Keep Colchester Cool

Pokémon Play Lab Discovery Day
2026-01-31 12:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Dice & A Slice, 37 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PQ, GB
We’re incredibly excited to be hosting a Pokémon Play Lab Discovery Day, an official Play! Pokémon event designed to welcome brand-new Trainers into the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
This is a relaxed, drop-in style day focused on learning, fun, and community. If you or your child have ever wanted to learn how to play Pokémon TCG, this is the perfect place to start.
What’s happening on the day
• Friendly, hands-on Pokémon TCG teaching sessions throughout the day
• Free Pokémon Packs for new players to take home
• Step-by-step learning using official Play Lab formats
• Pikachu hats and Play! Pokémon goodies
• Casual play, card swaps, and bulk boxes to browse
• Experienced players and organisers on hand to help
• A welcoming space for kids, parents, and complete beginners
We’re also pleased to confirm that the store will be stocked on the day, with a variety of Pokémon products available, including packs and accessories.
You don’t need any prior experience, cards, or knowledge to take part. Just turn up, have fun, and start your Pokémon journey.
Spaces are limited by kit availability, so early arrival is recommended.
This is an official Play! Pokémon League event, supported by The Pokémon Company International.
We can’t wait to see new Trainers join the community 🧢⚡

Rollerworld’s Super Roll
2026-01-31 11:00 - 23:30 | Colchester Charter Hall, Colchester Charter Hall
� SUPER ROLL – HURRY TICKETS ARE LIVE! � SPORTS THEME� Saturday, 31st January 2026� Charter Hall, Colchester
� Skate Hire sold out at the last event – make sure you book early this time!
� Ticket Info:� 4-for-3 Early Bird Deal – buy 4 tickets, only pay for 3 � Tickets on the door will be £15� Prices will increase in 2026 – book early to avoid paying more!
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� Session Times:� Relaxed: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM� Family Session: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM� Over 14’s Party Session: 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
� Spectator Tickets: £4- purchase at the same time as your skater tickets.
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� What to Expect:� Light Shows | � DJ | � Games | � Bar
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� BOOK NOW TO AVOID ANY PRICE INCREASE & SECURE YOUR PLACE:www.rollerworld.co.uk

Fascinator Workshop
2026-01-31 10:00 - 13:00 | Colcheco, Colcheco
Join us for a creative and inspiring Fascinator Workshop on Saturday 31st January, 10am–1pm, held at the workroom next to Colcheco.
In this small-group workshop, you’ll learn how to design and create a beautiful headpiece using sinamay (a fine woven straw), feathers and optional veiling. You’ll be guided step by step through the process, learning how to manipulate and shape the materials to create different styles, so you can leave with a fascinator that’s completely unique and true to your own design.
You’ll be able to choose from a range of sinamay colours and feathers, and experiment with different techniques in a relaxed, supportive environment. No previous millinery experience is needed, although you should be comfortable with basic hand sewing (starting and finishing stitching, running stitch and back stitch).
The workshop takes place in the workroom next to Colcheco on Layer Road. Toilet facilities are available within the Colcheco shop.
All materials, tools and expert tuitionChoice of sinamay colours and feathersTea, coffee and sweet treats available throughoutA finished fascinator to take home
You don’t need to bring anything with you, although you’re very welcome to bring along your own fabrics or trimmings if you’d like to incorporate them. Additional trimmings and feathers will also be available to purchase on the day.
Beginners welcome – Basic hand sewing skills required (running stitch, slip stitch, sewing on a button)
A relaxed, creative morning perfect for anyone who loves making something special by hand.
Book your tickets here: https://www.thecreativeworkshopcompany.co.uk/event-details/fascinator-workshop

Disney Lorcana Whispers in the Well League
2026-01-31 10:00 - 12:00 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
This week standard week.
Due to popular demand and the love or Lorcana, Saturday morning league is going back to a points based system (for those that want to join in with the points system). This is however just a fun guideline. if you do not have each of the formats decks don’t worry come and play any deck you like.
At the end of each week prizes will be given out in the form of promo cards and badges etc. Don’t worry if you do not want to take part there will be promos for all as well as random prizes too.
Remember this is all for those that want to join in with the sticker fun. You are more than welcome to play any deck on any league session, so don’t worry if you don’t have all the formats decks league is about enjoying and playing Lorcana each week.
All morning we will have demo staff available to teach you all you need to know about this game. We will be running the demo’s with the new starter decks available.
Please note all of these events have limited spaces of 24 people, so to avoid missing out please either click attend on this event, come in and speak to a member of staff of call us on 01206 561912 to make sure you don’t miss out.

