CPS 8 X 8 Trophy Competition
2025-10-21 19:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom, Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom
Eight clubs compete with an entry of eight prints, each by a different photographer.
Appraisal by Julie Hutson ARPS DPAGB
Header Image: Siblings – Roy Essery (Best Print in the 2024/2025 competition)

TheatreFest 2025
2025-10-21 19:30 - 2025-10-22 19:30 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
TheatreFest brings together students, teachers, and theatre professionals from across Essex for schools and our Mercury Young Company in the Community to devise a themed 10-minute theatre piece to be showcased on the Mercury stage. This year the groups are devising pieces inspired by our Associate Company Frantic Assembly who is celebrating its 30th Anniversary.
Participation in the festival fosters respect, excitement, artistic development, teamwork, problem solving and a true sense of community.

SPACE: Peer-to-Peer (in person)
2025-10-22 12:00 - 14:00 | 37 queen street, CO1 2PQ Colchester, United Kingdom, 37 queen street, CO1 2PQ Colchester, United Kingdom
The SPACE Peer-to-Peer sessions are a space for sharing work in progress, peer support and feedback and networking.
The sessions are open to all creatives and are free to attend.

THE FARGO RAILROAD CO. 22nd October, Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester
2025-10-22 19:30 - 22:30 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
-HEAD LINE TOUR-
This October we shall be striking out under our own steam. Tickets are out now click our link. We hope to see all of you on the road this Autumn.
support from the glorious Emilia Quinn (solo acoustic)
Love,Jody, Smack, Andy, APD & Eli

Autumn Beer Tap Takeover
2025-10-23 17:00 - 2025-10-26 22:00 | Other Monkey Brewing – The Taproom, 5-6 St Nicholas St, Colchester, CO1 1LB, GB
Join us for a celebration of the season’s finest brews at our Autumn Beer Tap Takeover! Taking place from Thursday 23rd October to Sunday 26th October immerse yourself in the world of craft beer as we showcase an exquisite assortment of both seasonal draught and cask beers, each carefully selected to embrace the essence of autumn.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking to explore new tastes, our tap takeover has something to offer everybody.
Mark your calendars for a weekend of fun and beer at The Taproom. Thursday 23rd October – Sunday 26th October. FREE ENTRY

Music Bingo
2025-10-23 18:30 - 23:00 | JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, CO4 5UP Colchester, United Kingdom, JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, CO4 5UP Colchester, United Kingdom
Get ready to sing, dance, and shout ‘Bingo!’ as we turn your favorite hits into a night of non-stop fun! Music Bingo is your ticket to prizes, laughter, and unforgettable good times. Mark off the songs as you hear them to win amazing prizes.
Doors open at 6.30pm, with our bar food menu available to purchase. The 5 games of bingo will start from 8pm. Additional games are available to purchase on the night for £2.50 each. Over 16’s only. Event will finish by 11pm.
Our magic mirror will also be available to take photos throughout the evening!
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.

An Evening of Ghost Stories by M. R. James at Layer Marney Tower
2025-10-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Layer Marney Tower
An Evening of Ghost Stories by M.R. James A one-man performance by Toby Burchell.
“Yet, in all this quiet, there was an acute, an acrid consciousness of a restrained hostility very near to us, like a dog on a leash that might be let go at any moment.”
Join Behind the Door Productions for ‘An Evening of ‘Ghost Stories by M. R. James’ at Layer Marney Tower.
Act 1: ‘The Mezzotint’ follows Mr Williams, the curator of a university art museum, who receives a mezzotint from an art dealer. What Mr Williams comes to discover is that the picture appears to move every time he looks at it. But the story the mezzotint is showing is something far more sinister than Mr Williams first thought…
Act 2: In ‘A Warning to the curious’ we follow Paxton, an archaeologist who inadvertently comes upon one of the three holy crowns of East Anglia. What he uncovers leads to something far more sinister…’
This is a candlelit performance taking place at Layer Marney Tower and will begin at 7pm.
In this one-man performance, Toby Burchell performs two chilling tales by the finest writer of the ghost story genre, M. R. James. Originally narrated by James himself as an entertainment for friends, these are the perfect traditional ghost stories.

