Keep Colchester Cool

Colchester Castle Park Bandstand
2025-05-24 14:30 - 17:30 (Europe/London) | Colchester Castle Park Bandstand, Colchester Castle Park Bandstand
Free concert on the bandstand, playing 2.30pm – 5.00pm

Frating Beer and Music Festival Kings Arms
2025-05-24 11:30 - 2025-05-25 22:00 | Main Road, Colchester
First band start 12:30 last band start 8pm festival finishes 10pmWill be open from 11:30am
MAYFESTIVAL INFORMATION-If you are driving to the Festival-Please park at, CO7 7DW. Random house Please no parking on A133 or local village.Our car park will be closed to the public, to allow easy access for the bands. There will be someone there to direct you.No cars are to be left in the car park overnight.PLEASE NOTE- The Outside bar and stalls will be CASH.Inside bars, you will be able to use cards
Frating beer and music festival Colchester’s best pub festival, 8 of the best local bands over 2 days, headlining acts, Saturday Oasiz, Sunday, stiff in the morning.Wristbands are available to purchase now !!!!!!£10 each from the bar cash!!! Card transaction: £2.50 extra charge per wristband. Wristbands can be collected at the gate on the day. Quoting name and reference number.hog roast, barbecue, bouncy castles, face painting. .Once again, the event will take place under a massive marquee. With security onsite. Parking will be made available nearer the time, but we do advise using public transport. We will be raising money for a charity once again. Last year we raised over £1000 for Lennox. This year we have decided to raise funds for Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity. The funds will go to the cancer wellbeing centre at Colchester hospital.
we are not offering any vendor spaces, the event is all organised.
You cannot bring any alcohol or food onto the festival site; all food and beverages must be purchased within the festival grounds. Security will be checking.
Please do not be scammed wristbands only available at the bar

Knights & Dragons Trail
2025-05-24 10:00 - 17:00 | Colchester Castle, Colchester Castle
From the 24th May through the 1st of June, pick up a fun paper trail and explore Colchester Castle on a quest filled with knights and dragons!
Follow the clues, solve puzzles, and spot legendary characters as you journey through history. This simple, self-guided adventure is perfect for younger visitors aged 6+. Grab your trail sheet and let the fun begin!
Trail sheets cost £5 (after purchasing an admission ticket) and include a prize at the end. Booking is not required; simply buy your trail at the front desk upon arrival.
https://www.facebook.com/events/708228038323425/?event_time_id=708228044990091

en-form Charity Sale
2025-05-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
GEMS are holding a fund raising event for en-formLadies’, Men’s & Children’s Clothes and ShoesBedding and SundriesBooks, DVDs, and CDsFill a Bag –£2.50 (Bags Provided)Any questions please contact goldenyearsgroups@yahoo.com

INTRODUCTION TO DRIVING WORKSHOP
2025-05-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
Ready to get behind the wheel but don’t know where to start? Join us for our Introduction to Driving Workshop—a beginner-friendly session designed to help new drivers feel confident, informed, and prepared for the road ahead.
This workshop covers the basics of driving, including road safety, traffic signs, vehicle controls, and what to expect during driving lessons. Whether you’re a teen preparing for your first license or an adult learning to drive later in life, this is the perfect place to begin.
Led by myself, Sophie, with 12 years experience, this interactive session includes a Q&A, practical tips, and resources to help you take the next steps toward becoming a licensed driver.
Who is this great for:• First-time drivers• Parents of teen drivers• Adults learning to drive later in life
This is a small-group, classroom-style session—there’s no actual driving involved, which makes it ideal for anyone feeling nervous or anxious about learning to drive. The supportive environment allows for questions, discussion, and a pressure-free way to ease into the world of driving.
No prior driving experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to learn!

Planet Earth
2025-05-23 20:00 - 2025-05-24 00:00 | Queen St Brewhouse, 7 - 9 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PG, GB
DJ Jules Zillion will be serving up a fantastic mix of tunes from the last 5 decades to give you a night to remember!

A Twist of ABBA live at The Castle Inn, Colchester
2025-05-23 20:00 - 23:00 | Castle Inn Colchester, Castle Inn Colchester
Join us for a night of all your favourite ABBA hits!

Takeda + Big In Sheboygan + Dean Frost
2025-05-23 20:00 - 23:00 | Coda Colchester, Coda Colchester
Drongo Records are back in Colchester hosting Takeda. FREE ENTRYSupport from Big In Sheboygan and Dean Frost

The Comedy Store - Colchester
2025-05-23 20:00 - 23:00 | Colchester Charter Hall, Colchester Charter Hall
Sale Dates and Times:
Public Onsale : Fri, 26 Apr 2024 at 10:00 AM
Priority from O2 : Wed, 24 Apr 2024 at 10:00 AM

Madison, The Wicked Ravens, Mr B & The Wolf
2025-05-23 19:30 - 22:30 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
Madison headline TWM on Friday, 23rd May,
The event will be held on the Top Floor, with doors opening at 7:30 PM.
This special evening will also feature incredible performances by The Wicked Ravensand Mr B & The Wolf, promising a night full of energy and great music.
Tickets are priced at £7 plus a booking fee.
Grab your tickets now and prepare for an unforgettable night of the best guitar music Colchester has to offer.
Location: Three Wise Monkeys Colchester (Top Floor) Please note that access to the top floor does not have a lift. There are five short flights of stairs with rest opportunities between each flight,
Viewer discretion is advised: This show may potentially contain flashing and strobing lighting effects.
We wanted to inform you of our refund policy regarding event tickets. Please note that we will be unable to process any ticket refunds within 7 days of the event.
We understand that circumstances may arise that prevent you from attending the event, but unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate refund requests within this timeframe.

Boozy Brushes – Paint Your Pet
2025-05-23 19:30 - 21:30 | Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us in the café/bar area for a lively, fun and creative evening.
Unlike Boozy Brushes, where the subject is a different celebrity every month, now the subject is your furry friend!
Doesn’t your pet deserve a tribute?
Bring a photo of your pet and Sirena will guide you through an acrylic paint tutorial while entertaining you during the evening!
Dogs? Cats?… Lions, Tigers or Bears? This Dr Draglittle experience awaits you!
Basic materials provided. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm! For ages 18+.
For more info & tickets: https://firstsite.uk/event/boozy-brushes-paint-your-pet/ or call us on 01206 713 700.

The Smyths: Meat Is Murder 40
2025-05-23 19:00 - 22:00 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
GIGSTickets £21.50.Doors open 7pm, starts 8pm.This gig is for a standing audience.
2025 sees the 40th anniversary of The Smiths’ legendary second album “Meat is Murder”.
Arguably the band’s most controversial release (the band considered it as a protest album), not only did it do more than anything in pop culture to encourage a generation to become vegetarians, but it was also the first album to introduce Morrissey’s criticism of the Royal Family.
Coming a year on from the band’s debut, “Meat Is Murder” showed the band moving its musical might to a muscular new sound (whilst still maintaining it’s ability to produce heart-breakingly beautiful songs).
The Smyths present “Meat is Murder “in its entirety alongside Smiths classics and hits.

Smoke & Harmony: A Gourmet BBQ Feast with Live Music
2025-05-23 18:00 - 22:00 | Green Lane, CO4 5TS Colchester, United Kingdom, Green Lane, CO4 5TS Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us for an unforgettable evening of smoky flavours, soulful music and great company at Smoke & Harmony, our gourmet food and music experience in partnership with The Hungry Hog.
Indulge in a delicious handcrafted menu featuring slow-smoked meats, vibrant sides, and mouth-watering vegan options, all perfectly paired with the rhythm of live performance.
Book your tickets now @ dedhamvalevineyard.com/event-details/smoke-harmony
@followers

Cinema | A Minecraft Movie (PG)
2025-05-23 17:30 - 20:06 | Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH Colchester, United Kingdom
Showing at Firstsite Cinema – A Minecraft Movie (PG)!
Four misfits — Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa), Henry (Sebastian Eugene Hansen), Natalie (Emma Myers) and Dawn (Danielle Brooks)—find themselves struggling with ordinary problems in A Minecraft Movie.
They are suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal into the Overworld: a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination.
Book now on our website or call us on 01206 713 700.
https://www.facebook.com/events/622216847518549/?event_time_id=622216867518547

MCG Demo Day - Play Ironwood & Septima!
2025-05-23 16:00 - 23:00 | Dice & A Slice, 37 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PQ, GB
Join Us for a Board Game Demo Event!
Battle forge against forest in Ironwood or practice witchcraft in Septima.Learn these exciting games in a friendly, welcoming environment.Our hosts will guide you through the rules. Bring your friends or come solo—there’s always a seat at the table!
No experience needed, just a love for games. See you there!

LUNCHTIME SOCIAL
2025-05-23 12:00 - 15:00 | 5-6 St Nicholas St, CO1 1LB Colchester, United Kingdom, 5-6 St Nicholas St, CO1 1LB Colchester, United Kingdom
Take a Break, Grab a Bite, and Share Your Story
Introducing a new way to connect with others working in Colchester. Step away from work at the end of the week and join us for the Lunchtime Social.
Whether you’re running your own venture, part of a team, or just curious about the local business landscape, this is a relaxed, friendly space to share insights, swap ideas, and hear how others are navigating the ups and downs of today’s working world in Colchester.
May’s conversation starter will be “Doing Business in Today’s Climate.” What’s changing, what’s challenging, and how are people adapting?
No pressure, no pitches—just good conversation, good company, and a chance to step out of your usual routine.
Date: Friday 23 May 2025
Times: 12:00 – 14:00
Cost: £15.00 which includes a main meal and pint/soft drink. Guests will be contacted ahead of the event for lunch preorders. Our menu and allergens can be found via our website [https://othermonkeybrewing.com/book-a-table]
This event is hosted by Organised by Maddy and Topper Promotions. Any questions about this event can be emailed to hello@organisedbymaddy.com
Follow us on Instagram @lunchtimesocialcolchester

Cinema | The Penguin Lessons (12A)
2025-05-23 11:00 - 13:07 | Lewis Gardens, CO1 1JH Colchester, United Kingdom
Showing at Firstsite Cinema – The Penguin Lessons (12A)!
Starring Oscar nominee Steve Coogan, The Penguin Lesson is a this poignant dramedy from director Peter Cattaneo.
The film follows an Englishman’s personal and political awakening after he adopts a penguin during a cataclysmic period in Argentine history.
Book now on our website or call us on 01206 713 700
https://www.facebook.com/events/1213865640337289/?event_time_id=1213865643670622

Rubix Birthday Weekender!
2025-05-22 22:00 - 2025-05-26 02:00 | Rubix Bar, Rubix Bar
4 nights of clubbing , Drinking, dancing and partying to celebrate our 6th Birthday here in Colchester!
4 DJs over 4 nights, huge drinks deals and Free Entry on Thursday, Friday & Bank Holiday Sunday!
Thursday night – 10pm till 2am! Live DJ, Free Entry & 25% off ALL Drinks!🍷 🍺 🍾
Friday night – Karaoke 🎤 till midnight followed by Pop Friday with the biggest Pop Party & Dance Anthems to kick start your weekend plus Free Entry & 2 Cocktails 🍹 for £8!
Saturday is the big one! Retro classics from 70s Disco, 80s & 90s throwback and a cheeky naughties & now set chucked in also! Oh and yes we will have 🍰
Free Entry before 11pm, Giant Video wall, 2 DJs over 2 Floors, Retro Sweet Shop🍭 & 2 Cocktails 🍸 for £8!
Plus if you like your tunes cheesy join DJ Bobes for Pop in the Loft upstairs Saturday from 11pm! 🧀
Sunday – Doors open 9pm & it’s Free Entry! Party into Bank Holiday Monday with Andy Scott! It’s you Say it, We play it night, so you pick the tunes and enjoy dancing 🕺to them! Huge Drinks deals and feel good vibes all night!
Rubix Bar & Nightclub – Bringing the good times back to Colchester!

An Evening with The Inbetweeners' Joe Thomas!
2025-05-22 19:30 - 22:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
ComedyTickets £19.Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.
We’re talking all things The Inbetweeners at this special evening with actor/comedian Joe Thomas!
It wasn’t long after audiences were first introduced to hapless sixth-formers Will McKenzie, Neil Sutherland, Jay Cartright and Simon Cooper that The Inbetweeners became one of the nation’s best loved shows. With its endlessly quotable lines and outrageous laugh-per-second banter, the sitcom attracted record-breaking viewing figures and inspired two incredibly successful feature films.
Celebrating seventeen years since the show’s debut, Joe Thomas aka Simon Cooper is here in-conversation all about the series and taking questions from the audience. Hearing all about Joe’s favourite Inbetweeners moments and behind the scenes misadventures, as well as its impact on his own life as an actor/comedian, this promises to be an exciting evening of humour and insight from one of the nation’s best loved young sitcom stars. We’ll also, of course, be touching on Joe’s other work, including Fresh Meat, White Gold and TaskMaster!
Joe is happy to stay around for a short while after the show, meet fans and take pictures!

Painted Wolf Winemaker Tasting
2025-05-22 19:00 - 22:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
We are excited to announce our first winemaker tasting event in collaboration with Street Wines Ltd on Thursday 22nd May for Painted Wolf Winemaker Tasting.
The tasting will feature 7 wines presented by Jeremy Borg from South Africas Painted Wolf Wines. The emphasis for this tasting is really on the wines although they will be complimented by some tasty (braai) bites from our kitchen.
Our Painted Wolf Winemaker Tasting begins at 7pm in our basement bar.
Tickets are priced at £35. The wines tasted will be available to purchase and take home on the night
Over 18s only.
Background info: In 2006, Emma and Jeremy Borg decided to create a wine company with two main aims –To raise money to build a more hopeful future for endangered African wild dogs and to allow Jeremy to pursue his ambitions as a winemaker, Painted Wolf Wines has grown to become an award-winning producer and have donated over £179k to African wild dog and related conservation projects with 5% of turnover channelled into conservation projects.
Guests with specific dietary requirements or with allergies should contact the team via info@twmcolchester.com prior to ticket purchase.
Access – There is no lift to access the basement bar of Three Wise Monkeys. There is one flight of stairs to reach the bar.

Clarinet Concertos - Spring Concert at The Minories
2025-05-22 19:00 - 21:15 | The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester CO1 1UE, The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester CO1 1UE
Join us for an evening of exceptional music (in the lovely setting of The Minories) for clarinet and piano performed by award-winning, 2022 Classic FM ‘Rising Star’, Jonathan Liebovitz, accompanied by pianist and composer Joseph Havlat. The programme includes Claude Debussy’s Première Rhapsodie, Clara Schumann’s Three romances and sonatas for clarinet and piano by Poulenc and Brahms. Also, an exciting young artist spotlight by Young Royal Academy students Hassan Marzban and Mathew Gearing on recorder and percussion.

Life Drawing - Thursday, 22nd May 2025
2025-05-22 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

The ✨️ALBUM LAUNCH✨️
2025-05-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
We’re excited and have come over all of a quiver to be inviting you all to:✨️Victoria’s Big Easy Early Evening Album Launch Party✨️ (just did a lap of the kitchen table😃🎶💃🏻)Come along to the gorgeous venue The Three Wise Monkeys in Colchester from 7pm to 9pm and celebrate the launch of our shiney new Mini Album. It contains our original songs and a bit of Bonnie Raitt. If you would like us to add you to our Special/Exclusive Guest List, please message or email us:
https://victoriasbigeasy.com/email
It’s a FREE event and we’ll be selling our CD but if you would like to donate to our insatiable Coffee Fund, you are very welcome to donate/tip the band.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there 💿✨️🎶🎸❤️💃🏻
info@victoriasbigeasy.co.uk
Access – There is no lift to access the Top of Three Wise Monkeys. There are two hand-railed flights of stairs to reach the floor with rest opportunities between each flight.

Clarinet and Piano at The Minories
2025-05-22 07:00 - 10:00 | The Minories, Colchester, The Minories, Colchester
A relaxed late Spring evening of wine and glorious romantic music at The Minories: add a lovely cafe meal, or a drink in the gorgeous gardens, and then lose yourself in the soulful voice of the clarinet played with charm and compelling artistry by rising star Jonathan Liebowitz.For tickets (only £25) and details of how to pre-book a meal, check out our new website: www.romanrivermusic.co.uk

Wonderful Wednesdays - Livia Kojo Alour: STÙRM
2025-05-21 20:00 - 23:00 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
PERFORMANCEPay what you can affordDoors open 7:30 pm, Show starts 8 pmThis show is for a seated audience
A ‘work in progress’ show
“Livia Kojo Alour belts out a song that fizzles with energy: a celebration of her life, and the power of saying no.” – Broadway Baby
“Her voice, on versions of songs such as I Put a Spell on You and Wicked Game, is rich and enveloping. The heart of the journey is the embrace of collective Black love.” – The Scotsman
Livia, a mentee of Marisa Carnesky, is an award-winning Nigerian German-born poet, writer, musician and theatre maker. Her debut solo show Black Sheep rose to critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe ’22 winning the Birds of Paradise Award for Exceptional Theatre. This new work STÙRM is a conceptual live art concert performance talking about experiences of climate anxiety through an Afro futuristic lens. A fusion of orchestral music, vocals, spoken word, film, creative captioning and performance.
Performers: Livia Kojo AlourProducer: Jo MackieDramaturg: Marisa CarneskyComposer : Charlie BatesScript Development: Yomi Sode
Supported by Arts Council England

Wednesday Night Open Mic @ The Victoria Inn
2025-05-21 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.

Infusions Taster Evening
2025-05-21 19:00 - 22:00 | 5-6 St Nicholas St, CO1 1LB Colchester, United Kingdom, 5-6 St Nicholas St, CO1 1LB Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us on Wednesday 21st May for our Infusions Taster Evening!
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds as we present a carefully curated selection of dishes infused with our very own craft, each offering a unique flavor profile. Paired perfectly with a refreshing craft beer, this evening promises to be a feast for the senses.
Join us for an unforgettable experience as we explore the art of infusion and elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Tickets online cost £35. Availability is limited for this event so pre-booking is essential.
Starts 7pm in our tasting room
Over 18s only.
Guests with specific dietary requirements or with allergies should contact the team via info@othermonkeybrewing.com prior to ticket purchase.
Access – There is no lift to access the tasting room at Other Monkey Brewing The Taproom. There is one flight of stairs to reach the tasting room.

Comedy in Colchester - WORKSHOP AND OPEN(ISH) MIC NIGHT
2025-05-21 18:00 - 22:00 | Roots & Grooves Cafe, Roots & Grooves Cafe
Have you wanted to try stand-up comedy?Been told you are the funniest in the group?
Come to a writers’ workshop, Roots & Grooves, Colchester.
The workshop starts at 6pm with an open mic for people who’d like to see some new acts from around the UK.
🚨 IT’S FREE! 🆓 🚨
⏰ 6pm to 7.30pm
⏰ 7.30pm OPEN MIC SHOW START
📍 ROOTS AND GROOVES, COLCHESTER
SIGN UP HERE FOR THE WORKSHOP :
https://tinyurl.com/RandGWS
FREE TICKETS FOR THE SHOW :
https://www.jokepit.com/e/34745
SEE YOU THERE!!!!

Rosalie Cunningham
2025-05-20 19:30 - 22:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £14 / £12 concessions.Doors open 7.30pm, show starts 8pm.This gig is for a standing audience.
With her highly anticipated third solo studio album, To Shoot Another Day, out on November 1 2024, multiple award-winning singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rosalie Cunningham is finally on the cusp of reaping the rewards of staunch dedication to her chosen life path.
Coming to prominence through her former bands Purson and Ipso Facto, Rosalie embarked on her solo career in 2019, releasing her Mercury Music Prize nominated, eponymous début album through Cherry Red label Esoteric Antenna, earning a Top 10 placing in the UK’s official independent chart, and attracting fantastic reviews and stellar ratings from Classic Rock, Uncut, Mojo and Kerrang.
Rosalie built on her burgeoning reputation as an original, thought-provoking songwriter and musician with the release of her second solo album Two Piece Puzzle to universal acclaim in 2022. Rosalie’s first three solo studio albums: her self-titled début, Two Piece Puzzle and the new To Shoot Another Day. Reviews included: The Times – 4/5 ‘fantastic’; Powerplay – 10/10 ‘a heady mix… infused with Rosalie’s unique ability to entertain and enthral the listener’; Shindig – 5/5 ‘sexy, loud and bursting with ideas’; Uncut – 8/10 ‘dazzling’. Throughout the remainder of that year and 2023, an extensive and punishing touring schedule taking in venues and festivals throughout the UK and Europe gave audiences the opportunity to experience Rosalie’s compelling, captivating and charismatic live performance at first hand. These, together with the acclamation afforded to Two Piece Puzzle, culminated in her being named Female Vocalist of the Year in January 2023 by the readers of PROG magazine.
Watch the original videos for ‘RIDE ON MY BIKE’, ‘NUMBER 149’, ‘CROPREDY 2022’, ‘DUET’, ‘RETURN OF THE ELLINGTON’, ‘IN THE SHADE OF THE SHADOWS’ and many more on Rosalie’s YouTube video channel at http://www.youtube.com/@rosaliecunningham71

Drink & Draw: May 2025
2025-05-20 19:00 - 22:00 | The Odd One Out, 28 Mersea Road, Colchester, CO2 7ET, GB
An evening of drinking & drawing in the pub.Bring a sketchbook, pen, and money for beers.See you there.