❤️Art Beats
2026-01-30 20:00 - 23:00 | 1 East Street, Wivenhoe, Colchester, 1 East Street, Wivenhoe, Colchester
Dear neighbours,We’re so excited to invite you to our very first special � Art Beats evening at Wivenhoe Cafe & Gallery!We’re also happy to announce that our TEN application has been accepted, which means we’ll be able to serve alcohol at the event.We can’t wait to welcome you for an evening of art, music, and great company.
Cocktails Menu for �Art Beats Evening:1. Cupid’s ArrowVodka, Strawberry, Lime, SodaVibe: Sweet, Flirty, RefreshingPrice: £7.502. Midnight KissGin, Raspberry, Lemon, Elderflower, SodaVibe: Elegant, Aromatic, Late-Night RomancePrice: £7.503. Love FrequencyBrandy, Orange Juice, Vanilla Syrup, Orange PeelVibe: Warm, Sensual, Slow-Burn EnergyPrice: £7.504. Heartbeat MartiniVodka, Cranberry Juice, Lemon, Vanilla Syrup, Fresh Cranberries, Lemon SlicesVibe: Clean, Soft, Romantic EdgePrice: £7.505. Valentine’s MojitoRum, Fresh Mint, Strawberry, Lime, Strawberry Syrup, LemonadeVibe: Fresh, Romantic, Lightly SweetPrice: £7.50WinesPinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot175ml: £5250ml: £7Bottle: £20BeerPolish Beer: £5

Dara O'Briain - Re:Creation
2026-01-30 20:00 - 23:00 | Colchester Charter Hall, Colchester Charter Hall
Sale Dates and Times:
Public Onsale : Fri, 6 Sep 2024 at 11:00 AM
Ticketmaster Presale : Wed, 4 Sep 2024 at 11:00 AM
Off The Kerb Presale : Wed, 4 Sep 2024 at 11:00 AM

Kenny Junior at Junction 25 LDC
2026-01-30 20:00 - 22:30 | Marks Tey Parish Hall, Old London Rd, Marks Tey, CO6 1EJ, GB
Join us for a night of line dancing to live music.£8 entryDoors open 7:15pm for 8pmNo bar so bring your own.Tea and coffee available.
Contact Trish on 07815 125261 to book a place

Queen Street Beyond The Fringe Presents Creatures of the Night Boxing Day Extravaganza
2026-01-30 19:30 - 2026-01-31 00:30 | Queen St Brewhouse, 7 - 9 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PG, GB
End of JanuaryGothtastic night in the Brewhouse sees DJ Will Bland & DJ Gentleman Jim playing the best stomping GOTH ROCK METAL🖤🤠☠️🫵🧟‍♀️🧟🎧🎚️💿

Native James Support From: Skeleton Boy + Dead Channels IVW 2026
2026-01-30 19:30 - 22:30 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
TWM Live is thrilled to announce Native James with support from Skeleton Boy + Dead Channels as part of IVW 2026. Join us for an exciting evening of live music on Friday, 30th January, at the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys in Colchester. Doors open at 7:30pm, and tickets are priced at £10 plus booking fee. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event!THIS SHOW IS 18+Please note that access to the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys does not have a lift, but there are rest opportunities between each flight of stairs.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.