Life Drawing - Thursday, 23rd October 2025
2025-10-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Straight Road Community Centre, Straight Road Community Centre
We are a local life drawing group in Colchester. We meet up for untutored drawings with professional models from all backgrounds.
All abilities are welcome. Just drop in, draw and pay £10 cash for the session.
Drawing boards, easels, papers, charcoal and pencils are provided for free or bring your materials.
Accessible venue.
Location: Straight Road Community Centre329 Straight Road, Colchester, CO3 9EF

WREX @ TWM COLCHESTER 23/10/25
2025-10-23 19:00 - 22:00 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
Impious Spirit Productions is proud to present – WREX!
Brighton-born duo WREX make electro-charged alternative rock to turbocharge heartbeats, snap necks and fill both dancefloors and mosh pits. Shades of punk, nu-metal, pop and trance collide and coalesce but never clash; a wild explosion of riffs and synths that pulls from influences as diverse as While She Sleeps, Faithless and Linkin Park.
This is the WREX blueprint: a fierce, all-enveloping wall of sound with little time for music’s outdated boundaries or conventions; creativity, joy and emotion unbound.
“WREX is about letting go – It’s a release from everything that’s going on in the world around you, a purge of everything you’re thinking and feeling.”
Supports TBC!
19:00 Doors
£12otd / £8adv
18+ only

House of Hell Live!
2025-10-23 19:00 - 22:00 | Dice & A Slice, 37 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PQ, GB
Thom Barrett & Rob Saunders from the Men With Two Brains podcast will be playing another classic Fighting Fantasy Gamebook!
This time it’ll be a Halloween special! They will be playing House of Hell! Will Thom survive the horrors of the evil house!? Come and find out!
Doors 7pm for 7:30pm start
£6 entry, get your ticket to guarantee a seat at the link below…
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/house-of-hell-live-tickets-1680012987069?aff=oddtdtcreator

National Theatre Live: Mrs. Warren’s Profession
2025-10-23 19:00 - 22:00 | Lakeside Theatre, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, GB
Five-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton (The Crown) joins forces with her real-life daughter Bessie Carter (Bridgerton) for the very first time, playing mother and daughter in Bernard Shaw’s incendiary moral classic.
Vivie Warren is a woman ahead of her time. Her mother, however, is a product of that old patriarchal order. Exploiting it has earned Mrs. Warren a fortune – but at what cost?
Filmed live from the West End, this new production reunites Staunton with director Dominic Cooke (Follies, Good), exploring the clash between morality and independence, traditions and progress.

Halloween Quiz Night - Hole in the Wall
2025-10-24 19:00 - 22:00 | Hole In The Wall Colchester, Balkerne Hill, CO3 3Aa
🎃 SAVE THE DATE! 🎃
Our next Quiz Night is set – and you won’t want to miss it!
📍 Hole in the Wall, Colchester, CO3 3AA🗓 Friday, 24th October🕖 Arrive from 7:00pm | Quiz starts at 7:30pm
Get ready for a spooktacular evening filled with laughs, themed trivia, and plenty of chances to win!
🏆 Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place🎁 Hamper raffle👻 Themed fun all night long
£5 per team (up to 6 people per team)
Booking is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome!
Parking is at St Mary’s car park across the road from the pub.
Tell your friends, bring your furry friends, spread the word, and join us for a fang-tastic night! 🧛‍♂️🕸️

Murder on the Dancefloor: Murder Mystery Dining Experience
2025-10-24 19:00 - 2025-10-25 00:00 | Colchester United FC, JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, CO4 5UP, GB
It was to be the party of the year but when the star performer is found dead, it seems someone has been killing more than the groove!
Beneath the disorientating spinning of the disco ball will you be able to get the party back on track and catch the killer? You’ll just have to pray the suspects don’t get away or prove your theories wrong. Just come along and hear me when I say… It’s murder on the dance floor!
Join us for an evening of murder mystery, packed with plot-twists, suspicious suspects and plenty of red herrings along the way, alongside a delicious 3 course meal. You are the detectives, and its your task to crack the case before it’s too late!
Doors open at 7pm, with the meal being served from 7.30pm when the murder mystery will commence. The murder mystery will finish at 10pm, when our dancefloor will open until midnight. Over 16’s only.
Tickets can be booked on www.coluboxoffice.com.
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.

