Keep Colchester Cool

The Colchester 5th Independent Short Film Festival 2025
2025-05-10 18:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | Curzon Colchester, Curzon Colchester
Get ready for an epic showcase of indie short films at the Colchester 5th Independent Short Film Festival 2025!

CODA - Acoustic Showcase
2025-05-10 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:Ed Talbot??Rosalind Harniess (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

JANE'S WALK 19: ​Jaywick ​Sands Magical Mystery History Walk
2025-05-10 15:00 - 16:30 | CO15 2HR, CO15 2HR
Join longtime Jaywick resident, community ​motivator and ​TV pundit​, Danny Shine On Sloggett, for ​a walk along ​Jaywick’s seafront​ and hear from the people who live there: “​We’ve been left out for years. My job in life is for us not to be left out any more. Everywhere you go in life has culture and class​, and Jaywick has as well. It needs investment and infrastructure and jobs​. ​This walk is about our memories of Jaywick and our hopes for its future. We need to make Jaywick the Summer Bay of England!​
Meet/End:​ ​3pm. St Christopher’s Church​, ​Jaywick, CO15 2HR (1​.5m, 1.5hrs).
ACCESSIBILITY: hard-surfaced and step-free all the way, and low gradient except for one ramped section up on to the seawall.

LGBTQ+ History Tours
2025-05-10 14:00 - 14:45 | Colchester Castle, Colchester Castle
The tour is approximately 30-45 minutes long and will run on Saturday, 10 May, at 2 PM.
Colchester Castle is offering free* monthly tours focusing on LGBTQ+ historical figures and themes, open to anyone with an interest in new historical perspectives. Each tour promises a unique exploration of LGBTQ+ history, and no two tours will be the same.
These tours cover a wide range of fascinating topics, from Julius Caesar’s love for a Bithynian king to the stories of those imprisoned in Colchester Castle Gaol. Participants will gain an understanding of how the historical and cultural context of different eras has shaped LGBTQ+ history. Suitable for ages 16+.
Please note the tour includes climbing uneven stairs and crouching to pass through low archways. For useful information, such as how to find us and what facilities Colchester Castle has, we recommend reading our Access information.
*The tour is free. If you wish to explore the museum afterwards, you must pay for entry or show your Museums Pass at the front desk.

JANE'S WALK CYCLE 18: Park to Park, Kidical Mass Bike Ride with bells and whistles!
2025-05-10 14:00 - 14:30 | Richmond Road, Colchester, CO2 7, United Kingdom, Richmond Road, Colchester, CO2 7, United Kingdom
A family bike ride with free bike flags, spokey dokeys, streamers and horns. A safe, flat, marshalled ride. All welcome (0-99 yrs). Children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. With Jean Quinn and Kim Barnetson.
Meet (and end point): 2pm, Richmond Rd kid’s play park, CO2 7FR (1.5m, 0.5hrs). Cafe stop, with play and toilet facilties on route. Includes free cake!

May we roll together
2025-05-10 11:00 - 23:30 | Colchester Charter Hall, Colchester Charter Hall
Book your tickets now at www.rollerworld.co.uk

May We Roll Together
2025-05-10 11:00 - 23:30 | Colchester Charter Hall, Colchester Charter Hall
***NEW: NOW OFFERING LESSONS!***
📅 **Date**: Saturday, 10th May 2025📍 **Location**: Charter Hall, Colchester
**Session Times**:
– 🌿 **Relaxed**: 11 AM – 12 PM
– 👨‍👩‍👧 **Family**: 12 PM – 5 PM
– 🎉 **Over 14’s**: 7 PM – 11:30 PM
🎟️ **Tickets**: £12.50 (4 for 3 offer)
🛼 **Skate Hire Available but must be pre-booked- and sold out in advance last event!💫 **Light Shows, Games, DJ, Bar**
🚨 Get your tickets at: www.rollerworld.co.uk
Cheesy Bingo– Colchester Events has sponsored our beginners area at our next event! Tickets for their April event are available on the charter hall website .
#rollerworld #charterhall #rollerskating #rollerblading #colchester #essex #february#datenight #family #daysout