Power Station - COLCHESTER - FIRST SITE
2026-01-29 20:00 - 23:00 | First Site Colchester Art Gallery, First Site Colchester Art Gallery
Power Station began in the depths of lockdown – and in the aftermath of our previous film Bank Job, where we purchased and blew up £1.2 million of local debt – with the question ‘’what could we do from where we live, with the people around us, to build power – of energy and imagination?’
Working to turn a street and local schools solar, Power Station is a scalable in-your-face prototype of community led power. Channelling Withnail and I and Ealing comedy the film charts the financial and emotional trials and tribulations of making change together.From sleeping on rooftops to growing thousands of sunflowers and attempts at Christmas number one, community spirit and resilience are at the heart of this documentary.
“I can’t recommend this film enough.You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll kickstart a community-led renewable energy revolution.
I will say, without any sense of exaggeration or hyperbole, that this is one of the most important films ever made. Everyone needs to see it.”
– Rob Hopkins, co-founder Transition Network

The Lexden Crown presents An Old Skool Pen and Paper Quiz of 2025 with Big Jim
2026-01-29 19:30 - 22:15 | The Lexden Crown, Bistro Pub – Colchester, The Lexden Crown, Bistro Pub - Colchester
The Lexden Crown presents an Old Skool Pen and Paper QuizIts Time to take it back to the Old Skool, with a Pen and Paper style Quiz.
Big Jims Old Skool Pub Quiz, fun for all, with 5 themed rounds of quiz fun, including both Audio and Picture rounds and the return of the World famous Stealer round, to steal the win on the last question, as well.
£2.50 per person, max 6 people per team.
So grab a pen, round up your friends or family and welcome back that old skool feeling of quizzing on a Thursday Night with Big Jim
Great food and drinks offers avaiable, and it’s pizza night with there great wood fired pizzas, as well as a great bistro pub with a warm atomsphere and lovely people, and an average quizmaster.
Come and test your teams knowledge against Colchesters finest Quiz Teams, enjoy some food, beer and a great atmosphere,whilst getting Quizzical with one of Colchester;s finest Quiz Hosts
See you there My Quizzy Quiz Loving Preps

A Two Woman Hamlet
2026-01-29 19:30 - 20:30 | Lakeside Theatre, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, GB
It’s Hamlet, but not as you know it. Two women (and a skull) take on 23 roles between them in 60 minutes, in a spectacularly fun and surprisingly moving theatrical event. This is an unpretentious adaptation, with joys in it for those familiar with Hamlet and those new to the story.
Following the critical success of the original production by Sherman and Friends at the Capitol Fringe (Washington, DC, 2018) and Edinburgh Fringe (2022), The Yorickans developed a fresh take on this irreverent adaptation for a sold-out run at Colchester’s Lakeside Theatre in March 2025.
The team then took the show on tour, performing at the Camden and Colchester Fringe Festivals and the Wickham Theatre in Bristol last year. The Yorickans are delighted to bring the show back to its home turf, now with the two original principal actors (Sharmila Peake and Deanna Strasse) switching over to the other track.
Fun, fast-paced and with a feminist heart, A Two Woman Hamlet is truly a different show with every performance!
Based on an original concept by Mara Sherman, Hannah Sweet and Nicola Collett.

Cancelled. Apologies. Moody Cow Paint Evening in Colchester
2026-01-29 19:00 - 22:30 | Artsy Image, Artsy Image
A brand new highland cow comes to Colchester at Artsy Image.No experience necessary.Come along and have lots of fun creating something you didn’t think possible.

NOW! That's What I Call...DRAG! Colchester! IVW 2026
2026-01-29 19:00 - 22:30 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
Do you love all things drag?! Well strut right up because “NOW! That’s What I Call…DRAG!” is BACK for their first show of 2026 bringing you a gorgeous night of drag in COLCHESTER at the iconic Three Wise Monkeys! Serving up a classic slice of British drag cabaret, expect fabulous lip synching, live vocals, camp comedy, audience games and of course…CHAOS!
Hosted by East Anglia’s dynamic drag duo Knuckle Sandwich and Will Power (with special guests TBA!) you’ll be in for the night of your lives! After 2 years of sold out shows, you won’t want to miss the big return of East Anglia’s ICONIC drag cabaret night! So put on those lashes, pack on that glitter and 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.

Wivenhoe Funny Farm 7.30pm start!
2026-01-29 19:00 - 21:30 | Wivenhoe Bowls Club, Woodland Way, Colchester, CO79, GB
Booking info at bottom of this post.
Thursday 29th January 7.30pm to 9.30pm – back at Wivenhoe Bowls Club – doors 7pm (please use Woodland Way entrance)
Top notch live stand-up comedy from Andrew O’Neill“One of the funniest comics on the circuit today” – TimeOut
“Thrillingly good comedy – it flies at you, picks you up, takes you into its world, makes you laugh, makes you think, makes you feel, makes you care.” Scotsman
Support:
Blank PengBlank Peng is an incognito bilingual stand-up comic. She started performing stand-up in Mandarin and began performing in English after coming to the UK.In just one year, she became the first female winner of the Top Secret Comedy Gong, King Gong, Rising Star New Act Competition 2022, Finalist of Leicester New Comedian of the Year, West End New Act Runner-up, Semi-finalist of Komedia Comedy Awards, Bath Festival New Act Competition Nominee and her star is set to rise on the very near future!
and Pat Smith
MC Hazel Humphreys​
Please read!ALL BOOKINGS NEED TO BE CONFIRMED VIA HAZEL – email – FUNNYFARMCOMEDY@GMAIL.COM
PLEASE PAY IN ADVANCE unless agreed with us.
We will be asking for donations to help pay acts for reservations. Recommended £8.50 donation per seat booked (£7 concessions) but whatever you can manage.
This is an indoor gig at Wivenhoe Bowls Club starting 7.30pm (doors 7pm), there is limited seating available. Please book tables.
We will be requesting donations for table reservations in order to help us pay our professional acts. This would be preferable via BACs in advance.
This is a cracking comedy line-up with pro comics and the Funny Farm needs the audience’s help in covering the costs.
I’ve been asked by the Bowls Club to ask people to not form large queues at the bar and if possible return empty glasses at the end of the night. Done x

Life Drawing - Thursday, 29th January 2026
2026-01-29 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

Author Event: A Life of Crime with crime writer Mike Ripley
2026-01-29 18:00 - 21:00 | 125 High Street, CO1 1SZ Colchester, United Kingdom, 125 High Street, CO1 1SZ Colchester, United Kingdom
A Life of Crime
In conversation with author Mike Ripley, over a glass of wine. Mike Ripley wrote his first novelon the train whilst commuting between Colchester and London. He has written a further 31 novels, two works of non-fiction and a collection of short stories, was a scriptwriter for the BBC series Lovejoy and edited two volumes of stories from the cult television series Callan.
Mike won the Last Laugh Award for comedy crime writing three times, the Angel Award for East Anglian writers, a Sherlock Award and the H.R.F. Keating Award for non-fiction, for his history of British thrillers. He has appeared on stage for live audiences with, among others: Colin Dexter, Minette Walters, Stella Rimington, Sir Ian Rankin and Lee Child. As editor, he re-published more than a hundred crime novels and thrillers which had gone out of print for Colchester publisher Ostara, and developed a creative crime-writing course for the adult education department of Cambridge University. From 1989 to 2000 he was the crime fiction critic for the Daily Telegraph and from 2000 to 2008 for the Birmingham Post. He has also written on crime fiction for The Observer, The Timesand The Guardian and for Radio 4.

Curry Night
2026-01-29 17:00 - 20:00 | 5-6 St Nicholas St, CO1 1LB Colchester, United Kingdom, 5-6 St Nicholas St, CO1 1LB Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us on the last Thursday of every month at Other Monkey Brewing – The Taproom for a night of incredible flavours and craft beer. January is all about the Tikka – A rich, mild and comforting flavour profile, with a vibrant orange colour. Despite having Indian roots it’s widely considered a British national dish. Sides; naan, popadom, onion, tomato & coriander salad, chutney
Pair your meal with a pint of our signature Other Monkey Brewing beer, freshly brewed right here on-site. All of this comes together for just £12.50 per person!
Whether you’re a curry connoisseur or just love great food and beer, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Event Details:Date: Last Thursday of Every MonthTime: 5pm – 9pmLocation: Other Monkey Brewing – The TaproomPrice: £12.50 per person
Book by selecting the date of the curry night and choosing curry booking. Vegan options are available

Open Mic Comedy Night @ Dice & a Slice
2026-01-28 19:30 - 22:30 | Dice & A Slice, 37 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PQ, GB
Open Mic Comedy at Dice & a Slice! FREE ENTRY!
Apply to perform at the link below
https://forms.gle/CCNgZn2DrZx2h4Hp6

ONE PIECE Store Tournament Event
2026-01-28 19:00 - 23:00 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
ONE PIECE Store Tournament Event. This is our first of many One Piece events. We hope to keep this on the calendar so come and show your support for this super not so new now TCG,
This is an event were you will need to bring along your own One Piece decks to battle it out in an amount of rounds that are using the best of 3 format. Rounds will last 50mins each.
Prize SupportEveryone gets a store tournament 2025 pack & booster for coming and 1st place gets a foil tournament 2025 pack. Not only that but addition booster will be put into the prize pot for every player that enters.
Start time: 7pmCost £10.00
Please note all of these events have limited spaces of 24, so to avoid missing out please either click attend on this event, come in and speak to a member of staff of call us on 01206 561912 to make sure you don’t miss out.

Battle of the Bands Heat 3 – Guest Judge GREEBO
2026-01-28 18:00 - 21:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
Sign-up sheet: https://forms.gle/vJQsx3Sj8gfkoy8M6
Event: Battle of the Bands
Location: Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester Top Floor
Dates:– Heat 1: Monday, 26th January 2026: Ghost Week– Heat 2: Tuesday, 27th January 2026 PULSE– Heat 3: Wednesday, 28th January 2026 GREEBO
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:45 PM (No under 18s allowed after 9:00 PM)Ticket Price: £4 (includes £1 donation to the Brightlingsea Free Festival)
Overview:TWM Live invites artists under 18 to participate in this exciting nationwide event as part of Independent Venue Week 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for young musicians to gain exposure and showcase their talents in a supportive environment.
Event Structure:Each heat will feature one of Colchester’s local bands hosting the night and closing with a small set.
Prize Information:– 1st Place: Opens the stage at the Brightlingsea Free Festival (up to 4,000 attendees), receives 60% of door money (after donation), a full day in the studio, and a mixed and mastered single at Black Cactus Studio.– 2nd Place: 30% of door money.– 3rd Place: 10% of door money.– Wild Card: An additional band will be selected to perform at Meff Fest 3, a local punk festival.
Requirements:All bands must arrive by 5 PM. A random draw will determine performance order. Backline equipment will be provided, including a drum kit, guitar amps, and a bass amp.
Welfare Policy:The safety of young attendees is paramount. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. A strict Challenge 25 policy will be enforced at the door, and first aid-trained staff will be present.
Accessibility:The venue is on the top floor with no lift access, requiring five short flights of stairs.
Refund Policy:No refunds will be processed within 7 days of the event.
Contact:For inquiries, contact AJ at twmlive@pasinileisure.com.
Stay Updated:Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates.Ticket Link for Heat 1: https://ticketscandy.com/e/battle-of-the-bands-heat-1-guest-judge-ghost-week-13551Ticket Link for Heat 2: https://ticketscandy.com/e/battle-of-the-bands-heat-2-guest-judge-pulse-13552Ticket Link for Heat 3: https://ticketscandy.com/e/battle-of-the-bands-heat-3-guest-judge-greebo-13553
We look forward to seeing many talented young artists at the Battle of the Bands!

17th Colchester Winter Ale Festival
2026-01-28 12:00 - 22:30 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
80+ real ales, real cider and more. Full details at https://colchesterbeerfestivals.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/events/1828805534415952/?event_time_id=1828805541082618

SPACE: Peer-to-Peer (in person)
2026-01-28 12:00 - 14:00 | 37 queen street, CO1 2PQ Colchester, United Kingdom, 37 queen street, CO1 2PQ Colchester, United Kingdom
The SPACE Peer-to-Peer sessions are a space for sharing work in progress, peer support and feedback and networking.
The sessions are open to all creatives and are free to attend.

