Keep Colchester Cool

Brewery Tour & Meet The Brewer
2025-06-14 13:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | 5-6 St Nicholas St, CO1 1LB Colchester, United Kingdom, 5-6 St Nicholas St, CO1 1LB Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us at 1pm on Saturday 14th June for the ultimate brewery experience, we will be hosting a guided brewery tour and meet the brewer hosted tasting event featuring beer brewed on site.
Listen whilst our brewers take you through the story, flavour and notes of our core range of fantastic Other Monkey Brewing beer poured fresh from our taps.
Your £10 ticket will include tasting glasses of different beers from our core range, each of which will be accompanied by its own unique production story. We also have gift certificates available for collection perfect for presents
Over 18s only.
Guests with specific dietary requirements or with allergies should contact the team via info@othermonkeybrewing.com prior to ticket purchase.
Access – There is no lift to access the tasting room at Other Monkey Brewing The Taproom. There is one flight of stairs to reach the tasting room.

Magic The Gathering Final Fantasy Release Draft
2025-06-14 12:30 - 17:00 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
Magic The Gathering Final Fantasy Release Draft
This Saturday we will be having a release draft with the super Final Fantasy set, with the pre-releases going so well last weekend, this is sure to be a set to make an enjoyable draft. So come join us for some more fun with this set.
Cost £25 (3 boosters for drafting and 1 booster to the prize pool for every player) Swiss rounds, amount of rounds dependent on attendance.Start time: 12:30pmCost £25.00
Aim of the day is to build a Minimum of a 40 card deck with the cards you draft, compete in swiss rounds to find a winner (Land boxes are provided so all you need to bring is you).
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.

The OutHouse 45th Birthday Garden Party
2025-06-14 12:00 - 20:00 | The Minories, The Minories
Join us on Saturday, 14th June, for a joyous celebration of Pride Month as we mark the 45th birthday of The OutHouse, our wonderful charity supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The event will take place in the beautiful gardens of The Minories, a stunning venue that provides the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of fun, community, and celebration.
From 12 noon until 8pm, the gardens will be the heart of this special occasion.
This special day will honour The OutHouse’s incredible journey and the positive impact it has had over the last 45 years, all while celebrating the diversity and unity of the LGBTQ+ community.
Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration! It’s the perfect way to come together and enjoy a sunny day in the garden with friends, family, and allies. We look forward to seeing you there!

Disney Lorcana Return Of Jafar Structure Deck Event
2025-06-14 11:00 - 16:00 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
To celebrate the release of Chapter 8 Return Of Jafar, we will be run a our popular structure deck sealed event which we put a twist on. For this event your entry fee will include a new structure deck of your choice & 2 extra boosters.
Event Details.
With the structure deck you choice, it’s booster that comes with it, plus the 2 extra boosters means you will have 3 boosters to be able to modify your structure deck however you see fit, you will also be able to add a 3rd colour to you deck making it truly a unique deck. This way no structure deck you play against will be the same.
You will be given 30mins to make your changes before battling in a swiss style event (amount of rounds not knockout) to see who can come out on top.
There will be an extra booster put into the prize pot for each player in the event too.
Cost £30.00Start Time 11:00am
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.

Weave a Willow Heart with Lights
2025-06-14 10:30 - 13:00 | The Lexden Crown, Bistro Pub – Colchester, The Lexden Crown, Bistro Pub - Colchester
Weave a willow heart with lights and the choice of a hot beverage and cake (£35pp) or lunch (£45pp).
Please let me know if you have any dietry requirements.
Lunch choices:Fish & ChipsVegetable Samosas, Salad & Sweet Potato Fries orPulled Pork & Melted Cheddar Flatbread, Leafy Salad & Coleslaw
All materials are provided and no experience necessary.
Book via eventbrite (fees apply) or email info@thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk to book via PayPal or bank transfer (no fees)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1319241870949?aff=oddtdtcreator

Bluebell Wood
2025-06-14 10:30 - 12:45 | Wivenhoe Sailing Club
Join us for our next social painting morning at Wivenhoe Sailing Club. No experience needed. We will be painting this lovely bluebell wood using a plastic bag and card, so its very easy for all to achieve great results.All equipment and homemade cakes included in the ticket price. Wow your friends with what you can achieve in 2 hours. A great way to chill with friends or on your own

House & Garden Show
2025-06-14 10:00 - 2025-06-15 16:00 | Battleswick Farm, Rowhedge Road, Rowhedge, CO5 7JP, GB
More details to follow….
https://www.facebook.com/events/1056239948665085/

J.S. & the Lockerbillies at Coda, Colchester
2025-06-13 21:00 - 2025-06-14 00:00 | Coda Colchester, Coda Colchester
J.S. & the Lockerbillies Live at Coda – Colchester
Join us for a high-energy night of rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll and roots music as J.S. & the Lockerbillies return to Coda!
Expect vintage sounds, modern attitude, and a packed dancefloor.
Plus DJ Press Play keeping the party going and taking your requests all the way through until 2AM.
Friday 13th June | 9PM | Free EntryGet down early, it’s going to be a big one.

WEIRD CREATURES WITH SIMON BROMIDE
2025-06-13 20:30 - 23:30 | 7 Queen Street, CO1 2PG Colchester, United Kingdom, 7 Queen Street, CO1 2PG Colchester, United Kingdom
First gig of the new summer season; kicking off on a Friday the 13th at the Brew House. Come down, bring your friends, and see us play our wide screen outsider blues. Free Entry. Great Beer.Weird Creature are a 3 piece group with guitar/vox, upright bass, and drums. File us in the creepshow-gothic-americana-50s-beatnik section, if you can find it. Drawing from such artists as Link Wray, Tom Waits, Elvis, David Lynch, to Suicide, Timber Timbre maybe even sometimes the Doors. We take blues and jazz/blues forms and try to twist them into new contexts with some indie songwriting sensibility – and have some fun with it along the way.Guy Weir – Vox, Guitars, keysJames Hitchins – Upright bassElmer van der Hoek – DrumsSimon Bromide in Support“Lyrically smart, musically lush, loose and luxuriant” Louder Than War

Weird Creature at the Brewhouse, Simon Bromide in Support
2025-06-13 20:30 - 23:30 | Queen St Brewhouse, 7 - 9 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PG, GB
First gig of the new summer season; kicking off on a Friday the 13th at the Brew House. Come down, bring your friends, and see us play our wide screen outsider blues. Free Entry. Great Beer.
Weird Creature are a 3 piece group with guitar/vox, upright bass, and drums. File us in the creepshow-gothic-americana-50s-beatnik section, if you can find it. Drawing from such artists as Link Wray, Tom Waits, Elvis, David Lynch, to Suicide, Timber Timbre maybe even sometimes the Doors. We take blues and jazz/blues forms and try to twist them into new contexts with some indie songwriting sensibility – and have some fun with it along the way.
Guy Weir – Vox, Guitars, keys
James Hitchins – Upright bass
Elmer van der Hoek – Drums
Simon Bromide in Support“Lyrically smart, musically lush, loose and luxuriant” Louder Than War

Mathew Horne: In Conversation! *
2025-06-13 19:30 - 22:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £23.50.Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.This is for a seated audience.
A Colchester Arts Centre Exclusive!
We’re talking all things Gavin & Stacey at this very special event with none other than its lead, Mathew Horne!
It wasn’t long after audiences were first introduced to Gavin, Stacey, Smithy, Pam, Mick and Uncle Bryn that the show became the nation’s best loved series; with its endlessly quotable lines, charming (and sometimes very surprising!) storylines and its lovable larger-than-life characters, audiences were instantly beguiled by the critically lauded BBC sitcom. Through many twists and turns, and countless moments of hilarity, creators Ruth Jones and James Corden gave us three series of the show and two Christmas Day specials, the latter of which – the series finale – was the best watched programme on British television on the day.
For the very first time since the show’s finale, Mathew Horne is sitting down in front of a live audience, in conversation about his Gavin & Stacey journey – from his favourite moments, behind the scenes anecdotes as well the show’s impact on his own day-to-day life. We’ll also of course be touching on Mathew’s other work including his comedy work with Catherine Tate and his working relationship with James Corden.
Book now to attend this very special event and avoid disappointment!

Cinema | Parthenope (15)
2025-06-13 14:00 - 16:32 | Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH Colchester, United Kingdom
Showing at Firstsite Cinema – Parthenope (15)!
From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino comes a monumental and deeply romantic story of a lifetime, Parthenope.
Born in the Bay of Naples in 1950, Parthenope (Celeste Dalla Porta) searches for happiness over the long summers of her youth, falling in love with her home city and its many memorable characters.
But when tragedy strikes, and carefree romances lose their thrill, she decides to seek a deeper sense of purpose.
Book now on our website or call us on 01206 713 700
https://www.facebook.com/events/1887079708363684/?event_time_id=1887079725030349

Classic Horror Nights! Masque Of The Red Death
2025-06-12 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!
MASQUE OF THE RED DEATHConsidered the finest adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe by director Roger Corman. Starring Vincent Price, Hazel Court and Jane Asher, with cinematography by the legendary Nicolas Roeg.

Lucy Hughes-Hallett: The Scapegoat
2025-06-12 19:00 - 22:00 | Centre for Creative Writing, University of Essex, CO1 1 Colchester, United Kingdom, Centre for Creative Writing, University of Essex, CO1 1 Colchester, United Kingdom
From the winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize, a stunning biography of one of the most flamboyant and enigmatic seventeenth-century Englishmen at the heart of political and royal life. Lucy Hughes-Hallett will transport us into a courtly world of masques and dancing, exquisite clothes, the art of Rubens and Van Dyck, gender-fluidity, same-sex desire, and appallingly rudimentary medicine.
This event will include an audience Q&A and after the event there will be an opportunity to get your book signed by Lucy.In partnership with Anglia Ruskin University.

National Theatre Live: A Streetcar Named Desire
2025-06-12 19:00 - 22:00 | Lakeside Theatre, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, GB
A Streetcar Named Desireby Tennessee Williamsdirected by Benedict Andrews
Gillian Anderson (Sex Education), Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), and Ben Foster (Lone Survivor) lead the cast in Tennessee Williams’ timeless masterpiece, returning to cinemas.
As Blanche’s fragile world crumbles, she turns to her sister Stella for solace – but her downward spiral brings her face to face with the brutal, unforgiving Stanley Kowalski.
From visionary director Benedict Andrews, this acclaimed production was filmed live during a sold-out run at the Young Vic Theatre in 2014 and will be screened at the Lakeside Theatre on 12 June 2025.
Running Time:180min TBC
BBFC Certificate:15 TBC

Life Drawing - Thursday, 12th June 2025
2025-06-12 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

Wivenhoe Cafe & Gallery Boutique
2025-06-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Wivenhoe Cafe & Gallery, Wivenhoe Cafe & Gallery
Wivenhoe Cafe & Gallery Boutique opening : Thursday 12th June LAUNCH EVENT 18:00-20:00 🥰

Thursday life drawing
2025-06-12 13:00 - 15:30 | William Loveless Hall, 85-87 High St, Colchester, CO7 9AB, GB
Life drawing at 1pm today Thursday 5th June. Our marvellous model mighty Mim will be sitting. Come along to Willy Loveless this rainy afternoon!!
https://www.facebook.com/events/707429225208973/?event_time_id=707429241875638

SPACE: Peer-to-Peer (in person 12th June)
2025-06-12 12:00 - 14:00 | 37 queen street, CO1 2PQ Colchester, United Kingdom, 37 queen street, CO1 2PQ Colchester, United Kingdom
The SPACE Peer-to-Peer sessions are a space for sharing work in progress, peer support and feedback and networking.
The sessions are open to all creatives and are free to attend.

Art in the Woods (Thur)
2025-06-12 10:00 - 12:00 | High Woods Country Park-Visitor Centre, High Woods Country Park-Visitor Centre
Book here: https://linktr.ee/tinabullen
Regular event starting Thursday 12th June. Take time out in the woods to get creative, relax, breathe and have a nice time with others while you improve your art skills and make something beautiful.
This session, we will be working in colour to capture the buttercups. Go to linktree link above for further information.
Every first Sunday of the month and every second Thursday of the month.

Wednesday Night Open Mic @ The Victoria Inn
2025-06-11 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.

BENEATH THE EMBERS @ CODA COLCHESTER 11/6/25
2025-06-11 19:00 - 2025-06-12 00:00 | Coda Colchester, Coda Colchester
Impious Spirit Productions presents Beneath The Embers, plus support, at Coda Colchester on Wednesday 11th June 2025!
Essex Metalcore titans Beneath The Embers join us once again as we take them on the road this summer, across the South East.
Support from Kaine & Goat Monsoon!
19:00 Doors
£10otd / £7adv

Magic The Gathering Final Fantasy Pre-Release Event
2025-06-11 19:00 - 22:30 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
Whether you’re taking your first steps into Magic, finishing up your Standard deck, or diving deep into Modern, Commander, and more—Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy is here, come play and pick up this set early.
Final FantasyPrerelease is coming and we will be running 3 pre-release events for this set new core set in the magic timeline.What you get
For each event, you’ll receive a Final Fantasy Prerelease Kit which contains:6 Final Fantasy Play Booster Packs1 year-stamped rare or mythic promo card in foil A Spindown D20 to track your life totalA handy deck box to help transport and store your deck
Aim of the day is to build a Minimum of a 40 card deck with the boosters you get and compete in swiss rounds to find a winner (Land boxes are provided so all you need to bring is you).Every player gets and extra booster for playing and another is put into the prize pot for each player too.
Start time: 7:00pmCost £38.50
Please note all of these events have limited spaces of 20 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.

Sip & Paint Night at The Lexden Crown: Frida The Highland Cow
2025-06-11 19:00 - 21:00 | 235 Lexden Road,Colchester,CO3 4DA,GB, 235 Lexden Road,Colchester,CO3 4DA,GB
Get ready for a greatnight of sipping, painting, and painting Frida The Highland Cow
� Join Our ‘Frida The Highland Cow �This Spring, treat yourself and your friends to a magical evening of creativity and connection!Join us at The Lexden Crown for aSip’N’Paint guided painting session that promises laughter, relaxation, and a chance to unleash your inner artist. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this event is designed for everyone—no prior painting experience necessary!� What You Can Expect:– Step-by-Step Guidance : Our experienced artist will walk you through each brushstroke, ensuring you create a masterpiece you’ll cherish.– A Cozy Atmosphere : Enjoy a gentle creative flow as you sip your favorite beverage, whether it’s a glass of wine, a cozy cup of tea, or a refreshing mocktail.– Connect with Friends : Invite your besties to join in the fun, while we create together– Materials Made Easy : All your materials are included� Whether you’re painting solo or with your gal pals, you’re in for a delightful evening filled with creativity, joy, and a little touch of love. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make beautiful memories—reserve your spot now!Please Note: The ticket price does not include Food or drink, but they are available to purchase on the night from The Lexden Crown

Curators’ Choice
2025-06-11 17:30 - 18:30 | Art Exchange, Art Exchange
Join Jess, Matt, and Gisselle from our Art Exchange team as they share their personal reflections on the artworks in our current exhibition, ‘Into the Woods’.
Each will highlight some of the works from artists Larry Achiampong & David Blandy, Adam Broomberg, Rebecca Moss, Abigail Lane, Kenji Lim, Jevan Watkins Jones, and Theo Panagopoulos, discussing the personal impact of these works as well as how each prompt us to question our relationship with the natural world.
Refreshments and snacks served.
Free admission and everyone welcome!
Find out more about the exhibition ‘Into the Woods’: https://www.artexchange.org.uk/exhibition/into-the-woods/

Midsummer in Castle Park
2025-06-11 11:00 - 14:00 | Hollytrees Museum, High Street , CO1 2 Colchester, United Kingdom, Hollytrees Museum, High Street , CO1 2 Colchester, United Kingdom
Explore the glorious Castle Park at midsummer.Discover its history, its landscape and the wildlife which calls it home.And maybe round of your tour with a picnic in the park!

The Magic Numbers
2025-06-10 19:30 - 22:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £26.50.Doors open 7.30pm.This gig is for a standing audience.
The Magic Numbers are an UK-based four piece comprising two pairs of siblings (Romeo and Michele Stodart, Sean and Angela Gannon) who are known for their unique harmonies, melodic hooks, songwriting craftsmanship and timeless sound.
Their Mercury Prize-nominated self-titled debut album was released in 2005 to outstanding critical acclaim, and contained top ten hit singles such as ‘Forever Lost’, ‘Love Me Like You’ and ‘Love is a Game’. It went on to sell over a million copies worldwide, making them one of the nation’s best-loved bands. They have earned a reputation for their exciting and uplifting live performances, leading them to tour the world, building a loyal fan base, as well as supporting the likes of Neil Young, Brian Wilson, Radiohead, The Flaming Lips, The Who, U2, Elbow and Bright Eyes amongst many others. The Magic Numbers have released five successful albums to date, and are currently working on new music.
The band have also become known for their collaborations with a diverse range of artists over the years – from Romeo writing and producing songs for the late Jane Birkin, Natalie Imbruglia, Ren Harvieu to co- writing ‘Close your eyes’ with the Chemical Brothers for their Grammy-Award-winning album ‘Push The Button’, and producing Billy Bragg’s most recent album. His sister, Michele Stodart has released three critically acclaimed solo albums, and is also an award-winning artist and collaborator.
The Magic Numbers’ outstanding musicianship, blood harmonies and skilfully crafted songs, make them a truly unique, exciting and unmissable live band. They continue to tour the world building their audiences and explore new ground in the studio together producing albums.

COLLIDESCOPE celebration at patch
2025-06-10 19:00 - 22:00 | patch, patch
TICKETS HERE – https://www.outsavvy.com/event/23600/collidescope-celebration-a-quarterly-queer-event
COLLIDESCOPE celebration is this quarterly queer event that celebrates local talent. Hosted at the wonderful plant led cafe patch, this special evening showcases local queer poetry, drag, spoken word, support groups, performance art and joy hosted and curated by Tom Stock.
Our line up has kindly offered their time for free so £5.00 from each ticket can be donated between these community support organisations:
Open Road – https://www.openroad.org.uk/our-services/about-us/what-we-do/
Colchester Pride – https://www.colchesterpride.org/about-us
CENS – https://cens4homeless.org.uk/about/
The OutHouse – https://theouthouse.org.uk/about/
COLLIDESCOPE – https://www.collidescope.uk/

Twelfth Night
2025-06-10 18:00 - 21:30 | Lower Bowls Green, Castle Park, Colchester, Lower Bowls Green, Castle Park, Colchester
Shakespeare’s classic comedy Twelfth Night in the beautiful surroundings of Colchester’s Castle Park
https://www.facebook.com/events/1053946373348712/?event_time_id=1053946406682042

The Tango Zone pop up practica @Marks Tey Parish Hall 8.15-10.15pm
2025-06-09 20:15 - 22:15 | Marks Tey Parish Hall, Old London Rd, Marks Tey, CO6 1EJ, GB
👀⭐️ Another chance to dance more tango in Colchester! 👀⭐️An informal ad-hoc pop-up practica on MONDAY 9th JUNE 8.15-10.15pm at Marks Tey Parish Hall. Come and practise some tango in a casual friendly environment with help available for any tango queries. Beginners always welcome! ☺️👍
Date: Monday 9th JuneTime: 8.15-10.15pmVenue: Marks Tey Parish Hall, Old London Road, Marks Tey, CO6 1EJLarge free car park at the venue. Entry: £5
Please note: Attendance is at the risk and responsibility of the individual.