Screen Printing - Upcycling
2025-05-10 10:30 - 13:30 | Trinity Works,24 Trinity Street,Colchester,CO1 1JN,GB
Bring an old pair of jeans, denim jacket, t-shirt, dress, cushion cover, or whatever you like to explore with Associate Artist Katie Kennedy how we can improve, reuse and recycle fabric using printing techniques.
During this workshop : > Create an upcycled item that’s totally unique to you > Explore screen printing techniques using hand-cut paper stencils as well as pre-made screens to design and then create prints > Learn new design and making skills to use in the future > Gain knowledge of the basic principles of screen printing
No previous experience necessary. Also suitable for non-beginners.
About the Associate Artist leading the session: Katie is a graphic designer and workshop artist, running her own design business alongside delivering art, design and architecture workshops with museums, galleries, schools and festivals across the UK. Katie is inspired by all kinds of things; architecture, nature, street art, great design… Specific print inspirations are: Hatch Show Prints, Print Club London, Anthony Burrill, Abram Games, Andy Warhol, Strawberry Luna… the list goes on. Website: www.katiekennedy.co.uk
Please read our cancellation/refunds policy: www.makercampus.co.uk/refunds-policy
Join Our Creative Community: Enjoy up to 50% off classes and 24/7 access to our space and equipment. Memberships start at just £15 per month. Learn more: www.makercampus.co.uk/membership
New to Colchester Makerspace? We’re a community workshop with ceramics, printmaking and a vibrant program of classes. Explore our website: www.makercampus.co.uk
Support Creativity: Donate to our kiln fund and help us keep making amazing things happen: https://gofund.me/1d2f2158

The Firstsite Art Fair
2025-05-10 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.

Family fun day
2025-05-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Firstsite Colchester, Firstsite Colchester
Join us for a vibrant day of fun, food, and community! Bring the whole family and enjoy a fantastic day packed with exciting activities, music, and delicious food. Date: 10-05-25 Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Location: First Site on the Lawn Exciting Activities Include:
ALL FREE Bouncy Castles
Face Painting
Music & Entertainment
BBQ Food & Refreshments
Let’s Talk About Sickle Cell & Blood Donations! Sickle cell disease affects many in the Afro-Caribbean community, and blood donations are a lifeline for those in need. You can make a difference! Learn how your donation can save lives. Don’t miss out on a fun-filled day for a great cause! For more information, contact us at: Email: Anthony@afiuk.org & Gertrude@afiuk.orgPhone: 07510651694 & 07518423139 We can’t wait to see you there!

Dried Flower Wreath Workshop
2025-05-10 10:00 - 12:30 | The Lexden Crown, Bistro Pub – Colchester, The Lexden Crown, Bistro Pub - Colchester
Dried flower wreath workshop with the choice of a hot beverage and cake or lunch, please let me know if you have any dietry requirements.Lunch choices:Fish & ChipsTLC Burger & Fries (GF bun available) orThai Vegetable Curry with rice (V, GF)All materials are provided and no experience necessary.Book via PayPal or bank transfer (no fees) or eventbrite (fees apply):
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1221936096759?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Firstsite Art Fair: Kite Making Workshop
2025-05-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH Colchester, United Kingdom
Unleash your creativity in our hands-on Kite Making Workshop! Whether you’re an art lover or a enjoy flying kites, this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to craft your very own kite.
In this hands-on session, participants of all ages will create their own colourful kites with the guidance of artists and kite enthusiast Tom Armstrong.
Learn the basics of kite design, decorate your creation, and then take it outside for a test flight! After the session you’ll also be able to take your bespoke kite home.
For more info and tickets: https://firstsite.uk/event/the-firstsite-art-fair-kite-making-workshop/ or call us on 01206 713 700.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2218398775261446/?event_time_id=2218398781928112

Dawn Chorus
2025-05-10 04:30 - 07:30 | South Green Road, CO5 7DN Colchester, United Kingdom, South Green Road, CO5 7DN Colchester, United Kingdom
Join expert guide, Steve from Swallow Birding for an early morning walk round the reserve to experience the delights of the dawn chorus!
After the walk head backto the Visitors Centre for a bit of well deserved breakfast!
Please wear strong footwear and dress suitably for the weather
Booking essential, incs hot drink and breakfast roll £25
Pop in to book or call 01206 729678

Colchester Rugby Club Presents Big Jim's Interactive Pub Quiz normal Quiz
2025-05-09 19:30 - 22:15 | Colchester Rugby Club, Cuckoo Farm Way, Colchester, CO4 5YX, GB
Doors Open at 7pm Quiz starts at 8pm
Colchester Rugby Club in partnership with Big Jims Pub Quiz presents The Real 60 General knowledge quiz. The 2nd Friday of every Month.
“Get your phone’s or tablets charged and ready”
CRC presents a new way to quiz in a new Rugby Club in the heart of the new sports park in Colchester. Basket Meals avaiable on the night
Big Jim’s interactive quiz ditches the pens and papers and all your answers are put on your phone or any WiFi device.
60 general knowledge questions and the bonus game called the Quizzy 8.
So let’s get Quizzical without the need to scrum down all quizzes include both audio and picture questions.
Fun for all the family PG13 quiz fun. £2 per person
doors open at 7 quiz starts at 8.
quizzy quiz lovers

NOW! That's What I Call...DRAG! Me Back To The 00s! Colchester!
2025-05-09 19:00 - 22:45 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
Do you love all things 00s?! Are you a huge fan of drag?! Well shantay this way because “NOW! That’s What I Call…DRAG! Me Back To The 00s!” is HERE!
Combining the iconic decade of the 00s with tons of camp, comedy and chaos, get ready for a classic slice of British drag cabaret as we travel back in time! Packed with iconic songs, Top 40 classics and some iconic club bangers, strap in for a trip down memory lane with fabulous lip synching, stunning live vocals, camp comedy, audience games and of course…a soundtrack to die for!
Starring some of East Anglia’s finest drag stars Knuckle Sandwich and Will Power (with special guests TBA!) you’ll be in for a night of camp, colour and chaos! So whack out the velour tracksuits, put the ‘ho’ back in boho chic and let’s get ready for the drag mixtape to begin! Trust us, you won’t want it to end!
This event is seated, with standing room available! Seating is first come, first served! Please note the venue is upstairs and unfortunately, is not wheelchair accessible.
Doors at 7pm! Show at 7.45pm(ish)!
There will be limited tickets available on the door at £13 each
Please note: We unfortunately do not offer refunds – please message if you have any questions!
NOTE: “NOW! That’s What I Call…DRAG!” is a queer led Drag Cabaret show, and we strive to welcome all audiences into our events! We have a ZERO tolerance policy towards homophobia, transphobia and all forms of abuse. The performers and the audiences deserve your respect at all times. If you do not respect everyone, you will be asked to leave.
We kindly ask that ANY hen or stag party wanting to attend MUST message in advance of tickets being purchased. We reserve the right to refuse admittance if there is no prior contact, and refunds will not be issued. Thank you.

Read through: Our Walk Through The World by Ross Howard
2025-05-09 19:00 - 22:00 | 14 Chapel Street North, CO2 7AT Colchester, United Kingdom, 14 Chapel Street North, CO2 7AT Colchester, United Kingdom
Read through for ‘Our Walk Through The World’ by Ross Howard
Headgate Theatre Productions
Directed by Forest Morgan
Performances: Wed 5th – Sat 8th November 2025
Read through: Friday 9th May 225
Audition workshops: Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th June 2025
Further details to be announced

Let There B/DC
2025-05-09 19:00 - 22:00 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Share this showDates9 May 2025Venues:Colchester Arts CentreCategories:GIGSTickets £23.50.Doors open 7pm, starts 7.45pm.This gig is for a standing audience.
What makes AC/DC such an exciting, pulse pounding band and how do we recreate the fire of their live performances? That’s the main question we asked ourselves when we fired up the rock and roll train that was to become LET THERE B/DC way back in February 2011. From the very start we knew it had to be raw, exciting and authentic as possible. Recapturing the essence of an AC/DC performance was never going to be easy, but countless fans have told us time and time again that we’ve succeeded and are the closest thing they’ve ever heard to the real thing.
Our current five-man line-up have had AC/DC running through their veins since childhood and our passion for the music injects the venom into every 2 hours plus show that we play. We deliver all the favourites such as Highway to Hell, Whole Lotta Rosie and Thunderstruck together with rare and seldom heard album tracks such as Walk All Over You, Soul Stripper, Kicked in The Teeth and many many more. With our 3 longest serving members consisting of Neil (Malcolm Young/Guitar), Paddy (Phil Rudd/Drums) and Steve (Cliff Williams/Bass) making up the ‘engine room’, it gives Dave (Angus Young/Guitar) and Andrew (Brian Johnson/Bon Scott/Vocals) room to really fly and take our show to a whole new level.
We pride ourselves on never usually playing the same set list twice, so you never know what you might hear! Whether you’ve been a fan from the very beginning or never seen us live before, we go all out in every show to give you a night to remember for a very long time.
There’s only one thing left to say…… Are You Ready For A Good Time?!”

SHINE
2025-05-09 18:30 - 21:30 | Trilogy Colchester, Trilogy Colchester
S H I N E Our hugely popular Nightclub Event for Adults (over 16s) with Additional Needs
https://www.citizenticket.com/events/stanway-lakelands-community-centre-3/shine/
🗓️Friday 9th May⏰6:30-9:30📍Trilogy Nightclub🪩£5.00 per person- Support staff free 🎤Resident DJ- BRIANJAY playing all our favourite party tunes and club classics
🪩Free glow sticks for everyone 🪩

Battletech @ Dice & a Slice
2025-05-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Dice & A Slice, 37 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PQ, GB
Do you play the Battletech?The legendary wargame of giant Battlemechs fighting in the far future?Have you ever wanted to try it out?
Come along to Battletech meet-up! If you play Classic or Alpha Strike bring your Lances and Stars and get involved!
Beginners Welcome!

Colchester - TWS On the Road - walkaround Tasting
2025-05-09 18:00 - 20:30 | Firstsite Colchester, Firstsite Colchester
Join us for some darling wines of May in our latest roadshow, taking the essence of The Wine Society around the country. We’ll have a premium selection of fine white wines, a mini-Greek odyssey, a journey around Portugal and the pick of brand new wines from our May list alongside a ‘just for fun’ blind wine challenge. Variety is the spice of life, and there is plenty of variety to be had here.

JANE'S WALK 17: The Dead, the Undead and things that go bump off the scaffold
2025-05-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Mercury Theatre, Colchester, Colchester, GB
All the ghosts you could want, a walk over the bodies you didn’t even know were there, and vivid descriptions from times gone by. A rollicking tour of Colchester for the Dead anD Undead. not for the faint hearted! With Max Fox.
Meet: 5.30pm, between the Mercury Theatre and Balkerne Gate (1m, 2 hrs)
ACCESSIBILITY:A city centre walk that is step-free and hard-surfaced.

Beer & a Board Game Night
2025-05-09 16:00 - 21:00 | 37 queen street, CO1 2PQ Colchester, United Kingdom, 37 queen street, CO1 2PQ Colchester, United Kingdom
On Friday 9th May we are holding our special Beer & a Board game offer! £6 for a beer or cider and game time for the whole evening! I can’t think of a better way to spend a Friday than a Beer & a Board Game!

