Keep Colchester Cool

Colchester Fringe – Pup Play: A Queer Pseudo-Lecture (of sorts)
2026-07-24 20:30 - 23:30, 2026-07-26 19:30 - 22:30 (Europe/London) | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
THE MULTI-AWARD-WINNING, INTENSELY CONTROVERSIAL, AND CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED COMEDY (of sorts) RETURNS TO COLCHESTER FRINGE.
Colchester Fringe invites the world’s leading lecturers to give talks on the issues that matter. That’s why Professor Handler David is excited to give a lecture on the kink of pup play and teach Colchester how to turn their bitchboys into good boys. What begins as a traditional lecture quickly transcends labels through stand-up, homonormative puppets, punk music, gay sex, and multimedia visuals to become a emotionally provocative and boldly introspective reflection on queer identity. “Filled with Puppy Power” (Watermark News), Pup Play “has a heart the size of Clifford the Big Red Dog.” (Broadway World)
Noah Alfred Pantano writes and stars. He has been described by critics as “immeasurably talented” (Broadway World), “sharp, quick, and uncompromising” (GSCENE), and “bold, brazen and stratospherically cheeky, concealing beneath the girth of energy a good heart and a probing mind.” (Lost in Theatreland). Pantano was awarded runner-up for “Activist of the Year” at the National Queer Student Awards. His other work Standing On A Nail was the best-selling play of Colchester Fringe in 2023.
Pup Play has won five awards and tours around the world raising over $1400+ (so far) for LGBTQ+ charities.The show features music by Jake and the Nowhere, Alan Xtra, and Tungsten Lungs.The profits from this performance will be donated to a local Colchester LGBTQ+ charity.Pup Play is sponsored by Mr.Riegillio, MessyPup, BoboBear, Sent With Pride, and Essex Startups.
*Please note there is no lift to access the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys. There are five flights of hand-railed stairs to reach the top floor with rest opportunities between each flight. Also, their licensing does not allow anyone under the age of 18 years of age to be in the venue past 9pm. Please consider this when booking.

Colchester Fringe - The Cult Kid and Me: My Villain Origin Story
2026-07-24 20:30 - 23:30 | 1 St Nicolas Passage , CO1 1jz Colchester, United Kingdom, 1 St Nicolas Passage , CO1 1jz Colchester, United Kingdom
The Cult Kid and Me: My Villain origin story.
Raised in the Petri dish of fundamentalist belief, marinating in guilt and shame and the ever present threat of doomsday our cult poet was once a kid, cut into tiny pieces. Separated entirely from himself and living on a lifeboat. A family caught in the farty fumes of a long dead snake oil salesman living a sheltered life of routines, rituals, rights and indoctrination. Gaslit by cherry picked bible verses and squashed into photocopied versions of themselves. The cult poet started his escape with jokes and nonsense, penned poetry and verse, daisy chains, crumbs, search parties back to himself . This is the cult kid and me, the ultimate villain origin story, the poet beefing with god and society. The poets journey from the confines of cultish mind control to freedom and a reunion with his true self.

Mercury Creatives Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent Meet-up
2026-07-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
Mercury Creatives Deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent Meet-up is a free monthly in-person meeting for any and all creatives who identify as deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent. Welcoming artists at any experience level, it is a space to network, meet and develop your practice.
Occurring between 10am and 1pm, you are welcome to drop in anytime.
We meet in the Upstairs Bar at the Mercury Theatre. If you need assistance finding your way, please ask a member of our Box Office or Front of House staff, and they will guide you.
This event is produced in collaboration with Graeae Theatre Company.
The Mercury’s Graeae Associate, Christian Markham, will always be in attendance to facilitate and/or answer any questions you might have about the Mercury, Graeae, or wider disabled arts initiatives.