Evening Music Session 🎶🎹🎤🎸🎶
2025-10-24 20:00 - 23:00 | Kings Head Brightlingsea Essex, Kings Head Brightlingsea Essex
‘Blurred Vision’Three Piece Covers Band
Playing a great selection of classic hits from Coldplay to David Bowie and a whole lot more besides!
A musical evening not to be missed….

Paul James at Junction 25 LDC
2025-10-24 20:00 - 22:30 | Marks Tey Parish Hall, Old London Rd, Marks Tey, CO6 1EJ, GB
Join us for a night of line dancing.£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

Newborn Photography Workshop - The Fundamentals
2025-10-25 10:00 - 13:00 | 2 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, CO2 8LA Colchester, United Kingdom, 2 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, CO2 8LA Colchester, United Kingdom
Everything you need for a successful newborn session by the amazing Fru Jonas from Captured Magic Photography!
blanket posing– workflow – wrapping – prop posing –incorporating parents and siblings –lighting and angles – styling and choosing the right colours – client preparation – poses that will sell –lifetime support
Only takes £99 deposit to book, and the balance can be paid in monthly instalments.
Limited space only. Book yours here:https://www.artsyimagestudios.co.uk/event-details/newborn-photography-the-fundamentals

Disney Lorcana Fabled League
2025-10-25 10:00 - 12:00 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
This week is Poorcarna week.
Due to popular demand and the love or Lorcana, Saturday morning league is going back to a points based system (for those that want to join in with the points system). This is however just a fun guideline. if you do not have each of the formats decks don’t worry come and play any deck you like.
However for those that want to spice it up each week will be looking to put in a weekly twist. Not only will we be theme weeks the board will be back up to pop your stickers on to show your wins & losses. That being 2 points for a win and 1 point for a loss.
At the end of each week prizes will be given out in the form of promo cards and badges etc. Don’t worry if you do not want to take part there will be promos for all as well as random prizes too.
The theme will be set as a weekly rotation each month as set out below:Week 1 Standard (Sets 5-9)Week 2 Theme decks (Sets 1-9)Week 3 Infinity (Sets 1-9)Week 4 Poorcarna (This format is that all cards must be common or uncommon rarity).
This week will be week 2 and Infinity decks for you all. Remember this is all for those that want to join in with the sticker fun. You are more than welcome to play any deck on any league session, so don’t worry if you don’t have all the formats decks league is about enjoying and playing Lorcana each week.
All morning we will have demo staff available to teach you all you need to know about this game. We will be running the demo’s with the new starter decks available.
Please note all of these events have limited spaces of 24 people, so to avoid missing out please either click attend on this event, come in and speak to a member of staff of call us on 01206 561912 to make sure you don’t miss out.

Wyvern Brickshow 2025
2025-10-25 10:00 - 17:00 | William Loveless Hall, 85-87 High St, Colchester, CO7 9AB, GB
Hello everyone! We’re back this year and the sign is up! New exhibits, new activities, new creativity. Come and join us Saturday 25th October and bring all your mates, no one is too cool for Lego!

Ghoulish Gallery Games
2025-10-25 10:00 - 17:00 | Colchester Castle, Colchester Castle
From 25 October to 2 November, discover and enjoy playing with fun games dotted around the museum. Take a break, have a game or two and then continue your journey through time with the Castle’s treasures and displays – not forgetting our fascinating new Mythical Creatures exhibition!
Our gallery games are suitable for ages 4+
This event is included as part of Castle admission. No need to book, simply drop in.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2062641114560254/?event_time_id=2062641134560252

Pokemon League / Learn To Play / Trade Event
2025-10-25 12:30 - 17:00 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
With demand for more Pokemon time in-store we will now be running Pokemon league ever other Saturday from 10am-12pm. This now means that Pokemon will be on every week. So for this month we will be running the league as below:
Saturday 18th October 10am-12pmSaturday 25 October 12:30pm – 5pmSaturday 1st November 10am-12pm
It is the idea time to come along, learn to play, trade cards and play games against each other in a relaxed friendly environment.
Your only requirement is that each week you will have your Pokemon ID with you (you can get this by creating an account on the Pokemon web-site). As a result we will be able to gain league promos for those that have submitted Pokemon id’s.
This really is a meet up for anyone regardless of if you are beginner, intermediate player or expert. So don’t miss out come join in the fun and drop by to see us this Saturday.
COST : This is a free to enter event.START TIME : 10amEND TIME : 12pm
Please note all of these events have limited spaces of 24 people, so to avoid missing out please either click attend on this event, come in and speak to a member of staff of call us on 01206 561912 to make sure you don’t miss out.

