Keep Colchester Cool

Colchester Stampede 10K Date: 18th May 2025
2025-05-18 09:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | Colchester Zoo, Colchester Zoo
Colchester Stampede 10KDate: 18th May 2025
Minimum Age: 17
Colchester Zoo, Maldon Rd, Heckfordbridge, Colchester CO3 0SL
Come and run at Colchester Zoo, home to over 160 species and set in 60 acres of parkland and lakes!
The Zoo is proudly listed in the top 2 zoos in the UK and listed as the 11th best zoo around the world as part of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Attractions.
Every step you take gets Dementia Carers Respite (DCR) closer to ensuring family carers of people living with dementia have the break they so deeply deserve. Every finish line you cross is a life you change.
Unbelievably in the UK, 45% of people with dementia depend fully on a Family Carer because they do not qualify for NHS or Council support and have no means for the cost of private care. It is where DCR comes in and why we need your help.
Caring for a loved one with dementia is an act of profound love, but it can also be an unrelenting responsibility. The exhaustion, both physical and emotional, can be overwhelming.
Imagine being able to offer family carers—those unsung heroes—a precious moment of rest. A moment to breathe, to recharge, to simply be themselves, knowing their loved one is in the safe hands of professional carer.This is what Dementia Carers Respite is all about.
Many good charities exist but we are the only charity dedicated to closing the gap, funding respite for family carers so they can continue their vital role with renewed strength and resilience. But we can’t do it alone. We need you.
By signing up for the Dementia Carers Respite Run, you’re not just running you are fighting for the dignity of family carers and the people they love. You’re giving family carers the chance to sustain their love and care without breaking under the weight of it.
DCR have secured amazing and exciting venues for you to run, places that will inspire you as you make a difference. But remember, places are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Use the link below to select your preferred venue and secure your spot today. https://runforcharity.com/dementia-carers-respite/bespoke
If you have a specific venue in mind that isn’t listed, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and we will do our best to make it happen for you. Contact us at support@dementia-respite.org.uk

The dukes of haggard
2025-05-17 21:00 - 2025-05-18 00:00 | Main Road, Colchester
Here on Saturday 17th May playing some old classics

Funk Shed Live at Coda
2025-05-17 20:30 - 23:30 | Coda Colchester, Coda Colchester
Bringing the Funk Shed recipe of Funk, Soul, Disco, Reggae with a pinch of ROCK to Colchester’s favourite music venue. We’ll be introducing our amazing new vocalist. Can’t wait!Look forward to seeing friends old and new for what promises to be a great night of classic sounds

Funky Hat Saturday 17th May
2025-05-17 20:00 - 2025-05-18 03:00 | Truth Colchester, 8 Crouch St, Colchester, CO3 3ES, GB
It will be great to see people out and about on the 17th for this one we have put together a great line up of DJs for you all including the the man himself BT on percussion, & not forgetting master of ceremonies R🎩cks
https://www.skiddle.com/e/40912308

Soulful House Night with Jo Bless and Jay Man
2025-05-17 20:00 - 23:00 | Roots & Grooves Cafe, Roots & Grooves Cafe
a night of Soulful, uplifting House with Jo Bless and Jay Man taking the lead… come down and check it out @jotcreativeartist @jayman888 8pm til Late… FREE ENTRY

90's Party Night
2025-05-17 19:30 - 2025-05-18 00:00 | Colchester United FC, JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, CO4 5UP, GB
Party all night long to the biggest hits of the 90’s which will keep you on the dancefloor all night long!
Our photobooth will be open, and fancy dress is always encouraged!
Doors open from 7.30pm and the night finishes at midnight. Guests need to be over 18.

Fleetwood Bac // Colchester Arts Centre
2025-05-17 19:30 - 22:30 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
FLEETWOOD BAC were the world’s first and are regarded as the UKs most authentic Fleetwood Mac Tribute show, raved about by Peter Green’s biographer, and are the only Mac tribute band in the world to authentically replicate the classic Stevie/Lindsey/Christine/John/Mick ‘Rumours’ line-up.

Man In The Mirror At Charter Hall, Colchester
2025-05-17 19:30 - 21:30 | Colchester Charter Hall, Colchester Charter Hall
Join us for a Thriller of an evening, as we celebrate the legendary music of the KING OF POP.
This is the“Man in the Mirror”–The brand new must-see, electrifying tribute concert to Michael Jackson.
Starring CJ, one of the world’s greatest Michael Jackson Tribute Artists and supported by a talented cast of performers and musicians who capture the essence of Michael Jackson’s unique style and charisma like no other, in this scintillating production that will keep you on the edge of your seats.
Featuring all his greatest hits you know and love, including “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,””Smooth Criminal,” and of course, “Man in the Mirror.” Complete with dazzling choreography, stunning visual effects, light show and authentic costumes. This is the show that pays tribute to Jackson’s musical legacy.
So, whether you’re a lifelong fan or experiencing the magic of Michael Jackson for the first time, get ready as we take you back in time, for a night like no other.
Brand new from Entertainers.

HONKUS ROMPUS BREWHOUSE TAKEOVER
2025-05-17 19:00 - 2025-05-18 00:30 | 7 Queen Street, Colchester, 7 Queen Street, Colchester
You know the dealFree entry – a couple big sets from your favourite brass fed romping bandFrank’s on the 1s and 2s playing his favourite bass-heavy selections in the interims .afterwards playing dub, roots and old school reggae vibes til late! 😀All are welcome. Great beers, good vibes.it’s gonna be another good night at the brew

Cinema | MET Opera Live: Salome (TBC)
2025-05-17 17:45 - 20:15 | Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH Colchester, United Kingdom
Showing at Firstsite Cinema – MET Opera Live: Salome (TBC)!
MET Opera Live: Salome is derived from a brief biblical account. A young princess of Judea dances for her stepfather Herod. She chooses as her reward the head of the prophet John the Baptist.
This subject captured the imaginations of generations of visual artists, but its full possibilities were perhaps best realized in Oscar Wilde’s 1891 tragedy. This was banned from performance in several countries.
Strauss’s score combines the grandeur of Wagner’s epics with the focus and emotional punch of the short Italian verismo operas.
*Timings subject to change.
Book now on our website or call us on 01206 713 700.

CODA - Acoustic Showcase
2025-05-17 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:Ryan Sharman??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

Shed Brewers Festival
2025-05-17 12:00 - 15:00 | Victoria Inn Colchester, 10 North Station Rd, Colchester, CO1 1RB, GB
Annual Shed Brewers beer festival, 15 beers all brewed by home brewers.
Tickets are £15 which includes 4 pints of beer (in 13 tasting glasses) and food.
Pop into the pub to get a ticket or give them a call to reserve.

Finding Magic: Peachy & Me
2025-05-17 11:30 - 14:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
FAMILYTickets £7 / £6 concessions / £22 Family (A family group of 4, including at least 1 child)Doors open 11am, show starts 11.30am.
Step Into a World of Magic, Laughter, and Joy with Peachy & Me Join the delightful duo, Cherry and Peachy, as they take you on a whimsical journey of magic, art, and mischief in their captivating family show, Peachy & Me.
Premiering across stages nationwide, this enchanting performance combines comedy, dance, and interactive fun, offering an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
Cherry, a spirited and lovable artist, teams up with her quirky silent partner, Peachy, to explore themes of creativity, communication, and self-expression. Through dazzling magic tricks, playful games, and heartwarming moments, this show celebrates the magic of connection and the joy of imagination.

80s Bottomless Brunch
2025-05-17 11:00 - 14:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
Three Wise Monkeys Colchester presents our Back To The 80s Bottomless Brunch!
Pull up your leg warmers and get into the groove at Three Wise Monkeys as we take you back to the 80s for an afternoon of bottomless drinks and live entertainment.
We are rounding up the East End boys and West End girls to join us on Saturday 17th May from 11am – 2pm for 2 hours of bottomless brunch antics.
£48 Per Person includes: Bottomless Drinks for 2 hours (Cocktails, Prosecco, Beer), 1 Brunch dish and all of your favourite 80’s hits brought to you by live DJ
Fancy dress is encouraged so dig out your spandex, rip those jeans and style them mullets for an afternoon of 80s pop goodness.
▬▬▬▬▬ INFO ▬▬▬▬▬10:30am: Doors Open11am – 12pm: Food served & Bottomless drinks start12pm – 12:45pm: Entertainment starts as the bottomless drinks continue12:45pm – 1pm: Entertainment break & bottomless drinks finish1pm – 2pm: The end, but not the end (we still have more music & dancing) chance to order additional drinks if you wish2pm: Room closes
Over 18s only.
Strictly limited capacity.
Access – There is no lift to access the restaurant floor of Three Wise Monkeys. There are two hand-railed flights of stairs to reach the floor with rest opportunities between each flight.

Peachy & Me Performance
2025-05-17 11:00 - 13:00 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
Step Into a World of Magic, Laughter, and Joy with Peachy & Me Join the delightful duo, Cherry and Peachy, as they take you on a whimsical journey of magic, art, and mischief in their captivating family show, Peachy & Me.
Premiering across stages nationwide, this enchanting performance combines comedy, dance, and interactive fun, offering an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

Angela Barnes: Angst *
2025-05-16 19:30 - 22:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £18.50.Doors open 7.30pm, show starts 8pm.
A brand new stand-up show from Angela Barnes, star of Mock The Week and Live at The Apollo.
Angela is a worrier. Whatever it is, she’ll worry about it. But don’t let that worry you – she’ll worry enough for the both of you.
This hilarious show has some stories of success and sound logic, but mostly features stories of unmitigated failure, a distinct lack of wisdom, a little bit of German and loads of jokes.
Award winning comedian Angela’s last tour Hot Mess received critical acclaim and was filmed as a special available on ITVX. Angela has also appeared on Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, BBC’s House of Games and is a regular guest on Radio 4’s The News Quiz. Angela also co-hosts the popular comedy history podcast We Are History.
“She’s just a gloriously down-to-earth, straight talking and extremely funny comic”– The Guardian

What's Love Got To Do With It? - Colchester
2025-05-16 19:30 - 22:30 | Colchester Charter Hall, Colchester Charter Hall
International sensation What’s Love Got To Do With It? is back!
Brought to you by the award-winning producers behind the hugely successful Whitney – Queen Of The Night, What’s Love Got To Do With It? pays homage to one of the most iconic and much-loved musical artists of the 20th Century: the legendary Tina Turner.
In this exciting live show, audiences can expect a night of high energy with feel-good rock-and-roll featuring Tina’s greatest hits performed by amazing vocalists and supported by a full live band.
In a breath-taking career spanning more than 50 years, audiences can look forward to hearing stunning musical arrangements of Tina’s most-loved classic hits including Private Dancer, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, Proud Mary, River Deep, Nutbush City Limits, Simply The Best and many more. This not-to-be-missed musical experience is a stunning celebration of the life and music of one of the greatest female singers of our time.
The massive debut tour of What’s Love Got To Do With It? launched in February 2019 and quickly proved to be the ultimate tribute show with audiences packing out theatres and arenas across the UK and Europe.
What’s Love Got To Do With It? is presented by live music promoters Cuffe and Taylor in association with Paul Roberts Productions.
Please note that this is a tribute production and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the Tina Turner Estate.

Shoulder Of Mutton Film, TV & Music Quiz 24
2025-05-16 19:00 - 22:00 | Shoulder of Mutton Antique and Collectibles Centre and Licensed Restaurant, Halstead Road, Colchester, CO63LL, GB
Test your knowledge of all things film, TV and music, and help to raise money for an incredible cause!
– £3 a head (cash only)– Maximum 6 to a team– Food served throughout – Book on 01206 687287
Please arrive at least twenty minutes before the quiz is due to start to place drink orders.
If you book and then decide not to attend, please cancel your booking.

EcoArt Collage and Craft
2025-05-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us for an exciting hands-on workshop where creativity meets sustainability at our EcoArt Collage and Craft workshop!
In this unique group experience, we’ll explore the art of collage-making using eco-friendly, repurposed materials. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this workshop is designed to inspire creativity.
Your tutor will guide you through the process of selecting and transforming sustainable materials—such as recycled paper, fabric scraps, natural textures, and more—into a beautiful visual masterpiece.
By the end of the session, you’ll have your own textile collage to take away.
For more info: https://firstsite.uk/event/ecoart-collage-and-craft/ or call us on 01206 713 700.

Origami Workshop
2025-05-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH Colchester, United Kingdom
This ancient art form has been used as meditation, stress relievers and a fun social activity with friends.
In our Origami Workshop, Lu Yu will guide you step by step through the creation of specific origami shapes, teaching essential techniques such as valley folds, mountain folds, squash folds, and reverse folds.
These foundational skills will help you build confidence and precision in your folding. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll have the opportunity experiment with your own designs and experience the joy of transforming a simple sheet of paper into something unique.
By the end of the session, you’ll have your own textile collage to take away.
For more info: https://firstsite.uk/event/origami-workshop/ or call us on 01206 713 700.

Cinema | Four Mothers (12A)
2025-05-16 17:30 - 19:14 | Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH Colchester, United Kingdom
Showing at Firstsite Cinema – Four Mothers (12A)!
Edward is a dazzling upcoming author who is set to go on tour in the US. However, his plans are stalled when he becomes the primary carer for his elderly mum Alma, after she suffers a stroke.
Things take a further turn for the worse when his friends decide to drop their mothers with Edward to take a weekend break, leaving him with Four Mothers to care for.
Book now on our website or call us on 01206 713 700.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1040534811374368/?event_time_id=1040534814707701

Firstsite Fabulous Fridays
2025-05-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH Colchester, United Kingdom
Step into a world of unlimited creativity at our monthly Fabulous Fridays! Immerse yourself in a world of artistic inspiration with different workshops, art, tasty treats and films.
Throughout the evening, we will be hosting an array of creative events and workshops across Firstsite. Expect pop-up performances, arts and crafts, and surprise artist collaborations that leave you inspired and engaged.
Our art workshops will allow attendees to participate in creating something new, from crafting unique pieces, drawing sketches, learning new painting techniques, and exploring the world of art sustainably.
For those looking for a more relaxed experience, Firstsite features thought-provoking works in our exhibitions and a fantastic cinema, screening great films.
Entry to our Fabulous Friday evenings is free, but you may need to purchase tickets to participate in some workshops and activities.
For more info: https://firstsite.uk/event/firstsite-fabulous-fridays/ or call us on 01206 713 700.

Cinema | Ocean With David Attenborough (PG)
2025-05-15 19:30 - 21:30 | Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH Colchester, United Kingdom
Showing at Firstsite Cinema – Ocean With David Attenborough (PG)!
After nearly 70 years of filming the natural world, Ocean With David Attenborough is Sir David’s most powerful and urgent message yet.
This compelling documentary takes viewers on a breath-taking journey showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean.
Book now on our website or call us on 01206 713 700
https://www.facebook.com/events/981799933751558/?event_time_id=981799937084891

The Tempest - Colchester
2025-05-15 19:00 - 20:30 | Tymperleys, Tymperleys
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here…”
For twelve years Prospero, the rightful duke of Milan, has dwelt on an island after his brother Antonio betrayed him and cast him adrift in a small boat. For twelve years he has plotted revenge on those who overthrew him…
Classical language combines with live music and choral sea shanties to bring what is thought to be the bard’s final play to life. A tale of revenge, love and forgiveness that is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
–
Running time: Approximately 85 minutes
Critics have said of our Shakespeare productions:
“A magical adaptation in a wonderful setting!” – Broadway Baby (Macbeth)
“This is Shakespeare we can relish – lucid, emotional, funny in all the right places!” – BN1 Magazine (Romeo & Juliet)
“Shakespeare would have envisioned his play to be enjoyed exactly this way!” – Visit Brighton (A Midsummer Night’s Dream)

Colchester Kit Bash @ Dice & a Slice
2025-05-15 18:00 - 21:30 | Dice & A Slice, 37 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PQ, GB
Got piles of old miniatures sprues or a bits box filled to the brim?Why not come along to our first Colchester Kit Bash!
Bring your unused sprues and bits and build some new miniatures – or just come along and use our to make you’re very own customised miniature!
Food & Drink Menu and Licenced Bar!

Pet Portrait Workshop, Patch, Thur
2025-05-15 10:00 - 12:00 | patch cafe, Trinity St, Colchester, patch cafe, Trinity St, Colchester
Join my drawing workshop on Thursday 15th May, 10-12 at Patch cafe, Trinity Street, Colchester. Every third Thursday of the month. £35 per person, materials and guidance supplied AND coffee and cake from Patch. We will be working in pencil, fine line marker and water brush. Participants should bring a photo of an animal to work from. Please make payment via PayPal tina.paypal@just4email.co.uk at least a week ahead of the session, and I will email you with confirmation details. Please contact me on tina.bullen@me.com for alternative payment methods if you don’t use PayPal. Refunds will only be given should the session need to be cancelled by me due to unforeseen circumstances that affects my ability to deliver the session. Refunds will not be made on cancellations made by participants less than 48 hours before the session, or to no-shows, but a transfer may be possible. I look forward to spending a fun, relaxing time with you and helping you to get creative. 🙏

Wednesday Night Open Mic @ The Victoria Inn
2025-05-14 19:30 - 22:45 | The Victoria Pub, The Victoria Pub
It’s Open Mic Night!Bring yourself… or send your friends in place of you…. or come with your friends and get involved.Bring your instruments or borrow mine (Guitar, Piano, Cajon & Mics provided).*We run a sign up board & work through the names in order & attendance prioritising those who arrive before 9.*The sign up board goes up around 7:30 & the mic goes live around 8:00. *We wrap up for 10:45.*Performers usually get 2-3 songs (up to 15 minutes in total) but this depends the number of participants on the night.

Wonderful Wednesdays - Dr Ergo Phizmiz and Lottie Bowater: Gala
2025-05-14 19:30 - 22:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Pay what you can affordDoors open 7:30 pm, Show starts 8 pmThis show is for a seated audience
GALA A Disco Opera
Enter into a world of sex, glamour and Surrealism in the self-created royal court of the art world’s most bespangled and amorous glitterati, in a disco inferno of lust, faith and money.
Gala – wife of Salvador – Dali, was a complex woman. The poet Paul Eluard said of her, “Her gaze could pierce walls”, becoming a muse to a generation of artists. Conversely, she was renowned for her cruelty, her selfishness and greed. By the late 1970s, the Dali’s business empire was the diamond laden cash cow of the art world, and the Dali’s held court over an excessive and debauched coterie of hangers on and opportunists.
Enter Jesus Christ Superstar, fresh from Broadway. For the first time, this rockin’ Messiah steals away and melts Mrs Dali’s stone heart. This show, based on a true story, is a revival and expansion of a piece originally created for Tete a Tete Opera and previously revived at Arcola’s Grimeborn Festival. “Gala” is a wild disco opera about one day in the life of Madame Dali and her idol, Jesus Christ Superstar.
Written and directed by the renowned and controversial polymath Dr Ergo Phizmiz, and starring singer / model Lottie Bowater (aka Depresstival) in their first full length dramatic performance, “Gala” offers a searing and satirical insight into the inner lives of the art world’s super rich in the age of disco.

TALES OF TIME @ CODA COLCHESTER 14/5/25
2025-05-14 18:30 - 21:30 | Coda Colchester, Coda Colchester
Impious Spirit Productions presents Tales of Time at Coda Colchester, on Wednesday 14th May 2025!
UK Symphonic Metal quintet Tales of Time embark on their first ever headline shows this May, playing songs from their debut EP “The Journey”!
For fans of Epica, Nightwish, Children of Bodom and Wintersun, Tales of Time are a band not to be missed, and their stage show is one you’ll never forget!
Support from Draugrheim, ChemiQueen and Sinners In The City!
18:30 Doors
£10otd/£8adv

Camelot
2025-05-13 19:45 - 22:45 | Headgate Theatre, Headgate Theatre
Platform MusicalsLERNER & LOEWE’SCAMELOTBook & Lyrics by ALAN JAY LERNER Music by FREDERICK LOEWE
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre InternationalAll authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI http://www.mtishows.co.uk
With an extraordinary score that features the romantic “If Ever I Would Leave You”. the iconic title song and the exuberant “Lusty Month of May”, Platform Musicals is proud to present this majestic & poignant musical play that brings the classic tale of the noble King Arthur, his beautiful Queen Guinevere, and the Knights of the Round Table, lead by the handsome Sir Lancelot, to magical life! Directed by Caroline Fritz, with an award-winning company of 25 actors, book your tickets early to avoid disappointment!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1185855499624117/?event_time_id=1185855512957449