JANE'S WALK 16: Poetry in Motion - One Square Mile
2025-05-09 13:15 - 15:15 | CO2 7HE, CO2 7HE
In 2023/24, to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the school, St. John’s Green Primary launched a multi-disciplinary project using history, art, geography and language to embrace the school’s place at the heart of our city. This year’s edition of the Poetry in Motion walk is a collaboration between the school and Essex Poetry Collective, as a continuation of the legacy of this project. Visit some of Colchester’s best-known landmarks but through the eyes and words of some of the children from Year 5. With Billie Vasquez-Walters and members of the school community.
Meet: 1.15pm, St John’s Green Primary School (old site), CO2 7HE. End: Roman Circus Visitor Centre (1.8m, 2hrs)
ACCESSIBILITY:A city centre walk that is step-free and hard-surfaced. Entails some medium-steep gradients in short sections.
Painting by Dianne Bibby, St John’s Green School

JANE'S WALK 15: Together We Walk, Together We Grow!
2025-05-09 10:00 - 13:30 | East Bay, Colchester, CO1 2, United Kingdom, East Bay, Colchester, CO1 2, United Kingdom
A circular ‘growers’ walk from East Bay allotments (with Level Best) via High Woods Country Park up to the Together We Grow community garden, a 2-acre site with orchards, veg beds & poly tunnels (+tea/coffee & cake!), then returning to town via Mercers Farm allotments. With Clare Smee.
Meet: 10am, East Bay allotments (what3words.com ///jolly.tags.dinner) (3m, 3.5 hrs).
ACCESSIBILITY: step-free, and hard-surfaced paths except for within the allotment sites themselves, where the terrain is grassy/earthen and uneven, and the going is difficult for wheelchair users in particular. There are also some long medium-steep gradients on both outward and return journeys to High Woods (downhill on return).

Dinosaur Adventure ROOOAAARRR!
2025-05-09 10:00 - 12:00 | 9-10 Mason Road, Cowdray Centre, CO11BX Colchester, United Kingdom, 9-10 Mason Road, Cowdray Centre, CO11BX Colchester, United Kingdom
Come and have a ROOOAARRSOME time with everyone at Go Bananas.
With fabulous entertainment from The Only Way Is Entertainment Agency join us for some soft play fun with dancing and games.
Go on a dino dig, hunt for some fossils and identify the different dinosaurs.
Children’s ticket includes a themed snack box, allergies can be catered for.

Metal 2 The Masses - Semi Final 1
2025-05-08 19:00 - 22:00 | Coda Colchester, Coda Colchester
Semi final 1 of this year’s Metal 2 The Masses Essex – Winner plays Bloodstock.
This semi final features Dismanibus, Red Matter, Seventh Fear and BlackWater Kings.
Kensei will headline the night too, with tunes throughout the night provided by DJ Pressplay. Doesn’t get much better than that!
Doors at 7pm. Tickets are £4

JANE'S WALK FILM/Documentary: Architecton (2024), Dir. Victor Kossakovsky.
2025-05-08 19:00 - 21:30 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
‘An epic, intimate, and poetic meditation on architecture and how the design and construction of buildings from the ancient past reveal our destruction — and offer hope for survival and a way forward. Through Kossakovsky’s lens, the grandeur and folly of humanity and its precarious relationship with nature posits two urgent questions: how do we build, and how can we build better, before it’s too late?’ (BFI).
Venue/Time: Colchester Arts Centre, 7-9.30pm (doors 6.30pm). Tickets on door (Pay as You Feel).

Life Drawing with Justine Moss – All levels - Evening Session - Ink and wax resist
2025-05-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH Colchester, United Kingdom
Gain confidence in drawing the figure, with these tutored sessions on some basic principles of life drawing.
As evening falls we will use ink washes over wax resist to create atmospheric drawings of the model in the studio.
Come along to each session to experiment with a different themeSuitable for all abilities. Basic materials provided. For ages 18+.
For more info & tickets: https://firstsite.uk/event/life-drawing-with-justine-moss/

Words from Art Poetry Workshop
2025-05-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH Colchester, United Kingdom
Whether you are new to writing poetry or a seasoned poet looking for something to enhance and energise your writing, this workshop will give you an experience in writing from art.
We will look at and discuss example poems by a variety of poets to identify various approaches and help stimulate your creativity.
Basic materials provided. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm! For ages 18+.
For more info & tickets: https://firstsite.uk/event/words-from-art-poetry-workshop/ or call us on 01206 713 700.
