Keep Colchester Cool

Forever Clapton
2025-11-21 20:00 - 23:00 (Europe/London) | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
This is your chance to get a SNEEK PEEK of this brand new production for 2026, starting its theatre tour in 2026 an outstanding tribute to one of the most iconic Blues and Rock guitarists of all time!
Forever Clapton is a fully LIVE 6 piece showband that along with audio-visual displays tells the story of the incredible guitarist Eric Clapton.Taking you through Clapton’s career from 1965 to present day, from the Blues Breakers, to Cream, Derek and the Dominos, and of course those unplugged performances.
This faultless show is performed by Benny “guitar” Smith, who along with his hand picked band perform all the greats such as – I shot the Sheriff,Lay down Sally, Cocaine, Crossroads, Holy mother, Layla and so many more iconic songs in this near 2 hour show.
This is a seated show.

Motel Sundown / Craig Gould & the Nobel Thieves @ Colne Delta Blues & Americana Club, Brightlingsea
2025-11-21 20:00 - 23:00 | Colne Delta Blues and Americana, Colne Delta Blues and Americana
We fancied a road trip 🚗 we’ll see you in November, Brightlingsea!
We’ll be heading out as a four piece with some new tunes in the bag & we can’t wait to see you there.
Tickets:https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/94903

Frock Swap
2025-11-22 09:45 - 12:45 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Bring along your unwanted clean clothes, shoes and accessories (womens’, mens’ and childrens’) that you have no further use for and enjoy swapping them for items that you will use. De-clutter your wardrobe and swap it for a new look!
Drop off your items from 9.45am – 10.15amSwappers and non swappers can arrive 10.45am – 12 noon.Swapping begins at 10.45amFree admission.Any donations to the Dora Love Prize welcome.

Langham Christmas Handmade Fair - Colchester
2025-11-22 10:00 - 15:30 | Langham Community Centre
🎄 Save the Date🎄
Our Christmas event returns on Saturday 22nd November, so be sure to mark the date in your planner!
Expect everything from home décor, jewellery and beauty products to textiles and one-of-a-kind Christmas presents.
For more updates and news, follow our main page @langhamhandmadefair or visit www.langhamhandmadefair.co.uk
It’s the perfect chance to find something special for everyone on your festive shopping list!

The Firstsite Art Fair
2025-11-22 10:00 - 16:00 | Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH Colchester, United Kingdom
The Firstsite Art Fair is a vibrant celebration of creativity, bringing together a diverse range of artists, collectors, art lovers and all who are simply curious about art.
Set in a welcoming environment, our fair showcases a stunning array of original artworks, including paintings and sculptures.
You will have the opportunity to meet talented emerging and established artists, explore their unique creations, and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces to add to your collections.
With interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and thought-provoking artworks, the event offers something for everyone.
Join us for an inspiring and dynamic experience where art, culture, and community come together.
For more info: https://firstsite.uk/event/the-firstsite-art-fair/or call us on 01206 713 700.

Christmas Fayre, Live Music & Entertainment!🎄
2025-11-22 10:00 - 19:30 | 7A Culver Square, CO1 1JQ Colchester, United Kingdom, 7A Culver Square, CO1 1JQ Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us at Culver Square on 22nd November, 10am – 7:30pm for a festive day out before the town Christmas light switch on.
Enjoy dance performances from local schools, live entertainment, and browse 12 local stalls selling gifts, treats, drinks, and more:
Sweet Delights Milson Rose Gifts & Events Bobbin Along SandSJewellery Essex Sparkle HolsBakes Once Upon A High Tide Flossie’s Coastal Craft Bars 4 Events Ltd Country Cottage Preserves PS Bride Babes Little Dainty Closet
Plus, meet some magical reindeer from 2pm – 6pm where you can purchase reindeer food, with all donations going directly to Colchester Foodbank!
👉 Find out more and plan your visit: www.culversquare.co.uk/christmas-fayre-at-culver-square/

CODA - Acoustic Showcase
2025-11-22 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:Erin’s Grove??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

A Peaceful Noise
2025-11-22 15:00 - 18:00 | Colchester
Multiple venues. One wristband. One very special day of rock & roll!
For one very special day, Colchester city centre will come alive with an incredible line-up across multiple independent venues — all accessible with just one wristband. Expect raw energy, packed rooms and an atmosphere like no other, as artists unite to play more, and play louder, in support of the Nick Alexander Music Trust.
With a STACKED line-up including Colchester’s own conquering punk heroes Pet Needs, grunge powerhouse Bridget, headline by alt-rock powerhouse Nova Twins plus a blistering mix of established names, underground favourites and fast-rising newcomers spanning punk, indie, hip-hop, alt-rock and beyond PLUS headliner and special guests still to be revealed this landmark takeover will be unmissable.
Join us. Play More. Play Louder.
On the bill: Ben Brown • Bridget • Dave J Giles • Deux Furieuses • False Heads • Fraser Morgan • Freya Beer • Hobo Chang • Hoof! • Lawrence Langmead’s Normality • Lost Movies • Non Canon • Oi MATE! • Oxygen Thief • Shed • Silver Light Reaction • The Judas Project • The Lamplight Club • The Wicked Ravens • Wilswood Buoys • X-Kaminski • artists from CLIP • + many more.
This special edition of the A Peaceful Noise gig series — which has previously hosted intimate, breathtaking performances from the likes of Joshua Homme, Frank Turner, Tom Grennan and Gaz Coombes — marks the 10th anniversary of the Bataclan terror attack, where Nick Alexander tragically lost his life aged just 35.
Proceeds from the event will go directly to the Nick Alexander Music Trust, providing instruments and equipment to disadvantaged community groups across the UK, ensuring music continues to inspire and empower future generations. A percentage will also be donated to the Mayor’s Charities
Tickets strictly limited.
Important Event Information
Age Restriction: All venues are strictly 18+.
Wristband Exchange: Your ticket must be exchanged for an official event wristband on the day. Please check https://ticket-holder-email-v2.tiiny.site for wristband exchange points and updates.
Venue Entry: Access to all participating venues is on a first come, first served basis. Once a venue reaches capacity, entry will be on a one in, one out basis. If there is a particular band you wish to see, we recommend arriving early as entry cannot be guaranteed once capacity is reached.
Schedules: Venue splits and full timings will be released closer to the event date.
Ticket Collection: If collecting tickets, the cardholder must be present for all tickets.
Line-up: The line-up may be subject to change. In the event of changes, no refunds will be issued.
Accessibility: For accessibility enquiries, please contact zoe@thenickalexandermusictrust.com.

Fundraising Christmas Wreath Workshop for St Helena Hospice
2025-11-22 19:00 - 21:00 | St Teresa’s Catholic Church, St Teresa's Catholic Church
Christmas wreath making workshop, all profits will go to St. Helena Hospice, Colchester who looked after my Mum, Anne Rowley.
Saturday 22nd November 7pm
At the workshop you will make and decorate a fresh Christmas wreath, a hot beverage and mince pie includes.
All materials will be provided. Soft drinks and snacks can be purchased. Feel free to bring alcohol. And there will be a raffle!
£42.50pp
Email info@thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk to book via PayPal or bank transfer (no fees) or the website (fees apply)
https://www.thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk/event-details/christmas-wreath-making-workshop-3

Essex Spirits Co Tasting Evening
2025-11-22 19:00 - 22:00 | 10 North Station Rd, Colchester
Back by popular demand!!!
An evening of sampling some of Essexs finest spirits.
£20 a ticket and includes several drinks and food from the Church Street Deli.
See staff for details and tickets, limited to 30 places so get booked in to avoid disappointment.

A Little English Concert
2025-11-22 19:30 - 22:00 | St Botolphs Church, Colchester, GB
Join us for an evocative evening of quintessentially English music, featuring beloved works by Holst, Vaughan Williams, Walton, and Elgar. From the pastoral charm of Fantasia on Greensleeves and the English Folk Song Suite to the stately elegance of Warlock’s Capriol Suite, this programme celebrates the rich musical heritage of England.
Whether it’s the lyrical beauty of folk melodies or the stirring energy of ceremonial marches, this concert offers an uplifting and evocative journey through some of England’s finest orchestral writing.
This concert promises something for everyone – bold, beautiful, and unmistakably English.
Programme
Warlock: Capriol Suite (orchestral version)Vaughan Williams: English Folk Song SuiteVauhan Williams: Fantasia on GreensleevesHolst: 2 Songs Without Words, Marching Song, Country SongHolst: Suite in E♭Walton: Crown ImperialElgar: Chanson de NuitElgar: Chanson de Matin
Tickets on sale until 12:00pm on Saturday, 22 November 2025. Tickets available on the door from 7:00pm (subject to availability).

Harmonies and High Notes
2025-11-22 19:30 - 22:30 | Ardleigh, near Colchester, Ardleigh, near Colchester
📣📣📣📣 Chorus Iceni next event will be …Saturday 22nd November in Ardleigh!! Tickets available Now!! Do come along for a special evening of women’s beautiful voices including guest singer Alice Pescott Frost!!💜💜💜💜

Christmas Workshop - Seeing Stars!
2025-11-23 09:30 - 11:30 | 74 High Street, CO1 1UE Colchester, United Kingdom, 74 High Street, CO1 1UE Colchester, United Kingdom
Time to get creative with our Christmas Craft expert, Jen Rowley. Make some stunning paper stars that add a different layer to the rest of the decorations. A perfect pre-Christmas activity with a friend and mince pie!

Paper Stars Workshop - The Minories
2025-11-23 09:30 - 12:30 | The Minories, Colchester, The Minories, Colchester
Time to get creative with our Christmas Craft expert, Jen Rowley.
Make some stunning paper stars that add a different layer to the rest of the decorations.
A perfect pre-Christmas activity with a friend and mince pie!
All materials provides, suitable for beginners.
Book Via the link below – https://www.theminories.org/event/christmas-workshop-seeing-stars

A morning with Robin Ince
2025-11-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
A morning of poetry with Robin Ince (TICKET ONLY or BOOK & TICKET options
Email us@redlionbooks.co.uk for information or go to www.redlionbooks.co.uk/events
Sunday, 23rd November 2025, 11am at the wheelchair accessible venue Colchester Arts Centre.
Raising awareness and funds for Colchester Samaritans
Two ticketing options£20 ticket includes signed copy of the poetry collection book, ICE CREAM FOR A BROKEN TOOTH,and can be booked here,or£10 (entry ticket only).Tickets are virtual and don’t need to be collected.Once booked your name will be on the door
(The book will be available on the day for £12)
Poems about life, death and the odd bits in between An instinctual poetry collection pursuing the psychological essence of personal and societal wellbeing, explored through experiential neurodivergence and humanism.
Robin Ince’s Ice Cream for a Broken Tooth is a morning of Robin performing poetry from his first poetry collection and much more – stories of apes, astronauts and Judi Dench – Robin is best known for co-hosting the internationally successful The Infinite Monkey Cage with Brian Cox and his books including Bibliomaniac and Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal.

Embroidered Decoration Making Workshop - The Minories
2025-11-23 12:30 - 15:30 | The Minories, Colchester, The Minories, Colchester
Make a festive decoration with embroidery with our Festive Craft expert, Jen Rowley.
All materials included – just come along for a relaxing two hours and get crafting.
Suitable for beginners.
Book Via the link below – https://www.theminories.org/event/christmas-workshop-decoration-embroidery

Christmas Workshop - Decoration Embroidery
2025-11-23 13:30 - 15:30 | 74 High Street, CO1 1UE Colchester, United Kingdom, 74 High Street, CO1 1UE Colchester, United Kingdom
Make a festive decoration with embroidery with our Festive Craft expert, Jen Rowley. All materials included – just come along for a relaxing two hours and get crafting.

The Tango Zone’s Autumn Tea Dance @Marks Tey Parish Hall
2025-11-23 14:00 - 17:30 | Marks Tey Parish Hall, Old London Rd, Marks Tey, CO6 1EJ, GB
🍂The Tango Zone team is delighted to invite you to an AUTUMN TEA DANCE on SUNDAY 23rd NOVEMBER at Marks Tey Parish Hall, just outside Colchester. 🍂🍁Dance to TRADITIONAL tango music from our DJ Paul. Music will be in tandas of three with cortinas. There may be one or two surprise tandas! 🥳 Everyone welcome whatever your level of dancing! 🤗No need to book or bring a partner. Milonga from 2.00-5.30pm.£9 entry including nibbles. CASH ONLY PLEASE. Come along and help us celebrate the cosiness of Autumn and a continuing fantastic year of tango!🍂🍁🕺🏻💃🏻🎶
Venue: Marks Tey Parish Hall, Old London Road, Marks Tey, CO6 1EJ
Large free car park at the venue.
Attendance is at the risk and responsibility of the individual.

Art of the Roadz DJ Workshop
2025-11-23 16:00 - 18:00 | 74 High Street, CO1 1UE Colchester, United Kingdom, 74 High Street, CO1 1UE Colchester, United Kingdom
Learn to DJ with industry professionals in this FREE workshop funded by Essex County Council via the Arts and Cultural Fund, Colchester City Council, the Tudwick Foundation and Grassroots Charity.Exclusively for young people aged between 14 & 25.Please email artoftheroadz@gmail.com to book a space.

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
2025-11-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Romano Lounge, Romano Lounge
Come and make a gorgeous Christmas wreath at the Romano Lounge!
£42.50 including a soft drink and cake
All materials included and no experience necessary.
Email info@thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk via PayPal or bank transfer (no fees) or eventbrite (fees apply)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1473714603049?aff=oddtdtcreator

XGENERATIONX feat. Steve Norman (Spandau Ballet)
2025-11-23 19:00 - 22:00 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
Celebrated original Generation X drummer Mark Laff returns with XGENERATIONX for a UK tour in November 2025.
Generation X were an English punk rock band, formed in London in 1976. They were the musical starting point of the career of their frontman Billy Idol and issued six singles that made the UK singles chart and two albums that reached the UK Albums Chart. The band’s UK hit singles include Your Generation, Ready Steady Go, King Rocker and Valley of the Dolls.

The Medlars at Colchester Arts Centre
2025-11-24 19:30 - 22:30 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
We will be at Colchester Folk Club/Colchester Arts Centre on Monday 24th November. Thanks to Elaine and Staff for asking us back! Hope to see you there.
Photo by Harry Scott

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
2025-11-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Romano Lounge, Romano Lounge
Come and make a gorgeous Christmas wreath at the Romano Lounge!
£42.50 including a soft drink and cake
All materials included and no experience necessary.
Email info@thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk via PayPal or bank transfer (no fees) or eventbrite (fees apply)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1473726047279?aff=oddtdtcreator

Africa’s Dust Under My Feet - Talk by Naomi Saul ARPS ASINWP EFIAP DPAGB APAGB BPE4*
2025-11-25 19:30 - 22:00 | Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom, Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom
Naomi invites us to join her on a stunning photographic journey through two of her favourite African destinations: the iconic Maasai Mara and the captivating landscapes of Southern Tanzania. Through her lens, she captures breathtaking images of wildlife thriving in their natural habitats – majestic creatures roaming freely across vast plains and vibrant birds soaring throughopen skies.
(Visitors £5.00)

Writing Workshop: Plot and structure
2025-11-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Lakeside Theatre, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, GB
Join us for a Writing Workshop Series led by the talented Alice K Stephens, designed to guide you through every step of developing your own fringe theatre show.
Across five sessions in the Lakeside Theatre Studio, Alice will guide you through how to create your own fringe theatre show. From the first idea to the finished product, you’ll explore key aspects of developing a show with practical steps and support.
Free to attend for University of Essex members, though spaces are limited so do book your space each week!
Week 3 – Plot and structure:This week focuses on how to structure your piece with a three-act structure of a beginning, middle, and end. We’ll explore the purpose of each of these stages of the story, using Todorov’s narrative theory as the backbone of this explainer.

Refusal
2025-11-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Lakeside Theatre, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, GB
Join us in the Lakeside Theatre Main House for the Homegrown production, Refusal, by Elena Botts. Elena is an artist and researcher at the University of Essex.
Across sound, glitch, refuse, moving image, sculpture, performance, and animation, this one-night show offers fragmentation as refusal of normative narrative regimes of spectacle.
This is a participatory gathering: the showcase of an eclectic group of artists is deliberate, in resonance with the exploratory theme, and after the set of performances, informal discussion is welcomed. Though each artist utilizes media differently, with different stories to tell, each also offers an openness towards the unknown vital to this conversation.
Tickets £5.50
Featured artists:Elena Botts, Ellen King, Pat Nininger, Hadiyan Yusuf Kuntoro, aly,willamina cutler-gear, Rachel Garfield, Yun Lu, Lu : Lucille : hebe Brownrigg

Wargame Wednesday!
2025-11-26 18:00 - 22:00 | Dice & A Slice, 37 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PQ, GB
Join us for an evening of Wargaming! Be it Warhammer 40k, Age of Sigmar, Necromunda, Battletech, Kill Team, Warcry or ANY wargame you like!
Bring your armies, some terrain if you have it and get involved!
£5 to play!