Join Us For Storytime & Fun with Picture Book Author Helen Rose
2026-07-25 11:00 - 14:00 | 12-13 High Street, CO1 1DA Colchester, United Kingdom, 12-13 High Street, CO1 1DA Colchester, United Kingdom
We are delighted to have debut picture book author Helen Rose at the store for the start of the Summer holidays. She will be begin with a reading of “The Supersonic Fart” with the help of a puppet of Luna the Dog. Then there will fart spinner fun and an interactive quiz. Helen is promising dog balloon modelling and colouring activities too. She will also be chatting to customers and signing copies of her books. It’s going to be ideal holiday fun for your 3-5 year olds.

Country Day Party: Colchester 🤠
2026-07-25 15:00 - 20:00 | Trilogy Colchester, Trilogy Colchester
Get your cowboys hats ready!
Join us for an unforgettable day filled with the chart-topping tracks of Morgan Wallen, Dolly Parton, and many more, combining the best of the old school and modern country hits. Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or just looking for good vibes, this is the ultimate party. 🤠🌵💃
What to Expect:
🎶 Nonstop Modern Country Hits: Sing along to all your favorite songs by artists like Luke Combs, and Shania Twain.
👢Boot Scootin’ Fun: Hit the dance floor and show off your moves with fellow country music lovers.
🌟 Good Times and Great Tunes: Soak in the feel-good energy with a mix of country charm and party spirit.
Perfect for Stag/Hen/Birthday party’s or if you just fancy a day out with all your mates! 🪩
Expect to hear music from:
Johnny Cash ⭐️ Dolly Parton ⭐️ Luke Combs ⭐️ Morgan Wallen ⭐️ Garth Brooks ⭐️ Willie Nelson ⭐️ Chris Stapleton ⭐️ Hank Williams ⭐️ Patsy Cline ⭐️ John Denver ⭐️ Shania Twain ⭐️ Shaboozey ⭐️ Kenny Rogers ⭐️ Tim McGraw ⭐️ Faith Hill ⭐️ Keith Urban ⭐️ Carrie Underwood ⭐️ Blake Shelton ⭐️ Lainey Wilson ⭐️ Luke Bryan ⭐️ Billy Ray Cyrus⭐️ Megan Moroney ⭐️ Kacey Musgraves ⭐️ Eric Church ⭐️ Zach Bryan

The Take That Experience - Mercury Theatre, Colchester
2026-07-25 19:30 - 22:30 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
As Take That celebrate over 30 years as the UK’s number one boy band, The Take That Experience mark over a decade together as their most popular and recognised tribute act.
With acclaimed vocal performances, stunning replica costumes and iconic dance routines, The Take That Experience recreate the magic of Take That live on stage with their ‘Greatest Hits Tour’.
“THE CLOSEST THING TO TAKE THAT” – NIGEL MARTIN-SMITH
This incredible show features hit after hit from Take That’s career spanning three decades – from classic 90s hits through to their most recent triumphs. Songs include Pray, Relight My Fire, Patience, Shine, These Days, Rule The World and more.
The Show also features the one and only “Robbie Williams”! Bringing alive his classic hits including Angels and Rock Dj.
“ONE WORD. AMAZING!” – RUSSELL WATSON
This show is a must for any Take That fan as the boys don’t just give you a night you’ll Never Forget… they give you The Take That Experience!

Colchester Fringe – Offgridland
2026-07-26 16:30 - 19:30 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
Flight. Mode. The two most wonderful words…but even with his mobile blocking the outside world, can our desperate, overworked hero ever switch off? It’s time to go to his favourite place: Offgridland. Just ignore the knocks on the door. And the constant ringing of his landline – a phone he can’t even find because he hasn’t used it since 2007. And that slightly worrying internal narrative that he’s actually just living in a sitcom. And his fear that his car, which no longer has a handbrake, could come crashing through the walls at any moment. No, it’s fine. It’s all totally fine. Just give the guy a break, yeah? Just for an hour?
A frantic, claustrophobic comedy play that blends theatre and stand-up, told in real time by multi-award winning writer/performer, Paul Richards, Offgridland is the true story of a man trying to switch off from the perils of technology and, you know, other people.
Reviews of Paul’s previous work:
“Like an alternative Ferris Bueller… the escalating web of chaos is skilfully scripted in the vein of a classic film comedy. ****” – The Scotsman“Paul Richards brings energy in abundance and charmingly, wittily, tells his tale, but the tale is a cautionary one : ignore strains upon your mental health at your peril. It is most definitely a Fringe show for our times and is highly recommended.” – FringeReview”Such an amazing performance. A must-experience show.” – BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
*Please note there is no lift to access the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys. There are five flights of hand-railed stairs to reach the top floor with rest opportunities between each flight. Also, their licensing does not allow anyone under the age of 18 years of age to be in the venue past 9pm. Please consider this when booking.

