of belonging to create unity through shared experiences and learning for all.

Magic The Gathering Commander Party PRIDE Event
2025-07-19 12:00 - 17:00 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
Magic The Gathering Commander Party PRIDE Event
Come and join us for PRIDE Event! All participants will receive a commander PRIDE Event promo & pod winners will be able to get extra goodies from booster packs to promo packs.
For the Magic Presents: Pride event, treat all eligible commanders as though they had the partner ability. This allows players to add an additional commander to a deck they already have or use a never-before-seen combination of two commanders to helm a totally new deck.
Commanders that already have abilities like partner won’t let players have more than two commanders at this event, but we applaud their enthusiasm. Remember that the extra commander still counts toward the 100 cards in their deck.
Aside from that additional rule, run the event the same as you would any other Commander event in your store, and get your community ready for the partner matchups of a lifetime!
THIS IS A BRING YOUR OWN (ANY) COMMANDER DECK ALONG TO THE EVENT, then you will play in pods of 4.
Start time 12.00pmCost £7.50
Please note all of these events have limited spaces of 24 people, so to avoid missing out please either click attend on this event, come in and speak to a member of staff of call us on 01206 561912 to make sure you don’t miss out.

Summer Family Funfair
2025-07-19 12:00 - 16:00 | Firstsite Colchester, Firstsite Colchester
Grab your family, bring your friends — the Summer Family Funfair is here!
Expect:�� Live music & entertainment�� Games & activities for all ages�� BBQ, treats & more!
And it’s all completely free!Join us at: �� Firstsite Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, CO1 1JH
Quick registration helps us make it the best day ever, so click the link below to register!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/summer-family-funfair-tickets-1417763261079?aff=oddtdtcreator
Let’s make memories, have a blast, and celebrate community together!

Summer Family Funfair
2025-07-19 12:00 - 15:00 | Firstsite Colchester, Firstsite Colchester
FREE Entry!!! All are Free!!!
Summer Family FunfairCome one, come all to the Summer Family Funfair at Firstsite! Get ready for a day filled with delicious BBQ, and exciting games for the whole family.
What to expect:
• � Bouncy castles & children’s games
• � Music & entertainment
• � Fun activities for all ages
• � Refreshments and food available on-site

Summer funfair
2025-07-19 12:00 - 15:00 | Firstsite Colchester, Firstsite Colchester
� Summer Family Funfair at Firstsite! �
No entry fee – it’s all FREE!Enjoy free games, bouncy castles for kids, and complimentary food for everyone!
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day at Firstsite, Colchester!Join us for an unforgettable community celebration packed with excitement, laughter, and summer vibes.
Here’s what’s in store:
• � Bouncy castles & kids’ games• � Live music & entertainment• � Fun activities, for all ages• � Delicious BBQ & on-site refreshments
� Everyone in the Colchester community is welcome – come along and join the fun!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/summer-family-funfair-tickets-1417763261079?aff=oddtdtcreator

Colchester Carnival
2025-07-19 12:00 - 15:00 | Headgate Colchester, Headgate Colchester
Weare delighted to have been asked to join the carnival and we will be at the front of the parade. So decorate your bikes, wear something bright and fun and join us as we cycle from Headgate to the War Memorial, waving to the Mayor and our MP as we pass the Town Hall . At the War Memorial we will dismount and walk through the park to the fun fair which is part of the day long event.This is going to be a fabulous day so please join us if you can.

Craft Fair at the Orpen Hall
2025-07-19 10:00 - 15:00 | West Bergholt Village, West Bergholt Village
Going back to where I went to brownies as a little girl! Thank you to all of my friends and family who are helping me at my very first craft fair-can’t wait to see you all there �
