Keep Colchester Cool

Africa’s Dust Under My Feet - Talk by Naomi Saul ARPS ASINWP EFIAP DPAGB APAGB BPE4*
2025-11-25 19:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom, Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom
Naomi invites us to join her on a stunning photographic journey through two of her favourite African destinations: the iconic Maasai Mara and the captivating landscapes of Southern Tanzania. Through her lens, she captures breathtaking images of wildlife thriving in their natural habitats – majestic creatures roaming freely across vast plains and vibrant birds soaring throughopen skies.
(Visitors £5.00)

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
2025-11-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Romano Lounge, Romano Lounge
Come and make a gorgeous Christmas wreath at the Romano Lounge!
£42.50 including a soft drink and cake
All materials included and no experience necessary.
Email info@thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk via PayPal or bank transfer (no fees) or eventbrite (fees apply)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1473726047279?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Medlars at Colchester Arts Centre
2025-11-24 19:30 - 22:30 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
We will be at Colchester Folk Club/Colchester Arts Centre on Monday 24th November. Thanks to Elaine and Staff for asking us back! Hope to see you there.
Photo by Harry Scott

XGENERATIONX feat. Steve Norman (Spandau Ballet)
2025-11-23 19:00 - 22:00 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
Celebrated original Generation X drummer Mark Laff returns with XGENERATIONX for a UK tour in November 2025.
Generation X were an English punk rock band, formed in London in 1976. They were the musical starting point of the career of their frontman Billy Idol and issued six singles that made the UK singles chart and two albums that reached the UK Albums Chart. The band’s UK hit singles include Your Generation, Ready Steady Go, King Rocker and Valley of the Dolls.

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
2025-11-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Romano Lounge, Romano Lounge
Come and make a gorgeous Christmas wreath at the Romano Lounge!
£42.50 including a soft drink and cake
All materials included and no experience necessary.
Email info@thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk via PayPal or bank transfer (no fees) or eventbrite (fees apply)
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1473714603049?aff=oddtdtcreator

Art of the Roadz DJ Workshop
2025-11-23 16:00 - 18:00 | 74 High Street, CO1 1UE Colchester, United Kingdom, 74 High Street, CO1 1UE Colchester, United Kingdom
Learn to DJ with industry professionals in this FREE workshop funded by Essex County Council via the Arts and Cultural Fund, Colchester City Council, the Tudwick Foundation and Grassroots Charity.Exclusively for young people aged between 14 & 25.Please email artoftheroadz@gmail.com to book a space.

The Tango Zone’s Autumn Tea Dance @Marks Tey Parish Hall
2025-11-23 14:00 - 17:30 | Marks Tey Parish Hall, Old London Rd, Marks Tey, CO6 1EJ, GB
🍂The Tango Zone team is delighted to invite you to an AUTUMN TEA DANCE on SUNDAY 23rd NOVEMBER at Marks Tey Parish Hall, just outside Colchester. 🍂🍁Dance to TRADITIONAL tango music from our DJ Paul. Music will be in tandas of three with cortinas. There may be one or two surprise tandas! 🥳 Everyone welcome whatever your level of dancing! 🤗No need to book or bring a partner. Milonga from 2.00-5.30pm.£9 entry including nibbles. CASH ONLY PLEASE. Come along and help us celebrate the cosiness of Autumn and a continuing fantastic year of tango!🍂🍁🕺🏻💃🏻🎶
Venue: Marks Tey Parish Hall, Old London Road, Marks Tey, CO6 1EJ
Large free car park at the venue.
Attendance is at the risk and responsibility of the individual.

Christmas Workshop - Decoration Embroidery
2025-11-23 13:30 - 15:30 | 74 High Street, CO1 1UE Colchester, United Kingdom, 74 High Street, CO1 1UE Colchester, United Kingdom
Make a festive decoration with embroidery with our Festive Craft expert, Jen Rowley. All materials included – just come along for a relaxing two hours and get crafting.

Embroidered Decoration Making Workshop - The Minories
2025-11-23 12:30 - 15:30 | The Minories, Colchester, The Minories, Colchester
Make a festive decoration with embroidery with our Festive Craft expert, Jen Rowley.
All materials included – just come along for a relaxing two hours and get crafting.
Suitable for beginners.
Book Via the link below – https://www.theminories.org/event/christmas-workshop-decoration-embroidery

A morning with Robin Ince
2025-11-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
A morning of poetry with Robin Ince (TICKET ONLY or BOOK & TICKET options
Email us@redlionbooks.co.uk for information or go to www.redlionbooks.co.uk/events
Sunday, 23rd November 2025, 11am at the wheelchair accessible venue Colchester Arts Centre.
Raising awareness and funds for Colchester Samaritans
Two ticketing options£20 ticket includes signed copy of the poetry collection book, ICE CREAM FOR A BROKEN TOOTH,and can be booked here,or£10 (entry ticket only).Tickets are virtual and don’t need to be collected.Once booked your name will be on the door
(The book will be available on the day for £12)
Poems about life, death and the odd bits in between An instinctual poetry collection pursuing the psychological essence of personal and societal wellbeing, explored through experiential neurodivergence and humanism.
Robin Ince’s Ice Cream for a Broken Tooth is a morning of Robin performing poetry from his first poetry collection and much more – stories of apes, astronauts and Judi Dench – Robin is best known for co-hosting the internationally successful The Infinite Monkey Cage with Brian Cox and his books including Bibliomaniac and Normally Weird and Weirdly Normal.

Paper Stars Workshop - The Minories
2025-11-23 09:30 - 12:30 | The Minories, Colchester, The Minories, Colchester
Time to get creative with our Christmas Craft expert, Jen Rowley.
Make some stunning paper stars that add a different layer to the rest of the decorations.
A perfect pre-Christmas activity with a friend and mince pie!
All materials provides, suitable for beginners.
Book Via the link below – https://www.theminories.org/event/christmas-workshop-seeing-stars

Christmas Workshop - Seeing Stars!
2025-11-23 09:30 - 11:30 | 74 High Street, CO1 1UE Colchester, United Kingdom, 74 High Street, CO1 1UE Colchester, United Kingdom
Time to get creative with our Christmas Craft expert, Jen Rowley. Make some stunning paper stars that add a different layer to the rest of the decorations. A perfect pre-Christmas activity with a friend and mince pie!

Harmonies and High Notes
2025-11-22 19:30 - 22:30 | Ardleigh, near Colchester, Ardleigh, near Colchester
📣📣📣📣 Chorus Iceni next event will be …Saturday 22nd November in Ardleigh!! Tickets available Now!! Do come along for a special evening of women’s beautiful voices including guest singer Alice Pescott Frost!!💜💜💜💜

A Little English Concert
2025-11-22 19:30 - 22:00 | St Botolphs Church, Colchester, GB
Join us for an evocative evening of quintessentially English music, featuring beloved works by Holst, Vaughan Williams, Walton, and Elgar. From the pastoral charm of Fantasia on Greensleeves and the English Folk Song Suite to the stately elegance of Warlock’s Capriol Suite, this programme celebrates the rich musical heritage of England.
Whether it’s the lyrical beauty of folk melodies or the stirring energy of ceremonial marches, this concert offers an uplifting and evocative journey through some of England’s finest orchestral writing.
This concert promises something for everyone – bold, beautiful, and unmistakably English.
Programme
Warlock: Capriol Suite (orchestral version)Vaughan Williams: English Folk Song SuiteVauhan Williams: Fantasia on GreensleevesHolst: 2 Songs Without Words, Marching Song, Country SongHolst: Suite in E♭Walton: Crown ImperialElgar: Chanson de NuitElgar: Chanson de Matin
Tickets on sale until 12:00pm on Saturday, 22 November 2025. Tickets available on the door from 7:00pm (subject to availability).

Essex Spirits Co Tasting Evening
2025-11-22 19:00 - 22:00 | 10 North Station Rd, Colchester
Back by popular demand!!!
An evening of sampling some of Essexs finest spirits.
£20 a ticket and includes several drinks and food from the Church Street Deli.
See staff for details and tickets, limited to 30 places so get booked in to avoid disappointment.

Fundraising Christmas Wreath Workshop for St Helena Hospice
2025-11-22 19:00 - 21:00 | St Teresa’s Catholic Church, St Teresa's Catholic Church
Christmas wreath making workshop, all profits will go to St. Helena Hospice, Colchester who looked after my Mum, Anne Rowley.
Saturday 22nd November 7pm
At the workshop you will make and decorate a fresh Christmas wreath, a hot beverage and mince pie includes.
All materials will be provided. Soft drinks and snacks can be purchased. Feel free to bring alcohol. And there will be a raffle!
£42.50pp
Email info@thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk to book via PayPal or bank transfer (no fees) or the website (fees apply)
https://www.thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk/event-details/christmas-wreath-making-workshop-3

A Peaceful Noise
2025-11-22 15:00 - 18:00 | Colchester
Multiple venues. One wristband. One very special day of rock & roll!
For one very special day, Colchester city centre will come alive with an incredible line-up across multiple independent venues — all accessible with just one wristband. Expect raw energy, packed rooms and an atmosphere like no other, as artists unite to play more, and play louder, in support of the Nick Alexander Music Trust.
With a STACKED line-up including Colchester’s own conquering punk heroes Pet Needs, grunge powerhouse Bridget, headline by alt-rock powerhouse Nova Twins plus a blistering mix of established names, underground favourites and fast-rising newcomers spanning punk, indie, hip-hop, alt-rock and beyond PLUS headliner and special guests still to be revealed this landmark takeover will be unmissable.
Join us. Play More. Play Louder.
On the bill: Ben Brown • Bridget • Dave J Giles • Deux Furieuses • False Heads • Fraser Morgan • Freya Beer • Hobo Chang • Hoof! • Lawrence Langmead’s Normality • Lost Movies • Non Canon • Oi MATE! • Oxygen Thief • Shed • Silver Light Reaction • The Judas Project • The Lamplight Club • The Wicked Ravens • Wilswood Buoys • X-Kaminski • artists from CLIP • + many more.
This special edition of the A Peaceful Noise gig series — which has previously hosted intimate, breathtaking performances from the likes of Joshua Homme, Frank Turner, Tom Grennan and Gaz Coombes — marks the 10th anniversary of the Bataclan terror attack, where Nick Alexander tragically lost his life aged just 35.
Proceeds from the event will go directly to the Nick Alexander Music Trust, providing instruments and equipment to disadvantaged community groups across the UK, ensuring music continues to inspire and empower future generations. A percentage will also be donated to the Mayor’s Charities
Tickets strictly limited.
Important Event Information
Age Restriction: All venues are strictly 18+.
Wristband Exchange: Your ticket must be exchanged for an official event wristband on the day. Please check https://ticket-holder-email-v2.tiiny.site for wristband exchange points and updates.
Venue Entry: Access to all participating venues is on a first come, first served basis. Once a venue reaches capacity, entry will be on a one in, one out basis. If there is a particular band you wish to see, we recommend arriving early as entry cannot be guaranteed once capacity is reached.
Schedules: Venue splits and full timings will be released closer to the event date.
Ticket Collection: If collecting tickets, the cardholder must be present for all tickets.
Line-up: The line-up may be subject to change. In the event of changes, no refunds will be issued.
Accessibility: For accessibility enquiries, please contact zoe@thenickalexandermusictrust.com.

CODA - Acoustic Showcase
2025-11-22 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:Erin’s Grove??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

Christmas Fayre, Live Music & Entertainment!🎄
2025-11-22 10:00 - 19:30 | 7A Culver Square, CO1 1JQ Colchester, United Kingdom, 7A Culver Square, CO1 1JQ Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us at Culver Square on 22nd November, 10am – 7:30pm for a festive day out before the town Christmas light switch on.
Enjoy dance performances from local schools, live entertainment, and browse 12 local stalls selling gifts, treats, drinks, and more:
Sweet Delights Milson Rose Gifts & Events Bobbin Along SandSJewellery Essex Sparkle HolsBakes Once Upon A High Tide Flossie’s Coastal Craft Bars 4 Events Ltd Country Cottage Preserves PS Bride Babes Little Dainty Closet
Plus, meet some magical reindeer from 2pm – 6pm where you can purchase reindeer food, with all donations going directly to Colchester Foodbank!
👉 Find out more and plan your visit: www.culversquare.co.uk/christmas-fayre-at-culver-square/

The Firstsite Art Fair
2025-11-22 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.

Langham Christmas Handmade Fair - Colchester
2025-11-22 10:00 - 15:30 | Langham Community Centre
🎄 Save the Date🎄
Our Christmas event returns on Saturday 22nd November, so be sure to mark the date in your planner!
Expect everything from home décor, jewellery and beauty products to textiles and one-of-a-kind Christmas presents.
For more updates and news, follow our main page @langhamhandmadefair or visit www.langhamhandmadefair.co.uk
It’s the perfect chance to find something special for everyone on your festive shopping list!

Frock Swap
2025-11-22 09:45 - 12:45 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Bring along your unwanted clean clothes, shoes and accessories (womens’, mens’ and childrens’) that you have no further use for and enjoy swapping them for items that you will use. De-clutter your wardrobe and swap it for a new look!
Drop off your items from 9.45am – 10.15amSwappers and non swappers can arrive 10.45am – 12 noon.Swapping begins at 10.45amFree admission.Any donations to the Dora Love Prize welcome.

Motel Sundown / Craig Gould & the Nobel Thieves @ Colne Delta Blues & Americana Club, Brightlingsea
2025-11-21 20:00 - 23:00 | Colne Delta Blues and Americana, Colne Delta Blues and Americana
We fancied a road trip 🚗 we’ll see you in November, Brightlingsea!
We’ll be heading out as a four piece with some new tunes in the bag & we can’t wait to see you there.
Tickets:https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/94903

Forever Clapton
2025-11-21 20:00 - 23:00 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
This is your chance to get a SNEEK PEEK of this brand new production for 2026, starting its theatre tour in 2026 an outstanding tribute to one of the most iconic Blues and Rock guitarists of all time!
Forever Clapton is a fully LIVE 6 piece showband that along with audio-visual displays tells the story of the incredible guitarist Eric Clapton.Taking you through Clapton’s career from 1965 to present day, from the Blues Breakers, to Cream, Derek and the Dominos, and of course those unplugged performances.
This faultless show is performed by Benny “guitar” Smith, who along with his hand picked band perform all the greats such as – I shot the Sheriff,Lay down Sally, Cocaine, Crossroads, Holy mother, Layla and so many more iconic songs in this near 2 hour show.
This is a seated show.

I'm Every Whitney
2025-11-21 20:00 - 23:00 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
I’m Every Whitney LIVE
Kieshia brings an incredible tribute to the late, great Whitney Houston with her fantastic ‘Million Dollar Band’.
Her show is shared up and down the country and brings Whitney’s greatest hits from ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ and ‘So Emotional’ to ‘Greatest Love of All’ and ‘I Will Always Love You’.
Kieshia’s shows encourage the audience to sing, dance and enjoy the best of Whitney, described as “a stunning impersonator of the legendary Whitney Houston…”
Join I’m Every Whitney LIVE for an evening of fun, laughter and nostalgia as they take you on an unmissable ride to remember the Queen of the Divas

Craig Gould & The Nobel Thieves / Motel Sundown
2025-11-21 19:30 - 22:30 | Colne Delta, Community Centre, Lower Park Road, CO7 0LG Brightlingsea, United Kingdom, Colne Delta, Community Centre, Lower Park Road, CO7 0LG Brightlingsea, United Kingdom
Craig Gould & The Noble Thieves
Craig Gould’s music combines honest, emotional storytelling with the timeless sounds of americana, folk, country and blues. His debut album, Songs from the Campfire, earned critical acclaim, drawing comparisons to icons like Cat Stevens, Leonard Cohen, and Fleetwood Mac.Released to widespread praise, the record charted in the Top 20 of the UK’s Official Americana, Folk, and Indie Breakers charts. Named one of 2023’s Best Albums by At The Barrier, Music News Monthly, and BluesBlues, it chronicles Gould’s journey through mental illness, with all proceeds donated to the mental health charity CALM.
“Beautiful music & masterful musicianship” – Americana UK
With five UK headline tours, standout appearances at The Long Road, YNot, Camper Calling, and Rock n Ribs Festivals, alongside BBC Radio support, Craig’s live sound showcases an ability to connect with audiences through heartfelt songs. His evolving sound, shaped alongside his band The Noble Thieves, blends the soul of americana with the grit of blues, the spirit of country, and the storytelling of folk.
Intimate & mellifluous country sounds” – RnR Magazine
Craig’s momentum continues to grow with the release of an ambitious live EP in 2025, available in both audio and visual formats. His highly anticipated second studio album, Songs of Love and War, is due in late 2026.
Endorsed by Tanglewood Guitars, supported by the AMA-UK as a showcase artist, featured on the Folk on Foot Folk Albums Chart Show, and award-nominated by the BCMA, Gould’s blossoming reputation as both writer and performer shows no signs of slowing down.
“Make a note of the name” – Folking.com
Motel Sundown
With a sound reminiscent of soft-rock bands of the 60s & 70s, Motel Sundown draw listeners with their blend of heartfelt lyrics over luscious three part harmonies.
The three friends began writing together in 2018 after discovering mutual influences, releasing their debut album If You Were Listening in 2022 following a trio of singles. Labelled “a band to watch in 2024 and beyond” (Fatea) the Liverpool based band have since supported The Hanging Stars, Ashley Campbell, The Chapin Sisters and more recently, US Grammy nominated artist Courtney Marie Andrews, with two UK tours under their belt.
2024 proved their busiest year yet following the release of their debut EP El Dorado in June, (“vividly nostalgic songs that envelop and intrigue you” – Boot Music) and sold out shows at the Music Room, Liverpool and Green Note, Camden. Gaining momentum, the trio made their second appearance at Black Deer Festival in the Summer, before sharing a line-up with The Jacksons at Liverpool Pier Head, closing the year with a 9-date UK and Ireland tour selling out venues in Wales, Ireland and Liverpool.
Their 2025 itinerary sees them continue with their highly anticipated self-releases, following the success of their fingerpicked ballad Rosie which has received comparisons to the likes of Nick Drake and Fleetwood Mac, surpassing 20k streams on Spotify. Catch their harmonies live at Festivals this Summer and at their headline show at ARC, Liverpool in July.
“After all their time playing in Liverpool, it’s no surprise their sound is already honed and song craft accomplished.”
AMERICANA UK
“The perfect soundtrack to a road trip at sunset, leaving your troubles behind and your hopes out in front.”
URBANISTA
“This is sophisticated Americana that should see them going places.”
FATEA

East Anglian Wine and Cheese Pairing (Colchester)
2025-11-21 19:30 - 22:30 | No 10 Museum St, No 10 Museum St
Join us for a deliciously local journey through East Anglia’s finest flavours. This tasting experience brings together six carefully selected wines from across the region, each paired with an artisanal East Anglian cheese chosen to complement and enhance its character.
From elegant sparkling wine, to beautiful smooth reds, you’ll discover the diversity and quality of our local vineyards. Alongside, you’ll enjoy a handpicked selection of regional cheeses – from creamy soft varieties to a mellow, buttery blue – each thoughtfully matched to highlight the best of both glass and plate.
Whether you’re a wine and cheese enthusiast or simply curious to taste something new, this will be a relaxed, indulgent evening celebrating the very best of East Anglia’s produce.
Tickets £55pp.
Ticket includes: 6 wines, 6 cheeses, crackers, and a tasting notes booklet.

MYOPIA
2025-11-21 19:30 - 22:30 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
Myopia return to the stage with support from our very good friends Shed and Charcoal.

DJPressplay’s - Back To The 80s
2025-11-21 19:00 - 22:00 | 63 High street, Colchester, 63 High street, Colchester
Get ready to rewind time and hit the dance floor as DJ PressPlay takes you on a sonic journey back to the electrifying 1980s!
Join us for a night packed with neon lights, retro vibes, and all the synth-driven anthems that defined a generation. From Madonna to Michael, Prince to The Police, DJ PressPlay will be spinning the ultimate mix of pop, funk, new wave, and rock classics that will keep you moving all night long.
Get ready to press play on pure 80s nostalgia
7-2am
Glow sticks and themed cocktails available.
Free entry all night long

E =SC x 2 @QSB
2025-11-20 20:00 - 23:00 | 7 Queen Street, CO1 2PG Colchester, United Kingdom, 7 Queen Street, CO1 2PG Colchester, United Kingdom
SIMON CRAZE and SUZY CRAMER in back to back largely original song mode at their favourite haunting ground aka QUEEN ST BREWHOUSE.They are very likely to be wearing Green.