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop with Dinner
2025-11-26 18:30 - 20:30 | The Lexden Crown, Bistro Pub – Colchester, The Lexden Crown, Bistro Pub - Colchester
Come and make a fresh Christmas wreath at The Lexden Crown followed by a choice of the following delicious dinner:
Chicken and Mushroom Pie & MashScampi and FriesThai Vegetable Curry & Rice
£52.50pp
All materials provided and no experience required.
Email info@thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.ukto book via PayPal or bank transfer (no fees) or via eventbrite or our website (fees apply)
https://www.thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk/event-details/wreath-making-workshop-with-dinner

Wonderful Wednesdays - Covered in Jam: That’s Not My Name
2025-11-26 20:00 - 23:00 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Pay what you can affordDoors open 7:30 pm, Show starts 8 pmThis show is for a seated audience
THIS is NOT a show about mental health. THIS is a DISORDER.
We’re just joking…We’re HALF joking…We’re BORDERLINE joking.
Have we rehearsed it? No comment.Have we written it? It depends.Is there a script? Ugh.But it is a comedy, right? A comedy about severe mental illness?!Who would do such a thing?! You. You psychopath. Fair enough.So it’s a PLAY? No it’s not a f*cking play. F*ck off with all the questions, I’m bored.
“Clinically Diagnosed Sociopath” – The Stage
Cast & Crew:
Written and performed by: Sammy TrotmanDirected by: Marceline RixSound & Lighting by: Scott WardProduced by: ASYLUM Arts & Covered in JamSupported by: Harlow Playhouse
Reviews:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Masterpiece of Mess” Broadway Baby★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Unlike anything you’ve seen before” Lost In Theatreland★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Spectacular and Borderline” A Youngish Perspective★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “She Is Sharp” NorthWest End★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “Simply Exceptional” Theatre & Tonic★ ★ “Confrontational” Fringe Biscuit

UnderDog Crew Annual Showcase
2025-11-27 17:30 - 20:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
FILMTickets £10.Doors open 5.30pm, starts 6pm.This show is for a seated audience.
Join us at Colchester Arts Centre for the Underdog Crew Annual Showcase! Supporting Autism and ADHD through breaking down creative barriers and celebrating the brilliance within neuro diversity.
Get ready for a night of pure inspiration as our members and special guests poke a thumb in the eye of stigma and showcase another year of neurodiverse creative brilliance weaved around the UK Premiere of the latest episodes of the studio’s multi award winning teen drama series, ‘The Slip’.
Featuring:
UK Premiere screening of ‘The Slip’ episodes 3 and 4. Premiere screening of Colchester City ‘Teen Voices’ poetry rants. Special guest neurodiverse motivational speakers, followed by ‘I AM Foxy’ mini-doc. “SENtrepreneur’ panel discussion: ‘breaking stigma and getting ahead in life’. Live vocal perfomances by: Nicola ‘NIX’ Nugent. ‘Deeply Dolly’. The amazing Nicola Kelleher performing as Dolly Parton. ‘Marie Cole Hart’ . The Soulful songird. .. and special performance from Underdog Crew members Biba Watts and Assunta Jones.
This event is to raise funds for ‘The Underdog Crew CIC’ as part of their selection as Colchester Mayor’s charity for 2025.
KEY EVENT FEATURE: a ‘Vegas Tombola’, with some amazing prizes and experiences donated by local sponsors, including guest acting roles in ‘The Slip’ episode 5 and VIP on-set experiences.
Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind event that celebrates the underdogs who shine brightest despite many adverseries and limitations. Grab your tickets now and come support NEURODIVERSITY in our city!