Colchester Fringe - Boudica & Me: A Guide to Carrying Your Fire
2026-07-26 16:30 - 19:30 | 1 St Nicolas Passage , CO1 1jz Colchester, United Kingdom, 1 St Nicolas Passage , CO1 1jz Colchester, United Kingdom
Winner of the Spirit of the Fringe Award (10-minute version, Colchester Fringe 2025)
What happens when a neurodivergent artist with Penobscot (First Nations) heritage walks the 75-mile route Boudica’s army burned to the ground? She survives. Then she makes a show about it.
This autobiographical solo performance follows Rebekah Wallace from her feral childhood in Maine, through domestic violence and undiagnosed ADHD, bipolar and synesthesia, to a new life in Colchester – where she found a 2,000-year-old queen who refused to stay buried.
Having completed the pilgrimage in July 2026, Rebekah brings you the ashes, the embers, and the dark humour of midlife menopause. Expect raw storytelling, one very angry bra removal, and a genuine invitation to find your own fire

Shed
2026-07-26 17:00 - 20:00 | Victoria Inn Colchester, 10 North Station Rd, Colchester, CO1 1RB, GB
The Shed boys are back and this time it’s the full band playing for your Sunday Live Music experience.
As always, this is a free, no ticket needed gig, but cash donations are encouraged!!
Let’s keep live music alive!

Colchester Fringe – Delusions and Grandeur
2026-07-26 18:00 - 21:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
”As irreverent as it is poignant” (Australian Arts Review). Come for the music, stay for the existential crisis as genre-blurring jester and cellist Karen Hall peels back the layers of formality leaving you with only the humanity and insanity of the artist behind the instrument. And yourself. Featuring Suite Number One in G Major by JS Bach and personal comedic pieces crafted in Idiot classes, Karen fuses in a healthy dose of pathos tackling identity, expectations, and success through the eyes of a fool.
Winner – Outstanding Theatre at Edinburgh Fringe 2025 from Fringe ReviewWinner – Best Solo Performance Los Angeles Theatre 2025 from Stage RawWinner – Best in Music Judges Weekly Pick 2025 at Adelaide FringeWinner – Best in Storytelling and Spoken Word Judges Weekly pick at Sydney Fringe 2024Winner – Tour Ready Award from San Diego Fringe 2023
***** – NorthWest End, Manchester***** – On the Record, Adelaide***** – The Recs, Edinburgh**** – Everything Theatre UK, London**** – The Alternative Gig Guide, Melbourne**** – Sydney Arts Guide, Sydney
*Please note there is no lift to access the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys. There are five flights of hand-railed stairs to reach the top floor with rest opportunities between each flight. Also, their licensing does not allow anyone under the age of 18 years of age to be in the venue past 9pm. Please consider this when booking.

Black Umfolosi
2026-07-26 19:00 - 22:00 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £18 / £17 concessions.Doors open 7pm, starts 7.30pm.This gig is for a seated audience.
The world famous acappella and dance group make a long awaited return to the UK!
Black Umfolosi performances are inspired by the traditional song and dance of their native southern Africa, with a beauty and enthusiasm that is unrivalled. The ir performances are energy driven and completely engaging, mixing a great gentleness of spirit and song with an exuberance in dance. Their trademark harmonies mixed with intricate rhythms, clicking and clapping are highlighted during their brilliantly cho reographed shows with a full range of movements from subtle to vibrant stomping and leaping! Their famous Gumboot Dances showcase the traditional styles and rituals of the South 2025 Biog.doc African mining regions and are a particular crowd pleaser.
The group forme d in 1982 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, naming themselves after the Umfolozi Omnyama River – an area to which their ancestors can be traced to. Arguably Zimbabwe’s greatest ambassadors, the group have toured the UK many times building up a lasting relationship wit h venues and their fans. They have a natural ability to communicate passion and feeling in their spectacular performances that thrill audiences worldwide.
www.blackumfolosizimbabwe.com

Make Your Own Colourful Mini Beaded Bouquet
2026-07-29 11:00 - 14:00 | Romano Lounge, Romano Lounge
Create your own tiny beaded flower bouquet using colourful flower beads, seed beads and leafy details. Make as many as you can in one hour!
Join me for a fun and colourful mini beaded bouquet workshop.In this relaxed one-hour session, you’ll learn how to create your own tiny forever flowers using flower beads, seed beads, wire and leafy details.
You’ll be able to choose from a beautiful range of colours and styles, then make as many little flower stems as you can during the workshop. I’ll show you different techniques, including simple flower stems, lavender-style stems and longer branch-style flowers.
At the end, you’ll arrange your flowers into your own mini bouquet to take home.
This is a lovely creative activity to enjoy with friends, family, or as a little treat for yourself.
All beads, wire and materialsUse of tools during the workshopStep-by-step guidanceYour finished mini beaded bouquet to take homeBeginner-friendly instruction
Includes a one-hour mini beaded bouquet workshop. Make as many tiny flower stems as you can during the session. All materials included.
No experience neededSmall, relaxed workshopAll materials are provided
All materials provided | Light refreshments included | Beginner friendly

Clyde: Bad Hair? Don't Care! - Paint Evening in Colchester - Wednesday 29th July
2026-07-29 19:00 - 22:30 | Colchester, UK, Colchester, UK
Who can resist this gorgeous orangutan?Paint your very own to take home with you – no experience required

Curry Night
2026-07-30 17:00 - 20:00 | 5-6 St Nicholas St, CO1 1LB Colchester, United Kingdom, 5-6 St Nicholas St, CO1 1LB Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us on the last Thursday of every month at Other Monkey Brewing – The Taproom for a night of incredible flavours and craft beer. July is all about the chicken katsu curry – a popular Japanese dish featuring crispy breaded chicken cutlet served on fluffy rice and covered in a rich, smooth curry sauce. Mild in spice but packed with flavour, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and crunch.
Served with edamame, Asian-style cabbage slaw, and tempura broccoli, adding freshness and texture to this much-loved classic.
Pair your meal with a pint of our signature Other Monkey Brewing beer, freshly brewed right here on-site. All of this comes together for just £12.50 per person!
Whether you’re a curry connoisseur or just love great food and beer, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Event Details:Date: Last Thursday of Every MonthTime: 5pm – 9pmLocation: Other Monkey Brewing – The TaproomPrice: £12.50 per person
Book by selecting the date of the curry night and choosing curry booking. Vegan options are available.

THE DICE SOCIAL
2026-07-30 18:00 - 22:00 | Dice & A Slice, 37 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PQ, GB
Our Monthly Dice Social is on the last Thursday of every month!
Come and meet new people to play with or come with your regular gaming friends! Try some new board games or play some old favourites!
£2 entry
Food & Drink Menu Available & a Licenced Bar!

Colchester Mercury
2026-07-30 19:30 - 22:00 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
This stunning 100% live show combines first class music with slick choreography and an amazing band who deliver a truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever have!You’ll be ‘Dancing on The Ceiling’, with the UK’s No 1 MOTOWN production, guaranteed to have you dancing ‘All Night Long’

Scarred For Life - Folk Horror Special
2026-07-30 19:30 - 22:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £16.50.Doos open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.This show is for a seated audience.
A fun and informative performance – lecture with Bob Fischer and Stephen Brotherstone.
When it comes to vintage creepiness, “Folk Horror” has become a thrilling genre in its own right. From terrifying films like The Wicker Man and Witchfinder General to the weird folklore of The Owl Service and even the gentle thrills of Worzel Gummidge, the popular culture of the late 20th century is riddled with dark magic and eerie stone circles. And, indeed, a feeling that something ancient and distinctly unpleasant lies just beneath the soil.
Since 2017, Stephen Brotherstone has been expertly chronicling the terrifying popular culture of the 1970s and ‘80s as co-writer of the acclaimed Scarred For Life books. Fortean Times columnist Bob Fischer, meanwhile, is the creator of The Haunted Generation, a multi-media exploration of the weirder side of the 1970s childhood.
In this fun but informative show, Stephen and Bob will be unearthing the twisted, buried artefacts of Folk Horror. Penda’s Fen, Robin Redbreast and the BBC’s classic Ghost Stories For Christmas are all in their sights, together with more recent additions like Midsommer and Enys Men. And, of course, the recently-unearthed “lost” Folk Horror classic, Sex Witches of the Fens.
Afterwards there’ll be a Q&A, so feel free to chip in with your own thoughts on the genre. And, indeed, to let us know if you’re concerned about the strange whistle you’ve just uncovered on the beach…
REVIEWS FOR THE SCARRED FOR LIFE BOOKS:
“A charming look back at a time when pop culture was used to scare the living daylights out of every child and adult across the land” – Louder Than War “It might just stop the nightmares” – We Are Cult “Such an engaging and fascinating read” – Horrified Magazine “Their enthusiastic expertise for the subject is enlightening and infectious” – Fortean Times
https://bsky.app/profile/scarredforlife.bsky.socialhttps://x.com/ScarredForLife2https://www.facebook.com/scarredforlifebook https://www.instagram.com/scarredforlifebook/

Castle Park After Dark presents The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
2026-07-30 20:00 - 22:30 | Castle Park, Colchester, Castle Park, Colchester
The game is afoot!Castle Park After Dark returns for another night of theatrical thrills.This time it’s the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes and the man who told the world of his startling adventures, Doctor Watson, who will be entertaining audiences long after Castle Park is locked up to everyone else.
https://www.facebook.com/events/835399939501573/?event_time_id=835399949501572

S.I.N SUMMER HEAT AT POPINA
2026-07-31 16:00 - 23:00 | Pöpinä – Lion Walk Courtyard – Colchester, Pöpinä - Lion Walk Courtyard - Colchester
S.I.N AT POPINA FRIDAY 31ST JULY 2026 4pm-11pm
DJs RICHARD LAWTERRY GREUFVDTHE GREEKIAN LAVENHAM
Lion Walk Courtyard, Lion Walk Shopping Centre, Colchester, Essex. CO1 1LX.
House/tech/classics
This is a FREE day/evening event with fantastic Greek food, Popina has a authentic Mediterranean backdrop & cocktail bar…for table bookings dm :lionwalkcourtyard.com 🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷

Crips With Chips
2026-07-31 18:30 - 21:00 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
Join us for an eclectic scratch night of short plays and extracts, platforming disabled and neurodivergent writers and their new work!
Along with your free ticket, there will be chips served as you settle into your seats.
Brought together by a collaboration between Mercury Theatre and Graeae Theatre Company, nine new pieces have been created under the mentorship of the award-winning writer, Nicola Werenowska, and jointly directed with Jenny Sealey, Artistic Director of Graeae, along with a second director to be announced soon.
Be prepared to expect the unexpected!
Line-upA New Start by Catherine TurnerCosts of Living by Sophie WeaverHead in the Sand by Clare Shaw BurgessKim by Mary-Ann AmbroseKlara by Kate CavillMusic by Daniel Stephen-TurnerThe M Word by Penny BenedettiThe PDA Play by Nix NugentR-18 by Christian MarkhamWhite-Spider by Benjamin Wilkinson

Chai Lates
2026-07-31 19:30 - 22:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £5Doors open 7.30pm, start 8pmThis show is for a seated audience
Chai LatesA masala blend like no other; Chai Lates is a series of 4 unforgettable cabaret-style evenings, packed with performances which will leave you craving another cup. Line-ups TBC – watch this space!
Chai MixersChai Mixers is a strong, spicy brew of performance, creative and conversational events. In partnership with Indian dancer and multi-disciplinary artist Jaymini Bedia, and supported by Essex County Council’s Art and Cultural Fund, this project will deliver a series of informative talks, creative workshops and cabaret-style evenings which challenge exclusion, break down cultural stereotypes, nurture skills and bring joy. Importantly, Chai Mixers has cultural unity and respect at its heart.
Why Chai? The national drink of both England and India is Chai (tea). It is also a symbol of identity and cultural unity across all walks of life. Drinking chai is synonymous with comforting people, building relationships and opening conversations. This project is a joyful journey to facilitate dialogues of challenging topics, share skills across generations and support community cohesion.

Beginners Crochet Workshop
2026-08-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Ardleigh Studios, Ardleigh Studios
Join us for a creative and relaxed Beginners Crochet Workshop, where you’ll learn the basics of crochet in a friendly and supportive setting.
This workshop is perfect for complete beginners as well as those who may have tried crochet before and would like a refresher. You’ll be guided step-by-step through a range of crochet stitches and techniques, helping you build confidence with the hook and yarn while creating something you can continue working on at home.
All materials are provided, so you can simply come along and enjoy learning a new skill without needing to bring anything with you.
Your ticket also includes hot beverages and sweet treats, making it a lovely way to spend a creative morning.
Whether you’re coming with friends, family, or simply treating yourself to a mindful crafting session, this workshop is a great introduction to the world of crochet.
£25.00 per person Studio 5, Ardleigh Studios, The Maltings, Station Road, Ardleigh, Colchester CO7 7RT
Suitable for ages 12+
Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your place.Book your tickets here: https://www.thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk/event-details/beginners-crochet-workshop

Rapture Gaming Festival -Colchester
2026-08-01 10:00 - 2026-08-02 17:00 | Charter Hall, Charter Hall
RAPTURE is the ultimate all-access gaming festival. Your ticket unlocks everything—once you’re through the doors, the core content is 100% INCLUDED. No tokens, no extra fees, just unlimited play and entertainment.
🕹️ THE GAMING ZONE 🕹️
🎮 GAMING HALL: Modern consoles, PCs, and Indie Showcases.🏎️ SIMS & VR: Pro Racing Simulators and immersive VR Zones.🚌 GAMING BUSES: Fully loaded mobile gaming rigs.📺 RETROLAND: A huge exhibition of classic gaming history.🏆 PRIZE TOURNAMENTS: Open competitions with gear up for grabs.
💥 ACTION & ENTERTAINMENT 💥
🤖 ROBOT ARENA: Mechanical mayhem and high-stakes bot battles.🤼 LIVE SHOWS: High-energy Wrestling and Military Shows.🔫 TACTICAL: Unlimited rounds in the Gelblaster Arena.🎲 LIFE-SIZE DND: Step inside a massive, playable version of the game.🎤 LIVE STAGES: Non-stop entertainment and stage programming.
🎨 EXPERIENCE & SHOPPING 🎨
📸 COSPLAY VILLAGE: Dedicated photo zones and meetups for fans.🛍️ MERCH MARKET: Browse a selection of gaming gear, art, and loot.🔞 18+ AFTERPARTY: The celebration continues after hours.
📍 QUICK INFO 📍
🎟️ TICKETS: Required for entry (Covers all core activities).🔗 LINK: https://rapture.mhtickets.com/events/155766
📍 WHERE: Charter Hall, Colchester, Essex, England📅 WHEN: 1st – 2nd of August 2026
ONE TICKET. TOTAL ACCESS. READY TO PLAY?