Yu‑Gi‑Oh! GENESYS Event
2025-10-25 12:30 - 17:00 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
Attention Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelists!We are excited to be hosting our first Yu-Gi-Oh! Genesys event.
The event will be a 100-point tournament played in swiss style event. We hope to host Genesys regularly so get those decks ready.
For more info and points list please check out the link below
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/genesys/
WHAT IS GENESYS?The Genesys rules are simple:
No Link Monsters or Pendulum Monsters are allowed. All other cards are allowed. The original field layout is used, with no Extra Monster Zones nor Pendulum Zones.
The standard Forbidden & Limited Cards list is not used. All those cards can be used, except Link Monsters and Pendulum Monsters. Usual limit of 3 copies max of any card still applies.
Deck construction uses a point system. Some cards are assigned a point value; most cards cost zero points. The total point cost of cards in your Main Deck, Extra Deck, and Side Deck (combined) cannot exceed the point cap for that event.
The standard point cap is 100, but events can be run with any point cap, or even a zero-point cap!
Entry Price: £6.00One of the new OTS 29 Tournament Pack will be given to everyone plus a booster pack of the latest set into the prize pot.

Gundam TCG GD02 Dual Impact Release Event
2025-10-25 12:45 - 15:45 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
Gundam TCG GD02 Dual Impact Prerelease Event
For this new release of set 2 we will be running a Sealed Battle event, meaning that instead of bringing a pre-built deck, players open booster packs and build a deck using only the cards from those packs. Here are the specific deckbuilding rules for this format:Open 4 booster packs. (48+4 cards)Deck must be exactly 30 cards.No color restrictions when building the deck.You can include any number of cards with the same card number.
At the end each player will get two additional booster packs for participating. We will also have the participation and winner promos to give out on the day too.
Start Time: 12:45 pmEntry: £30.00
Please make sure you have a Bandai TCG+ account as we’ll be running the event through that. https://www.bandai-tcg-plus.com
Please note all of these events have limited spaces of 24 people, so to avoid missing out please either click attend on this event, come in and speak to a member of staff of call us on 01206 561912 to make sure you don’t miss out.

Reclaiming the Hag - Samhain Sister Circle Celebration
2025-10-25 13:00 - 16:30 | High Woods Country Park-Visitor Centre, High Woods Country Park-Visitor Centre
🌙🔥 Reclaiming the Hag: Honouring the Witch 🔥🌙A Samhain Sister Circle Ceremony when the Veil is Thin
At Samhain, when the veil is thin, we gather in sisterhood to honour the Witch, the Ancestors, and the wild within us.
✨ What Awaits You:•⁠⁠Ancestral Fire Rite — call in your loved ones through flame & prayer•⁠⁠Witch’s Drum & Chant — raise energy under the darkening sky•⁠⁠Hammock Journeying — rest between worlds, receive vision & guidance•⁠⁠Herbal Witch Charm — craft a protective talisman for the dark months•⁠⁠Communal Feast of the Dead — gratitude for those who came before
🌿 The Witch is remembrance. The Witch is power. The Witch is us.
✨ This is not performance witchcraft — this is remembrance.A reclamation of the Hag, the ancestral Witch, the wild within us all.A night of fire, drumming, feasting, and honouring.
🕯️ Flow: 1pm – 4.30pm | Woodland Gathering | Bring food & drink to share

Fuse Theatre Launch Event
2025-10-25 14:30 - 19:00 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
Join our Associate Company, FUSE Theatre, for an exclusive FREE Mercury Creatives Masterclass!
Discover FUSE Theatre’s unique practice and ways of working through an engaging workshop and an in-depth panel discussion with their creative team. Plus be among the first to experience an exclusive sharing of their brand-new show!
This event will conclude with a relaxed networking event a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow creatives. Refreshments will be provided.
The schedule is as follows:
Creative Learning Space – Launch Event – 2.30pm-5.30pm (Workshop, panel discussion and sharing of new work)
Upstairs Bar – Networking Drinks – 5.30-7pm

CODA - Acoustic Showcase
2025-10-25 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:???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

CODA - Saturday Daytime Acoustic Sessions
2025-10-25 15:00 - 17:30 | 63 High street, co1 1dn Colchester, United Kingdom, 63 High street, co1 1dn Colchester, United Kingdom
🎶 Live Acoustic Saturday Sessions! 🎶Join us every Saturday from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM for a relaxed afternoon of local acoustic talent hand picked by Colchesters very own Stu E Skinner. 🌟 Whether you’re a fan of soothing melodies or want to discover fresh music from your local scene, this is the perfect way to spend your Saturday afternoon. 🎸🎤✨ Free entry for all ages – bring your friends, family, and your love for live music! No tickets required. Just walk in, enjoy the vibes, and support your local artists.See you there! 🎶✨
https://www.facebook.com/events/2271807086600756/?event_time_id=2271807176600747

Beyond 30 Presents... Daytime Clubbing | Colchester🕺🏻🎃
2025-10-25 16:00 - 19:00 | Trilogy Colchester, Trilogy Colchester
🎃 Welcome to the Ultimate Over 30s Daytime Halloween Clubbing Experience!💀
Dust off your fangs and unleash your inner ghoul — Over 30s Daytime Clubbing is back with a spine-tingling twist at the iconic Trilogy, Saturday, 25th October! Get ready for a frightfully fun day where nostalgia meets neon and monsters mash on the dance floor — all before dark. 👻
Your kind of crowd, your kind of party! We’re bringing hours of good vibes, great music and unforgettable moments. Over 30s Daytime Clubbing is your chance to relive the peak of the 80s, 90s & 2000s clubbing scene…
Get ready for:🎶Club Classics🎊Confetti Showers🔊Resident DJs🎠Crazy Inflatables
Tickets are now available via Fatsoma & the link in our bio🔗
See you on the dancefloor🎃

Halloween Fancy Dress Disco
2025-10-25 16:30 - 19:00 | Marks Tey Parish Hall, Old London Rd, Marks Tey, CO6 1EJ, GB
Join in the family fun at our Halloween Disco at the Parish Hall.Fancy dress is optional but definitely encouraged.This is a ticket only event so get your tickets by scanning the QR code above.

Accident Avoidance Training for Cutlery Users: Advanced & Improvers
2025-10-25 17:30 - 20:30 | Headgate Theatre, Headgate Theatre
With fork-related accidents up by 7% and the teaspoon declared hazardous (size-to-injury wise), there has never been a better time to polish your cutlery safety awareness. Fear not as expert Ian Crawford is here with all the answers in his deadly serious cutting-edge training workshop presentation, carefully welding classic tips with all-new sharp material.
‘Forking good comedy’ **** (TheWeeReview.com).

Andrew Doherty: Sad Gay AIDS Play - Colchester Fringe
2025-10-25 19:00 - 22:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
A brand-new show from the maker of the award-winning sell-out Gay Witch Sex Cult (‘the funniest fringe horror since Garth Marenghi’ (Guardian).
Andrew Doherty completely relaunches himself with a startling piece of groundbreaking tragic theatre. In this tragic piece that breaks new ground, Andrew throws the book at AIDS and asks the Arts Council to pick it up. Watch Andrew take the cult out of cult hit and replace it with “financially prosperous.”
Catch it before it gets a West End transfer, moves to Broadway and finally HBO Max.
“I can only regret that I saw this show so late in the Fringe that I had no possibility of returning. Andrew Doherty has created something incredible here and I will look out for his future projects.” ★★★★★ Ed Fringe Review
“Clever, impish, fun… a talent to watch” Funniest Shows at the 2024 Fringe, The TelegraphSix of The Funniest Comedians at the Fringe – The Guardian
★★★★ Mervyn Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe
