Keep Colchester Cool

Nadine Somers at Junction 25 LDC
2026-03-27 20:00 - 22:30 (Europe/London) | Marks Tey Parish Hall, Old London Rd, Marks Tey, CO6 1EJ, GB
Join us for a night of line dancing to live music.£8 entryDoors open 7:15pm for 8pmNo bar so bring your own.Tea and coffee available.
Contact Trish on 07815 125261 to book a place

Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons
2026-03-27 19:30 - 22:30 | Colchester Charter Hall, Colchester Charter Hall
Sale Dates and Times:
Public Onsale : Wed, 2 Jul 2025 at 10:00 AM

Under The Turning Light: Abrasive Trees/Rothko/Strandings/Vaahl
2026-03-27 19:00 - 23:00 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
An Enveloping Night Of Sonic Dissonance
Tickets £8 / £7 concessionsDoors open 7pm.This gig is for a standing audience.
ABRASIVE TREESDescribed as ‘utterly enticing’ by Louder Than War and ‘a transcendent experience of euphoric dissonance’ by Post-Punk.com, Abrasive Trees take their name from a Buddhist description of a hallucination-like nightmare realm. Led by Matthew Rochford (Silver Moth/Rothko), the band display a willingness to experiment alongside a sound that sits loosely within an experimental post-punk, post-rock aesthetic. Exploring themes of loss, turmoil, and spiritual realisation, they use a combination of distorted and reverb-drenched guitars, intricate melodies and driving drum beats to create a sense of atmosphere and intensity. When they use lyrics they’re often cryptic and evocative, painting vivid pictures of complex emotional landscapes. After several releases lauded by BBC Introducing, Echoes and Dust, Aural Aggravation, and The Big Takeover, the band are preparing to release their much anticipated debut studio album due for release Spring 2026 on Argonauta Records. Abrasive Trees weave fierce threads of sound into something both haunting and transcendent. On stage, they summon a raw, immersive energy—each performance a spellbinding journey into the unknown.“Post-punk psychedelia…Abrasive Trees deal an evocative and mysteriously mystical, poetic, dark energy that is utterly enticing” Louder Than War… “Colossal…explodes into a monumental extended climax that’s absolutely killer and one hundred percent exhilarating” Aural Aggravationhttps://abrasivetrees.bandcamp.com/
ROTHKOMark Beazley, under his Rothko banner, has crafted a distinctive niche in the music world since 1998. Known for an evocative and atmospheric sound built primarily around the bass guitar, Rothko’s music defies easy categorization, weaving dark textures with intricate, chiming bass melodies. Over his expansive career, Beazley’s contributions have spanned various collaborations and solo works, consistently pushing creative boundaries.https://rothko1.bandcamp.com/
STRANDINGSExperimental solo electronics from dead rat orchestra member Robin Alderton.https://strandings.bandcamp.com/
VAAHLColchester Ambient Drone Warlords – debut performance.

NOW! That's What I Call...DRAG! The Birthday Show! Colchester!
2026-03-27 19:00 - 22:30 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
Do you love all things drag?! Well strut right up because “NOW! That’s What I Call…DRAG!” is BACK! Bringing you not only a gorgeous night of drag in COLCHESTER at the iconic Three Wise Monkeys, but it’s also…our Birthday Show! That’s right, it’s been 3 WHOLE YEARS of this iconic drag night making it’s mark in Colchester! Serving up a classic slice of British drag cabaret, expect fabulous lip synching, live vocals, camp comedy, audience games and of course…CHAOS!
Starring some of East Anglia’s finest drag stars Knuckle Sandwich and Will Power (with special guests TBA!) you’ll be in for the night of your lives! So put on those lashes, pack on that glitter and get ready for the drag mixtape to begin! Trust us, you won’t want it to end!
This event is seated, with standing room available! Seating is first come, first served! Please note the venue is upstairs and unfortunately, is not wheelchair accessible.
Doors at 7pm! Show at 7.45pm(ish)!
There will be limited tickets available on the door at £13 each
Please note: We unfortunately do not offer refunds – please message if you have any questions!
NOTE: “NOW! That’s What I Call…DRAG!” is a queer led Drag Cabaret show, and we strive to welcome all audiences into our events! We have a ZERO tolerance policy towards homophobia, transphobia and all forms of abuse. The performers and the audiences deserve your respect at all times. If you do not respect everyone, you will be asked to leave.
We kindly ask that ANY hen or stag party wanting to attend MUST message in advance of tickets being purchased. We reserve the right to refuse admittance if there is no prior contact, and refunds will not be issued. Thank you.

Under The Turning Light: A Night of Post Rock & Alternative - Abrasive Trees + Rothko + Strandings +
2026-03-27 19:00 - 22:00 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £8 / £7 concessionsDoors open 7pm.This gig is for a standing audience.
ABRASIVE TREESDescribed as ‘utterly enticing’ by Louder Than War and ‘a transcendent experience of euphoric dissonance’ by Post-Punk.com, Abrasive Trees take their name from a Buddhist description of a hallucination-like nightmare realm. Led by Matthew Rochford (Silver Moth/Rothko), the band display a willingness to experiment alongside a sound that sits loosely within an experimental post-punk, post-rock aesthetic. Exploring themes of loss, turmoil, and spiritual realisation, they use a combination of distorted and reverb-drenched guitars, intricate melodies and driving drum beats to create a sense of atmosphere and intensity. When they use lyrics they’re often cryptic and evocative, painting vivid pictures of complex emotional landscapes. After several releases lauded by BBC Introducing, Echoes and Dust, Aural Aggravation, and The Big Takeover, the band are preparing to release their much anticipated debut studio album due for release Spring 2026 on Argonauta Records. Abrasive Trees weave fierce threads of sound into something both haunting and transcendent. On stage, they summon a raw, immersive energy—each performance a spellbinding journey into the unknown.“Post-punk psychedelia…Abrasive Trees deal an evocative and mysteriously mystical, poetic, dark energy that is utterly enticing” Louder Than War… “Colossal…explodes into a monumental extended climax that’s absolutely killer and one hundred percent exhilarating” Aural Aggravationhttps://abrasivetrees.bandcamp.com/
ROTHKOMark Beazley, under his Rothko banner, has crafted a distinctive niche in the music world since 1998. Known for an evocative and atmospheric sound built primarily around the bass guitar, Rothko’s music defies easy categorization, weaving dark textures with intricate, chiming bass melodies. Over his expansive career, Beazley’s contributions have spanned various collaborations and solo works, consistently pushing creative boundaries.https://rothko1.bandcamp.com/
STRANDINGSExperimental solo electronics from dead rat orchestra member Robin Alderton.https://strandings.bandcamp.com/
VAAHLColchester Ambient Drone Warlords – debut performance.

Radio City Tap Takeover
2026-03-27 18:00 - 21:00 | 10 North Station Rd, Colchester
Our first Tap Takeover of 2026 is landing at The Vic – and we’re kicking things off in style with the brilliant Radio City Brewery 🍻
For the very first time, Radio City are bringing a line-up featuring 100% cask beers on the pumps, alongside three seriously tasty keg pours. If you love your beer fresh, flavour-packed and straight from the source, this one’s for you.
The Radio City lads will be attending on the night, chatting all things brewing, beer and what makes their Chelmsford operation tick. Expect great pours, great stories, and a proper buzz behind the bar.
Full beer list dropping very soon… keep your eyes peeled 👀
See you at the bar!!

The Lexden Crown presents An Old Skool Pen and Paper Quiz with Big Jim
2026-03-26 19:00 - 22:30 | The Lexden Crown, Bistro Pub – Colchester, The Lexden Crown, Bistro Pub - Colchester
The Lexden Crown presents an Old Skool Pen and Paper QuizIts Time to take it back to the Old Skool, with a Pen and Paper style Quiz.
Big Jims Old Skool Pub Quiz, fun for all, with 5 themed rounds of quiz fun, including both Audio and Picture rounds and the return of the World famous Stealer round, to steal the win on the last question, as well.
£2 per person, max 6 people per team.
So grab a pen, round up your friends or family and welcome back that old skool feeling of quizzing on a Thursday Night with Big Jim
Great food and drinks offers avaiable, and it’s pizza night with there great wood fired pizzas, as well as a great bistro pub with a warm atomsphere and lovely people, and an average quizmaster.
Come and test your teams knowledge against Colchesters finest Quiz Teams, enjoy some food, beer and a great atmosphere,whilst getting Quizzical with one of Colchester;s finest Quiz Hosts
See you there My Quizzy Quiz Loving Preps

Au Pairs *
2026-03-26 19:00 - 22:00 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £26.50Doors open 7pm.This gig is for a standing audience.
AGMP Concerts proudly presents AU PAIRS‘Playing With A Different Sex’ 45th Anniversary + very special guests:GINA BIRCH & THE UNREASONABLES
First concert in over 40 years for legendary Post Punk group AU PAIRS.
Au Pairs formed in late 1978 in Birmingham, UK in the post-punk era. They were a much-loved band who combined fun, dancey music with an innovative and, for that time, a daringly progressive message. In their original form they were 2 women and 2 men, the objective being to show that women and men can work together as equals. Lesley Woods led the band as frontperson, lead singer, songwriter and guitarist. Lesley was once described as “”one of the most striking women in British rock”. Their first album ‘Playing With A Different Sex’ is a post-punk classic and focusses on gender and other politics. A critic from The Guardian praised it for its “viciously well-observed lyrics on contemporary life, love and the role of women “.
The band is re-forming beginning 2026 when they commence a UK tour with Lesley Woods and new members. The 2 women/2 men balance remains . Au Pairs blend political lyrics with a tough funk-dance-rock idiom which is as relevant today as it ever was.
Special guest support is Gina Birch and the Unreasonables. Gina Birch was a founding member of influential post-punk group The Raincoats. Her next project was Rough Trade Records signings Dorothy. Gina’s debut solo LP ‘I Play My Bass Loud’ was released in 2021 and her second release ‘Trouble’ is out now.

Wivenhoe Funny Farm 7.30pm start!
2026-03-26 19:00 - 21:30 | Wivenhoe Bowls Club, Woodland Way, Colchester, CO79, GB
Booking info at bottom of this post.
Thursday 26th March 7.30pm to 9.30pm – back at Wivenhoe Bowls Club – doors 7pm (please use Woodland Way entrance)
Top notch live stand-up comedy from Pam Ford“Pam Ford is a force of nature” The Scotsman“Bold, brash, and absolutely hilarious, Pam Ford is a powerhouse of comedy” Jongleurs Comedy
Support: Joe Jacobs“The Stomzy of Stand-up” Chortle“Always funny” – Beyond the Joke
& Tom Alban
MC Hazel Humphreys​
Please read!ALL BOOKINGS NEED TO BE CONFIRMED VIA HAZEL – email – FUNNYFARMCOMEDY@GMAIL.COM
PLEASE PAY IN ADVANCE unless agreed with us.
We will be asking for donations to help pay acts for reservations. Recommended £8.50 donation per seat booked (£7 concessions) but whatever you can manage.
This is an indoor gig at Wivenhoe Bowls Club starting 7.30pm (doors 7pm), there is limited seating available. Please book tables.
We will be requesting donations for table reservations in order to help us pay our professional acts. This would be preferable via BACs in advance.
This is a cracking comedy line-up with pro comics and the Funny Farm needs the audience’s help in covering the costs.
I’ve been asked by the Bowls Club to ask people to not form large queues at the bar and if possible return empty glasses at the end of the night. Done x

Willow Heart Workshop
2026-03-26 18:30 - 21:30 | Romano Lounge, Romano Lounge
Join us for a beautifully relaxed and creative evening at Romano Lounge, where you’ll learn to weave your very own willow heart with lights. This stunning piece makes a perfect decoration for your home, a thoughtful handmade gift, or even a lovely early Valentine’s project.
No experience is needed, you’ll be guided step-by-step, and all materials are supplied. Just come along, enjoy the atmosphere, and get stuck into a calming, hands-on craft.
Tickets include your choice of refreshments:
£35pp including a hot drink & cake
Held in the warm and welcoming surroundings of Romano Lounge, this workshop is a lovely way to spend a winter evening with friends, family, or simply for a little creative time to yourself.
Spaces are limited early booking recommended.Book here: https://www.thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk/event-details/willow-heart-workshop-2

The Grand Babylon Hotel
2026-03-25 19:30 - 2026-03-29 16:00 | Balkerne Gate, CO1 1PT Colchester, United Kingdom, Balkerne Gate, CO1 1PT Colchester, United Kingdom
Nella Racksole wants steak and beer for her birthday treat, but these are not on the menu of the exclusive Grand Babylon Hotel – so her American Railroad Millionaire father obligingly buys the chef… the kitchen… the entire hotel.
However, The Grand Babylon is not all it seems, and Theodore Racksole soon discovers there’s more than a juicy steak on his plate – with kidnapping and murder for starters!
Have Theodore and Nella bitten off more than they can chew?
The Grand Babylon Hotel is a rollicking comedy thriller, with a virtuoso cast of five bringing you many faces, chases, glamour, intrigue, and a couple of German princes thrown in for good measure.
A riotous evening out!

The Grand Babylon Hotel (Colchester)
2026-03-25 19:30 - 21:50 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
The Grand Babylon Hotel by Arnold Bennett�Adapted for the stage by Deborah McAndrew�Directed by Conrad Nelson
Nella Racksole wants steak and beer for her birthday treat, but these are not on the menu of the exclusive Grand Babylon Hotel – so her American Railroad Millionaire father obligingly buys the chef… the kitchen… the entire hotel.
However, The Grand Babylon is not all it seems, and Theodore Racksole soon discovers there’s more than a juicy steak on his plate – with kidnapping and murder for starters!
Have Theodore and Nella bitten off more than they can chew?
The Grand Babylon Hotel is a rollicking comedy thriller, with a virtuoso cast of five bringing you many faces, chases, glamour, intrigue, and a couple of German princes thrown in for good measure.
A riotous evening out!
Content to ConsiderThis show is a 12+ and contains a gun shot sound effect.
Accessible and Q&A PerformancesThere will be a captioned performance on Sat 28 Mar, 2pm.
https://www.facebook.com/events/26128761030045763/?event_time_id=26128761046712428

Projected Digital Image League Competition - 5th Round
2026-03-24 19:30 - 22:00 | Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom, Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom
Appraisal by Paul Parkinson ARPS CPAGB BPE 3*
Header Image: Elusive Little Bittern – Naomi Foster CPAGB BPE2*

Mini Museum Explorers
2026-03-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Colchester Natural History Museum, Colchester Natural History Museum
Designed for children aged 2 1/2 to 4, along with their parents, grandparents, and carers, these monthly sessions offer an immersive journey of scientific or historical exploration and discovery.
Got a preschooler interested in science and the natural world? Why not book a place on our fabulous Mini Museum Explorers session! This month we’ll be reading the Very Hungry Caterpillar together and exploring the lifecycle of a butterfly on 24th March at 10 AM – 11 AM or 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM. We have so much lined up from story to craft and looking at real butterflies under the microscope!
Mini Museum Explorer sessions are designed for pre-school children and their carers – they are unsuitable for larger nursery groups (although we are happy to organise these for you!)
Spaces cost £3 per child.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1168239925463642/?event_time_id=1168239932130308

Ben Holder Quartet. "Get your feet tapping and your jaw dropping." - Little Live Music Company
2026-03-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Wivenhoe Congregational Church, 101 High Street, CO7 9AB Wivenhoe, United Kingdom, Wivenhoe Congregational Church, 101 High Street, CO7 9AB Wivenhoe, United Kingdom
“Get your feet tapping and your jaw dropping at the speed of his fingers. Top quality musicianship and utter entertainment.” – Little Live Music Company
“Chilled and confident, he also has the capacity to switch seamlessly within the same bar from virtuosic violin to vocals.” – London Jazz Review
Expect an abundance of Hot Club excitement with the arrival of Ben Holder, the extraordinary rising star of Stephane Grappelli-style jazz violin and arguably one of the most talented and captivating jazz musicians you will encounter live.
Dubbed ‘The ginger violin guy’, you can look forward to an energetic blend of traditional jazz, mainstream jazz, and swing, complemented by a selection of Ben’s own infectious originals – all reminiscent of the fun and exuberance of the 20s and 30s.
A musician whose performances have frequently been described as ‘swing on steroids’, Ben’s innate sense of swing, breathtaking technical prowess, and genuine onstage charisma result in impeccable musicianship, and boundless energy, along with a palpable passion for his art.
Prepare to leave an evening spent in Ben’s company filled with infectious joy, pondering the question, “Where does he get his energy from?!”
Ben Holder (Violin/Vocals), Chris Ingham (Piano), Paul Jefferies (Double Bass), George Double (Drums).

Ben Holder Quartet @ The Music Mix. Swing on steroids!
2026-03-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Wivenhoe Congregational Church, 101 High Street, Colchester, CO7 9AB, GB
Expect an abundance of Hot Club excitement from Ben Holder, the extraordinary rising star of Stephane Grappelli-style jazz violin and arguably one of the most talented and captivating jazz musicians you will encounter live.
​Dubbed ‘The ginger violin guy’, you can look forward to an energetic blend of traditional jazz, mainstream jazz, and swing, complemented by a selection of Ben’s own infectious originals – all reminiscent of the fun and exuberance of the 20s and 30s.
​A musician whose performances have frequently been described as ‘swing on steroids’, Ben’s innate sense of swing, breathtaking technical prowess, and genuine onstage charisma result in impeccable musicianship, and boundless energy, along with a palpable passion for his art.
Prepare to leave an evening spent in Ben’s company filled with infectious joy, pondering the question, “Where does he get his energy from?!”
​Ben began his classical music studies at the age of six, enhancing his education with training at the Birmingham Conservatoire.
​His journey into jazz commenced in his early teens when he discovered the music of Benny Goodman, Oscar Peterson, and Stephane Grappelli, and he has never looked back.
​Ben Holder (Violin/Vocals) Chris Ingham (Piano) Paul Jefferies (Double Bass)George Double (Drums)

Stranger Things Quiz (Colchester) SOLD OUT
2026-03-22 18:40 - 21:40 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
Test your knowledge of the amazing show, 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 attend with the number of people you book for.
Please arrive at least twenty minutes before the quiz is due to start to place food and drink orders.

Ostara Celebration Sacred Drum Circle
2026-03-22 16:15 - 18:15 | The Tree Room, Trinity Street, Colchester, United Kingdom, The Tree Room, Trinity Street, Colchester, United Kingdom
Ostara Women’s Drum Circle –Awakening Spring
You are warmly invited to gather in sacred circle as we honour Ostara, the Spring Equinox, a time of balance, renewal and new beginnings. As light and dark meet in perfect harmony, we come together as women to awaken what is stirring within us, to shake off the heaviness of winter and gently call in growth, creativity and possibility.
Through the steady heartbeat of the drum, guided rhythm, intention and shared presence, we will drop out of the thinking mind and into the body, the earth and the wisdom of the seasons. This is a space to connect, release, remember and be held by community, no drumming experience is needed, just an open heart and a willingness to listen within.
We will work with the energy of spring, and nature, planting seeds for the months ahead through rhythm, reflection and simple ritual, allowing ourselves to be supported by the collective pulse of the circle.
Date: Friday 22nd MarchTime: 4.15pm – 6.15pmLocation: The Tree RoomExchange: £15.00Open to: Women of all ages
Drums and natural instruments will be available, though you are welcome to bring your own if you feel called. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring anything that helps you feel cosy and grounded.
Spaces are limited to keep the circle intimate. Booking is essential.If you feel the quiet nudge, trust it. Spring is calling.

Handel's 'Messiah'
2026-03-21 19:30 - 22:30 | St Botolphs Church, Colchester, GB
Join us for a fresh and energetic performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ with some top quality soloists on Saturday 21st March at St Botolph’s Church. https://colchesterchoralsociety.co.uk/

Dolly Parton Tribute
2026-03-21 19:30 - 22:30 | JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, CO4 5UP Colchester, United Kingdom, JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, CO4 5UP Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us for an evening of exceptional entertainment as “Dolly” takes the stage with a vibrant and heartfelt tribute to one of country music’s most legendary figures.
Doors open 7.30pm, with the act on from approx. 8.30pm. Over 16’s only.
Parking is free at the stadium when attending one of our events. Simply enter your car registration number into the tablets in the reception foyer as you enter.
If you wish to leave your vehicle overnight, you may do so and your parking validation will cover you until the following day. Please ensure that your vehicle is collected by 10am.

Emilia Quinn Live at Three Wise Monkeys - Colchester plus guests The Jackson Line
2026-03-21 19:00 - 22:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
Emilia Quinn brings her full band to Essex heading to Three Wise Monkeys with guests The Jackson Line
Emilia Quinn is a dynamic UK-based musician and singer-songwriter known for her raw, soulful voice and genre-bending sound that fuses Americana, Country, Blues, Rock and more. With a background in classical training and a passion for storytelling, Emilia creates emotionally charged music that resonates deeply with her listeners. Her powerful vocals and honest lyricism explore themes of resilience self-discovery, heartache and love earning her recognition in both the British and international music scenes.
Emilia’s career began in grassroots venues, but her unique blend of styles quickly caught attention, leading her to perform at major festivals like Country2Country, The Long Road, Black Deer and share the stage with prominent artists. Her Award nominated debut album ‘Wanderlust & Breaking Rules” (2023) was described as ‘a real mix of southern gospel, 70s Rolling Stones style riffola and heartfelt Blues/Folk/Country emotions’ – EF Country. It was followed by a highly anticipated second studio album in 2025 titled ‘Dented Halos’. Released on 19th September 2025 te album gained Number 1 in the iTunes Blues Chart and 27 in the all genres chart. Spell-binding and beautifully raw, Rock The Joint Magazine describes it as “an album that breathes, breaks, heals, and rises again.”
Known for her captivating live performances, Emilia’s on-stage energy and authenticity have solidified her reputation as a rising star in Americana, Blues and Folk Rock genres.
With Support From The Jackson Line
With two lead vocalists in the shape of Keith Porter and Jamie Cook, harmonies were always going to be front and centre in The Jackson Line, who deliver a modern take on classic Country and Americana. Storytelling, harmonies and guitars are at the heart of what they do.
The band are comfortable with the tag of ‘modern country’, but with each member bringing a wide range of differing influences to the table they create thoughtful, melodic songs, which capture the essence of country while allowing their other influences to permeate.

CODA - Acoustic Showcase
2026-03-21 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:Karen Black (Trio)??Stu 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

Author event: Lisa Jackson Still Running After All These Years
2026-03-21 11:00 - 14:00 | 125 High Street, Colchester, 125 High Street, Colchester
Lisa will talk about her memoir STILL RUNNING AFTER ALL THESE TEARS: A tale of love, loss and laughter, which describes one woman’s determination to survive unbearable grief – and get back into running – one step at a time.
Lisa Jackson is a hypnotherapist, running writer and Runner’s World columnist, and the author of the best-selling books Your Pace or Mine? and Running Made Easy. Lisa is also Women’s Running’s hypnotherapy expert, and her work has been published in The Guardian, The Independent, Psychologies, Red, Prima, Top Santé, Healthy and Cosmopolitan. She is a veteran of over 100 marathons and two 56-mile ultramarathons. Lisa haspresented talks at numerous events including The National Running Show and RunFestRun.
Feeling utterly broken as she navigated bereavements, Lisa turned to an old friend that had helped her through many tough times before: running. But whereas it had previously been a source of solace, fun and companionship, before long a debilitating injury meant she lost her running mojo, too. Aiming to complete her 109th marathon, Lisa set out to rekindle her love affair with running – and to build a new life. Still Running After All These Tears is a survival manual for the broken-hearted, and for anyone struggling with major life challenges. It’s a celebration of the redemptive power of running, and the life-enhancing lessons it can teach us.
Above all, it’s a meditation on how to thrive in the face of trauma, what makes a good death and, most importantly, how to lead a joyous, meaningful life.

Wine & Chocolate Pairing (Colchester)
2026-03-20 19:30 - 22:30 | No 10 Museum St, No 10 Museum St
Join us for a deliciously indulgent evening exploring the surprising harmony between English wine and chocolate. This guided tasting event will feature six delicious English wines, each thoughtfully paired with a complementary chocolate to highlight unexpected flavours, textures and contrasts.
Our events are designed for all types of wine drinker, we don’t do stuffy tastings at The English Wine Tasting Company! Instead, expect plenty of delicious wines, engaging insights, and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.
This tasting event will start at 7.30pm and is expected to last 2 hours, with the option to stay a little longer to socialise and enjoy any remaining wine.
Tickets £49pp.

Title Goes Here UK Tour - Colchester
2026-03-20 19:30 - 22:30 | Headgate Theatre, Headgate Theatre
20th March 2026, 7:30pm at Headgate Theatre. Gazelle Theatre is excited to be taking their brand new show on tour! After a sell out tour of the 5 star show Romiet Gazelle are hitting the road with a brand new improv show. With a new actor joining the touring cast at every show it is sure to remember that won’t ever be repeated. Starring Gazelle Theatre’s own Brad Collett it will be an evening of unforgettable laughter and improvised chaos! One not to miss!!

Comedy Night
2026-03-20 19:00 - 22:00 | Colchester United FC, JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, CO4 5UP, GB
Join us for our first Comedy Night of 2025, hosted by our brilliant regular MC Justin Panks.
Opening the show is award-winning comedian Paul F. Taylor, bringing his signature absurdist style of offbeat one-liners, surreal observations, and high-energy, chaotic storytelling.
In the middle spot, award-winning comedian and actress Wendy delivers sharp, warm comedy drawn from her acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe solo shows, including Things I Didn’t Know, I Didn’t Know and Tiny Me.
Closing the night is John Robertson, a hugely experienced headliner with over 20 years in comedy, known for his high-energy, improvised stand up. Performing every year at the Edinburgh Fringe and having a signature show called ‘The Dark room’.
Doors open at 7pm with Comedy starting at 8pm. Bar food available until 8:45pm.
Book 10 tickets in one transaction and get a free pitcher of beer.
This event is for over 16s only (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult).
Free parking available – enter your car registration at the reception tablets on arrival.

The Reverse Cowboys
2026-03-20 19:00 - 22:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
All guns blazing 3 piece punk outfit hailing from the Norfolk badlands. Serving up deep fried bangers with an electric stage presence on Friday 20th March.
THE LOUD. THE DRUNK. AND THE GOD DAMN COWBOYS.The Reverse Cowboys sit somewhere between punk and hard rock. 2 singles are currently available on all online streaming platforms and more to come very soon. Keep them peepers PEELED.
Support on the night comes from Krodah, Wyvern & Dead Pretty!
Doors open at 7:30 PM, Tickets £10 + booking feePlease note that access to the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys does not have a lift, but there are rest opportunities between each flight of stairs.Viewer discretion is advised: This show may potentially contain flashing and strobing lighting effects.We wanted to inform you of our refund policy regarding event tickets. Please note that we will be unable to process any ticket refunds within 7 days of the event.We understand that circumstances may arise that prevent you from attending the event, but unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate refund requests within this timeframe.

Mercury Reads: Hopelessly in Love
2026-03-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
Join us for Mercury Reads a series of lively rehearsed readings celebrating local voices and fresh new writing. Each event spotlights an exciting playwright from our region, giving audiences the chance to see new stories take shape for the very first time.
In this session, join us in the Upstairs Bar on Thu 19 Mar at 4pm as we look at Mercury Reads: Hopelessly in Love by Giannini Hemmings.
On Tricky’s 50th birthday, his group of friends decide to meet at his record shop, years have passed, friendships have lasted, but old wounds still have not healed.
Thirty years prior, the group was thrust together by a chance meeting at a Jamaican Nine Night, where relationships were formed and love blossomed. Fitzy and Marcia’s relationship is the glue that bonded the group together.
Set against the rise of the Lovers Rock music scene in the late 70s to early 80s, and intertwining with the present day, this story explores identity, love, friendship, betrayal, and one of the most iconic periods in Black British history.

JDS live @ The Greyhound Wivenhoe (St Patricks Day party)
2026-03-17 19:30 - 22:30 | Greyhound, Greyhound
St Patricks Day 2026 @ The Greyhound Wivenhoe

Chesney Hawkes + Laura Aston // Colchester Arts Centre
2026-03-17 19:30 - 22:30 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
Chesney Hawkes became one of the biggest pop stars of his era with his irresistiblemega-hit ‘The One and Only’, becoming one of the most recognisable songs of a generation.Having spent over a decade in LA, Chesney is finally back and bigger than ever, with his long awaited comeback album ‘Living Arrows’ securing BBC Radio 2’s coveted ‘album of the week’, and spawning the hit radio singles ‘Get A Hold Of Yourself’, ‘Live Forever’ and ‘LOUD!’.With regular major television appearances including his iconic BBC Radio 2 ‘Piano Room’ and recent advance to the final of ‘Celebrity Big Brother’, Chesney is very much back in our lives, our ears and our hearts – Guilty pleasure to National Treasure!New album “Living Arrows” Out Now
VIPUpgrade to VIP and enjoy exclusive early access to the venue! Meet Chesney Hawkes in person before the show, and take home a signed limited edition souvenir print and a commemorative tour laminate with lanyard. VIP tickets are strictly limited for each date, book early to avoid missing out. The ticket includes access to the gig.(VIP Customers should arrive at the venue 1hr 15mins before advertised door times)