Roman Colchester Walking Tour
2026-08-01 12:00 - 15:00 | Hollytrees Museum, High Street , CO1 2 Colchester, United Kingdom, Hollytrees Museum, High Street , CO1 2 Colchester, United Kingdom
Follow in the footsteps of the Emperor Claudius and Queen Boudica to uncover Colchester’s fascinating Roman history! The tour will include a visit inside the Roman theatre and will end at the Roman Circus Centre.
Price – £9.50pp FREE for under 16s
Book via any of the following:Call the Visitor Information Centre on 01206 282920 Email vic@colchester.gov.ukOnline at https://www.visitcolchester.com/event/guided-tour%3a-roman-colchester/250340101/

Construct a Handbag
2026-08-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Ardleigh Studios, Ardleigh Studios
Join us for a creative and hands-on handbag making workshop, where you’ll design and construct your very own bag to take home.
This session is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to try something new in a relaxed and friendly setting. You’ll be guided step-by-step through the process, learning how to construct your handbag from start to finish, with plenty of support along the way.
There’s a choice of colours available, including olive green, dark brown, black, tan, and burgundy, so you can create something that suits your personal style.
All materials are provided, so you can simply turn up, get creative, and enjoy the experience.
£35 per person, including hot drinks and sweet treats.
A great way to spend an afternoon, whether you come on your own or with friends — and you’ll leave with a handbag you’ve made yourself.
Saturday 1st August 1pmStudio 5, Ardleigh Studios, The Maltings, Station Road, Ardleigh, Colchester CO7 7RT£35.00pp
Book your tickets here: https://www.thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk/event-details/construct-a-handbagSpaces are limited, so booking in advance is recommended.

Mick Fest 2026
2026-08-01 14:00 - 17:00 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £15Doors 2.00pm, starts 2.30pm.This event is for a standing audience, although there will be some chairs available.
And the acts this year are:
Vaahlhallans 02:45 – 3:30Aithur 03:50 – 4:20Jøtnarr 04:40 – 5:10Spermaceti Organ 05:30 – 6:00Lee Ashcroft 06:20 – 6:50Masal 07:10 – 7:40Bada Duüm 08:00 – 8:30Earth Mother F*cker 08:50 9:20Putan Club 09:40 – 10:20
Yep, it’s the return of Mick Fest, what more could you ask? Grab your tickets now! (You know it makes sense.)
A slight change for this year – a later start, an earlier finish, and no hour-long break late afternoon.
The Vaahlhallans thing isn’t a misprint, it’s an amalgamation of the main band and a side project.

The Jungle Book at Castle Park Theatre
2026-08-01 16:00 - 19:00 | Lower Castle Park Colchester, Colchester, CO1 1, GB
Join Chameleon’s Web Theatre Company for their Summer outdoor show – Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book adapted by Neil Duffield.
Mowgli the wolf cub boy and his friends Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther transport us to the jungle in a story that has remained a favourite for generations.
Can Mowgli discover the secret of Man’s red flower? Can he fight off the terrifying tiger, Shere Khan? Will he be able to overcome the many dangers of the jungle and live there happily, or will he leave his wild friends and join the humans in the village?
Faithful to Kipling’s original beloved story, this beautifully staged adaptation has proved to be a hit with theatre both in the UK and abroad and is presented as an outdoor performance.
Saturday 1 August 2026 – Castle Park Theatre, Colchester @ 4:00pm (gates open 3:00pm)BOOK TICKETS: www.castleparktheatre.co.uk
Tickets Prices: Adults £18; Concessions £14; Family (2 adults, 2 children) £60

NakedBreakZ
2026-08-01 20:00 - 23:00 | 1 St Nicolas Passage , CO1 1jz Colchester, United Kingdom, 1 St Nicolas Passage , CO1 1jz Colchester, United Kingdom
More info to come!

The Rec Community Market - Last of Summer
2026-08-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Colchester old heath Recreation Ground, Colchester old heath Recreation Ground
The Rec Community Market returns on Sunday 2nd August 2026!
Make the most of the summer holidays with a visit to the Rec Community Market, returning to The Recreation Ground for another relaxed, community-focused Sunday.
Enjoy a great mix of independent local traders, including street food, fresh produce, handmade crafts, gifts, art and locally made items. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch, meeting friends, or enjoying a day out with the family, the market offers something for everyone.
The market is free to attend, welcoming to all ages, and a great way to support local businesses while soaking up the summer atmosphere.
📅 Date: Sunday 2nd August 2026📍 Location: The Recreation Ground🎟 Entry: Free👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly | Dog-friendly | Supporting local
We look forward to welcoming you back for another great day at the Rec.
