Keep Colchester Cool

Ceilidh - Many Trees Folk and Dance Club
2026-06-26 19:30 - 23:00 (Europe/London) | The Red Lion, Manningtree, The Red Lion, Manningtree
A new Friday night social event upstairs at The Red Lion, with live music, dancing and cocktails.
Inspired by the energy and atmosphere of a vintage swing club, these guided ceilidh nights combine live music, social dancing and a welcoming atmosphere for complete beginners and experienced dancers alike.
A live caller and band guide two dance sessions throughout the evening:
7:30pm — Introduction Session
A relaxed beginner-friendly session with more teaching.
9:15pm — Social Dance Session
A livelier guided session for returning dancers and confident beginners.
Each session lasts 75 minutes and costs £12 per person.
Come for the music, dancing and atmosphere — stay for the Friday night out.
Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

FRIDAY NIGHT FUNK (For Saturday Night Groovers) #3
2026-06-26 20:00 - 23:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
Edition #3 to the `FRIDAY NIGHT FUNK` series….
Once Again, We are so extremely Pleased & Lucky to be Graced by the Presence ofSpecial Guest! – PERRY LOUIS (All About Da Boogie/Bag of Soul/Funky Nation & Mi-Soul Radio)
….Known especially for his Mega successful Jazz sessions at `Shiftless Shuffle` LDN but switching Mode for this particular series to a `SUPER HEAVY FUNK/DEEP BOOGIE` Tip!…
Venue: Three Wise Monkeys – TOP FLOOR (Colchester – CO1 1DN)Date: Friday 26th JUNETime: 8pm > 1am
Special Support: DEAN HURD (SOULISM/Soul Legacy/ICR Radio) – Main Man Ipswich Representation….
Support:– CARWYN JONES (FUNKINFUSION/FATBACK/Grown Soul 45s/Secret Island Festival)– ABI BILESANMI (BUSTIN` OUT/Link In The Chain/BIG PENNY SOCIAL)– Dave Malone (Friday Night Funk/Jazz Social/Feel the Real – Colne Community Radio 106.6fm)
Tickets:Limited Early Bird – £62nd Release – £8Advanced – £10More on the Door – £12

Elvis Tribute Night
2026-06-26 20:30 - 23:30 | JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, CO4 5UP Colchester, United Kingdom, JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, CO4 5UP Colchester, United Kingdom
Mark Summers is returning to Colchester United for his amazing Elvis Legacy act. Always a fan favourite, all the biggest Elvis hits all night long.
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. Please note this applies to any vehicle onsite for longer than 10 minutes.
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.

Peg Loom Weaving Workshop
2026-06-27 09:30 - 12:30 | 26 St Johns Street, CO2 7HB Colchester, United Kingdom, 26 St Johns Street, CO2 7HB Colchester, United Kingdom
Level Best: Peg Loom Weaving Workshop
An introduction to weaving on a wooden peg loom.
Tickets: £50 available in house or via: https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/level-best-peg-loom-weaving-workshop
A relaxed, hands-on session where you’ll create a simple woven mat or wall hanging to take home, using accessible tools, with clear step‑by‑step guidance from our art team.
All tools and materials are included in your ticket price, along with live demonstration from Level Best Trainee Artist Saffron, who will be showcasing her skills all morning.
Complimentary tea and coffee will available throughout the morning, and there will be light snacks on sale on our cafe counter.
At the end of the morning, if you have enjoyed weaving – our Peg Looms will be available to purchase for £25 each, for new weavers to continue making and creating at home.
Whether you’re new to weaving or rediscovering it, you’re welcome to join us!
Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-GB/ticketing/level-best-peg-loom-weaving-workshop

Colchester Morris Centenary Celebration
2026-06-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Colchester Town Centre, Colchester Town Centre
Join us as we dance in various locations around Colchester Town Centre as guests of Colchester Morris for their 100th anniversary!

Centenary Celebration Day of Dance
2026-06-27 10:00 - 17:30 | Colchester, UK, Colchester, UK
A Celebration of ONE HUNDRED years of morris dancing in Colchester Performances ALL DAY around the City Centre culminating in a PROCESSION & MASSED SHOW ofover 150 DANCERS & MUSICIANS in COLCHESTER CASTLE PARKSee two different tours of dancers at the following locations:Mercury Theatre – 10 & 11 amCulver Square – 10 & 11 amSt. Nicholas Square – 12 & 1.45pmFirstsite – 12 & 2.45 pmCastle – 1.45 & 2-45 pmProcession from Hollytrees House – 3-50 pmMassed Show at Castle Park Bandstand – 4 pm

Colchester Food and Drink Festival 2026
2026-06-27 11:00 - 2026-06-28 18:00 | Lower Castle Park, Colchester, Lower Castle Park, Colchester
COLCHESTER FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL 2026
Lower Castle Park, Colchester
Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th June
11.00am – 6.00pm
Tickets
Adults: £10
Under 16s: Free
Free parking at Kings Meadow (off Catchpool Road)
What’s On
Artisan food and drink from across the globe, including vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Live music and all-day entertainment.
Fun rides and activities for children.
VIP area with exclusive perks and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Eat, drink, dance, discover and enjoy a flavour-packed, family-friendly weekend.
Something for everyone – from foodies to families.

House Get Together
2026-06-27 19:00 - 22:00 | 1 St Nicolas Passage , CO1 1jz Colchester, United Kingdom, 1 St Nicolas Passage , CO1 1jz Colchester, United Kingdom
House Get Together is back with the line up TBC!

Colchester Town Hall Ghost Hunt Colchester with Haunting Nights
2026-06-27 21:00 - 2026-06-28 03:00 | Colchester Town Hall
Ghost Hunt dating back to 1100s Colchester Moot Hall now Colchester Town Hall has been the centre of justice for over 800 years
Ghost Hunts are an extremely rare occurrence at this iconic building in the heart of the oldest town in England and Haunting Nights have now been granted access to areas not open to the public
Colchester Town Hall has echo’s of Nottingham’s Galleries Of Justice with underground tunnels, cells, courtroom and jury room
This sprawling location has so many areas to investigate, many layers of history and numerous unexplained happenings to experience as the 5 star Rated EXCELLENT on Trustpilot Haunting Nights team take you on an extremely rare ghost hunt at this foreboding building
Colchester Town Hall, is shrouded in tales of the supernatural. Visitors and staff have reported eerie occurrences giving an air of mystery to the building.
The most commonly mentioned experiences is that of the feeling of being watched. Unexplained temperature fluctuations in particular rooms, in the grand staircase area, where shadows being seen is a regular occurrence along with whispers and laughter.
The clock tower also has its very own ghost. It is said that a former town clerk haunts the halls, working on even after death. His presence is also felt near the mayor’s office
Other chilling tales involve the old council chambers, where ghostly apparitions have been sighted. Witnesses describe a figures dressed in Victorian attire, showing themselves briefly before vanishing into thin air.
The atmosphere in this chamber can feel heavy, during your ghost hunt here you may find out why!
Colchester Moot Hall, Town Hall Ghost Hunt do echoes of the past still linger?
Ghost Hunts 18+
Complimentary Tea, Coffee, Squash, Crisps and Biscuits
Due to the darkness of this ghost hunt a torch is required
Haunting Nights have held many ghost hunts over the years at some of Colchester’s most historic buildings including The Red Lion Hotel and Colchester Castle. During our time in Essex we have heard so much about the hauntings of Colchester Town Hall we just had to spend the night there….. and now at last we can!

43X - The Bull, Colchester
2026-06-27 21:00 - 2026-06-28 00:00 | The Bull Colchester, The Bull Colchester
Looking forward to rockin’ this venue. Hope to see you there

Shiny Shoes Workshop
2026-06-28 14:00 - 17:00 | The Dragonfly Lounge, The Dragonfly Lounge
Turn something old into something incredible at our Shiny Shoes Workshop, held at The Dragonfly Lounge.
Bring along your old leather or faux leather shoes, boots or even a bag, and transform them into a bold, shiny statement piece. Whether you want a subtle refresh or a full pop of colour, you’ll have a wide range of colours and finishes to choose from, with step-by-step guidance throughout the session.
This workshop is designed to be relaxed, fun and completely beginner-friendly. You’ll learn how to prepare, customise and finish your item, with plenty of support to help you achieve a professional-looking result.
All materials are provided, and you’ll also receive a take-home repair kit, so you can maintain or refresh your design again in the future.
Your ticket also includes a cocktail, mocktail or soft drink, making it the perfect creative and social afternoon to enjoy with friends or on your own.
Sunday 28th June – 2pm
£39.50 per person – Suitable for ages 12+
Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your place.Book here: https://www.thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk/event-details/shiny-shoes-workshop

Jarvis Chills in the afternoon
2026-06-28 15:00 - 19:00 | Ye Olde Albion Pub, High Street, Rowhedge, Colchester, CO5 7ES, GB
Always a fun, chilled out session – Jarvis Sounds are back to soundtrack your sunny afternoon.

Dave Rowntree: No One You Know: Early Blur Photos Book Tour
2026-06-28 19:00 - 22:00 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
RESCHEDULEDThis show has been rescheduled to Sunday, 28th June 2026.
Due to logistical and scheduling issues, Dave Rowntree is unable to attend the Colchester event this weekend. The performance has been rescheduled to Sunday, June 28 at 19:00 (Doors 18:30).
All tickets will automatically be transferred to the new date. If you are unable to attend, please contact the Colchester Arts Centre Box Office to arrange a refund.
RESCHEDULED DATE INFO:
A discussion around Dave Rowntree’s book ‘No One You Know ‘takes place at Colchester Arts Centre on Sunday, 28th June.
Dave Rowntree – politician, lawyer and drummer for Blur – will be in conversation with Keep Colchester Cool’s Ben Howard about his new photographic book, No One You Know, which documents Blur’s formative years.
Dave Rowntree is best known as the drummer for the band Blur. He is also a political activist for the Labour Party, a solicitor, an animator and writes music for film and TV.
Born to musical parents in Colchester, he studied percussion at Landermere Music School on weekends. Dave played in various bands with childhood friend Graham Coxon, before hooking up with Damon Albarn and later Alex James, forming the band Seymour, which later became Blur.
Until recently, Dave was a DJ on XFM, where he debuted tracks by artists such as Rat Boy, Pretty Vicious, The Big Moon and Aurora. He is also the cofounder of The Featured Artists Coalition and Star Boot Sale, a charitable project in which musicians and other artists donate their possessions to raise money for refugees.
All Tickets £15.Doors open 6.30pm, starts at 7pm.This event is for a seated audience.

Mini Museum Explorers
2026-06-30 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.
Oh I do like to be beside the seaside! Join us on 30th June at 10 AM – 11 AM or 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM for this month’s Mini Museum Explorers session where we are going to be learning all about life beside and beneath the seas. From looking at collection items, to story, craft and sensory play; it’s all happening in the Natural History Museum! KS1 homeschoolers very welcome in the 11:15 session.
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/2147009409386097/?event_time_id=2147009412719430

Ady Johnson: Under Gainsborough Skies Album Launch – 15 Years of Tell the Worry Dolls
2026-06-30 19:30 - 22:30 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
Ady Johnson returns to Colchester Arts Centre for a special rescheduled show celebrating the release of his new album, Under Gainsborough Skies, and marking the 15th anniversary of Tell the Worry Dolls.
The evening will showcase Under Gainsborough Skies in full—an album of intimate, analogue recordings inspired by his life on the Essex–Suffolk border.
Ady also reunites with his band to revisit Tell the Worry Dolls, the critically acclaimed record first launched at the venue in 2010 and hailed by Press Association as an early contender for album of the year.
Both albums will be performed in full, bridging past and present in a unique, one-night-only performance.
A 15th anniversary remastered vinyl edition of Tell the Worry Dolls, along with vinyl and CD copies of Under Gainsborough Skies, will be available on the night.
Local legend DJ Ben Howard opens the evening with a suitably curated set.
This show is for a standing audience.
“He’s damn good live!” – Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6 Music“One of the UK’s most inventive songwriters.” – Stephen Foster, BBC Radio Suffolk“Kitchen-sink romanticism worthy of Ray Davies.” – Americana UK
Photography – Robert Watts

Carlos Quilici's guide to the technicalities of musicality for tango dancers
2026-07-01 19:30 - 21:30 | Colchester, Essex, Colchester, Essex
Carlos Quilici is bringing you his technical guidelines from a professional musician’s perspective to help tango dancers express their musicality. Expert musician, bandoneonist, singer, and composer Carlos Quilici will give you a technical understanding of the structure and nature of tango music which is essential for dancers to be able to satisfyingly interpret and successfully dance to tango music.
Wednesday 1st July 2026, 19:30-21:30, £20Colchester City Centre – text Miriam Gita on 07706 746750 for venue details and to book your place.

First Thursdays: Relaxed Opening
2026-07-02 15:00 - 17:00 | Colchester Castle, Colchester Castle
As part of the First Thursdays Festival, join us at Colchester Castle for a special session designed for visitors with autism or other sensory sensitivities.We turn off sounds and visual displays to reduce sensory stimulation, so you can enjoy the museum in a more calm and relaxed atmosphere.
In the Chapel, we have a quiet area with sensory toys and items, clearly marked as a peaceful space. Visitors can use this area however they feel comfortable, and it’s a supportive, judgment-free environment.
You can also get free ear defenders, visual guides, and twiddlemuffs at the museum’s reception.
Suitable for ages 4+.
For helpful information, such as how to find us and what facilities Colchester Castle has, we recommend reading our Access information. For more information about the First Thursdays Festival, visit the Creative Colchester Website.
This event is included as part of Castle admission. Admission tickets can be purchased online or on the day.

Colchester’s New Music
2026-07-02 17:00 - 21:00 | Pöpinä – Lion Walk Courtyard – Colchester, Pöpinä - Lion Walk Courtyard - Colchester
Black Cactus Studio presents an evening of live local music at Pöpinä as part of the First Thursdays programme.
The event features sets from emerging Colchester bands Butterfly Handshake, Syncopate and The Enquiries, as well as performances from the Black Cactus Choir. Expect a mix of original material and familiar favourites from some of the city’s up-and-coming musicians.
The event takes place on Thursday, 2 July, from 5pm and is free to attend, although advance booking is recommended.

OMB Film Quiz 23
2026-07-02 19:00 - 22:00 | Other Monkey Brewing – The Taproom, 5-6 St Nicholas St, Colchester, CO1 1LB, GB
Test your knowledge of films and help raise money for an incredible cause!
– Book via https://booking.stampede.ai/v2/e4824ca0-abe5-411d-94cb-190dab8c7a63/BU8DGDMRZY7D/events– £3 a head (cash only, all proceeds to charity)– Maximum 6 to a team – Food available throughout
Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes before the quiz is due to start to place food and drink orders.

Friday Night Defrazzle
2026-07-03 18:00 - 19:30 | The Tree Room, The Tree Room
Have you ever made it to Friday night, and just feel like you’re running on fumes.
Perhaps you’ve spent the week working, caring, organising, picking up the pieces and only just remembering or holding everything together.
Our new Friday Night Defrazzle is your invitation to put some of that down.
Through trance meditation, creative expression and thoughtful reflection, we’ll create space to slow down, reconnect with yourself and ease into the weekend.
Join us on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month at The Tree Rooms in Colchester.
Come as you are.
Leave a little less frazzled….
STARTS NEXT WEEK 3rd July
Sara Heard Blue-Conker #blue_conker

Ancient Roman Breads: A Talk and Tasting with Giovanni Di Sarno
2026-07-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Colchester Roman Circus Visitor Centre, Colchester Roman Circus Visitor Centre
Take a virtual journey back in time with ‘The Travelling Baker’ to discover the ingredients and stories behind 3 incredible historic breads.

Myopia at Coda
2026-07-03 19:30 - 22:30 | Coda Colchester, Coda Colchester
Myopia’s single release gig @Coda, Colchester. Fresh from their headline UK tour Myopia return to their home town for a night of Alternative Rock music. Supported by Good Health, Charcoal and Tom Harbour it promises to be a special night!!
Free Entry – Music from 8pm

DJ NIGHT with MI CASA ES TU CASA
2026-07-03 19:30 - 22:30 | 235 lexden road, Colchester, 235 lexden road, Colchester
Don’t miss this epic night of house dance music by the talented Paul Hutchinson and Darryl wright. Tickets available on Eventbrite £10 ( fees apply ) get ready to party 🪩

Having a Bub-bull! Stand-up comedy at The Bull
2026-07-03 19:30 - 23:00 | The Bull Colchester, The Bull Colchester
Incredibly excited to announce our new night at The Bull Colchester! 🐂
Come down on the 3rd July for some late-night comedy, a secret circuit-pro and some incredible supporting acts!
Lineup will be announced in the next couple weeks 🥳
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1991771233376?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Laughter Zone Comedy Club
2026-07-03 20:00 - 23:00 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
Tickets £15.50/ £13.50 concessions.Doors open 8pm, show starts 8.30pm.This show is for a seated audience.
Come on in for a riotous night of laughter where the bar will be open throughout.
We get all the big names of comedy on their way up – Eddie Izzard, Billy Bailey, Jimmy Carr and Michael McIntyre have all appeared at our club when they were in the early stages of their careers.
So catch the acts causing a stir on today’s circuit, and you might even be witnessing comedy greatness of tomorrow!
The acts performing are announced on the night.

PSYCHOSOCIAL – Emo vs Nu-Metal Club Night
2026-07-03 20:30 - 23:30 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
It’s Emo vs Nu-Metal! A night dedicated to heavy riffs, massive tunes and the tracks that defined an era. From sing-along choruses to mosh-ready breakdowns, we’re playing the songs that still hit just as hard. Come ready to shout, dance and mosh the night away.
Friday 3rd July£5 advance (+ booking fee)Doors 8:30pmOver 18s only
This gig takes place on the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
Access – There is no lift to access the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys. There are flights of hand railed stairs to reach the top floor with rest opportunities between each flight

Mi Casa Es Tu Casa at The Lexden Crown
2026-07-03 20:30 - 23:30 | Lexden Crown, Lexden Crown
Mi Casa Es Tu Casa makes its debut at The Lexden Crown for a night of Disco and Soulful House Music with DJs Paul Hutchinson and Darryl Wright. Tickets on sale now.

Folk and Bespoke Colchester
2026-07-04 10:00 - 15:00 | Firstsite Colchester, Firstsite Colchester
Major craft fair event 10am-3pm!!!

Blues and Rock in the Garden, Colchester, 2026
2026-07-04 14:00 - 23:30 | Maitlands, Distillery Lane, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8EZ, Maitlands, Distillery Lane, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8EZ
Colchester Blues and Rock in the Garden!
On Saturday 4th July2026!
It’s our 27th (we think) year and we’re back and ready for a party!
“Beautiful setting”
“The atmosphere is incredible”
“We loved it!”
Entry limited to 500. We expect to sell out so please buy your tickets quick! Please also share and invite friends to the event!
Where else can you buy an 8 pint watering can of beer, a plastic kettle of cider, eat delicious food and listen to an eclectic mix of some of the finest music acts around (whilst also helping a good cause)?
10 great bandsDelicious BBQ and vegetarian/vegan food & cake and dessertsFully Licensed Bar (including beer by the watering can!)
It’s the most diverse line up yet. Including Blues, Rock, Soul, Pop, Jazz, Flamenco, Balkan Gypsy, Ska, Dub, Sea Shanties and Musicians from Malawi!
The line up will start with music at 14.00 until 23.30 pm.
10—11.30pm Funktion Junction (Pop, Rock, Soul)9.00-10.00pm The Gulls (Rock, Funk and Psychedelia)8.00-9.00pm Band of Fools (Gypsy Balkan)7.00-8.00pm Fox and Wiggle from Fox, Wiggle and Sass (1940s and Modern Vintage Singers)6.00-7.00pm Tahir Burhan (Flamenco Guitar)5.00-6.00 Annemarie Quinn & John Fire (Upbeat Sounds from Malawi!)4.10-5.00 Armoured Man (Sea Shanties)3.20-4.10 Brewkelele (Ukelele Sing Along)3.00-3.20 Stagecoach Forte (Stage School Choir)2.00-3.00 Weird Creatures (Americano Trio)
(Times above are approximate and subject to change).
All money raised is for charity. Building Malawi (http://www.buildingmalawi.com/) and Centurion Rotary.
We are very proud to announce that Lingadzi Leadership Academy Secondary School opened in January 2022. See the video of the school construction here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KjJQlvKCNg
This means that 200 pupils per year can now access high quality secondary school education. This would not have been possible without the Blues and Rock in the Garden event. The years of support you have given to this event have really paid off. Thank you!!!
Gates open: 2.00pm – 11.30pm this year. We are only doing Saturday this year, but starting earlier to have more family activities.
The first couple of hours will have a focus on Music & Art with live musicians, an art exhibition and sale, art workshops and, of course, refreshments!Great for all the family to get involved.
” great for the family!”
” a fun afternoon filled with creativity. We loved it!”
Tickets: £20 single (over 16). Students £10 (must present student ID). Kids £1 (over 5, under 16 must be accompanied by an adult).
Venue: Maitlands, Distillery Lane, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8EZ
No picnics please. No dogs except assistance dogs.
1) Please purchase your tickets via this page (It’s easy and all forms of payment are accepted)
2) Your wristbands will be available for collection at the gate.

Lesley Watson Presents...
2026-07-04 14:00 - 17:00 | 10 North Station Rd, Colchester
Lesley is a true legend of the Colchester Music scene!! She promotes, puts on and attends more music events than anyone we know!!
So we decided to put on a day of music in her honour!! Lesley will selecting some of her favourite acts to perform.
Ben Howard will be DJing at various points of the day and we’ll be raising money for a great charity.
Full details and line up will be announced in the next few was months.