MIPS Challenge Trophy Interclub PDI League Competition
2026-01-27 19:30 - 22:00 | Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom, Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom
Appraisal by David Steel DPAGB
Header Image: Coyote with Kill, Lynn Rix DPAGB BPE2*

Battle of the Bands Heat 2 – Guest Judge PULSE
2026-01-27 18:00 - 21:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom

Masterclass Online – Creative Accounting with Kate Alhashimi
2026-01-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Balkerne Gate, CO1 1PT Colchester, United Kingdom, Balkerne Gate, CO1 1PT Colchester, United Kingdom
Creative Accounting Online Masterclass with Kate Alhashimi takes place on Tue 27 Jan from 6-8pm on Zoom.
The Creative Accounting Online Masterclass with Kate Alhashimi will teach you how to take control of your creative business finances with smart budgeting tools, cash-flow strategies, and essential organisational know-how.
Plus, you’ll get clarity on business registration options and Theatre Tax Relief to power up your professional toolkit.
Please ensure your email is on your account, or that you give us your email as you will receive your Zoom link prior to the online event.

Mercury Reads: We Caught A Burglar
2026-01-27 16:00 - 18:00 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
Join us for Mercury Reads a series of lively rehearsed readings celebrating local voices and fresh new writing. Each event spotlights an exciting playwright from our region, giving audiences the chance to see new stories take shape for the very first time.
In this session, join us in the Upstairs Bar on Tue 27 Jan at 4pm as we look at Mercury Reads: We Caught A Burglar by Daniel Hallissey.
Two roommates, down on their luck, inadvertently capture a burglar. As they try to navigate the chaos that ensues, their friendship and sense of morality are tested in a darkly comedic struggle for control and survival. We Caught a Burglar is an entertaining and enjoyable story revolving around a friendship in crisis and an unfortunate stranger caught in the middle.

Mini Museum Explorers
2026-01-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Colchester Natural History Museum, Colchester Natural History Museum
Designed for children aged 2 1/2 to 4, along with their parents, grandparents, and carers, these monthly sessions offer an immersive journey of scientific or historical exploration and discovery.
Join us on 27th January at 10 AM – 11 AM or 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM for the first Mini Museum explorers of 2026! Ideal for all curious pre-schoolers, this month we’re investigating the world of art! From sculpture to collage to natural art. It’s going to be a busy and hands-on session. Just £3 per child and accompanying adults go free. Book now…
Mini Museum Explorer sessions are designed for pre-school children and their carers – they are unsuitable for larger nursery groups (although we are happy to organise these for you!)
Spaces cost £3 per child.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1510268316928845/?event_time_id=1510268320262178

An Audience Without Jake Thackray
2026-01-26 19:30 - 22:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £12 / £11 concessions.Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.
This show is for a seated audience.
John Watterson is delighted to bring his show to Colchester Folk Club – ‘An Audience without Jake Thackray’.
The show will include many Jake classics (Sister Josephine, On Again On Again, The Bantam Cock etc), anecdotes from John’s research into Jake’s life for the forthcoming biography as well as some newly discovered Jake Thackray masterpieces from John’s most recent CD, The Lost Will and Testament of Jake Thackray. Most of the album’s fifteen songs have never been released in any format before. Many have lain, forgotten, in the BBC archives for decades; some have not been heard for half a century.
Leeds-born Jake Thackray (1938-2002) is increasingly recognised as being one of the greatest English songwriters of the twentieth century, a unique talent, whose songs are full of poetry, wit, irreverence and humanity. He became known to millions through his regular appearances in the 1960s and 1970s on programmes such as Braden’s Week and That’s Life. During his career he performed over 1000 times on television and radio, performed for the royal family and toured the world. His distinctive appearance, deadpan delivery, talent for storytelling, clever wordplay, occasional, artful use of vulgarity and surreal imagination delighted many viewers and outraged some.
Since his death in obscurity there has been growing recognition of his genius and a resurgence of interest in his work. His admirers include Jarvis Cocker, Alex Turner, Don Black, Thea Gilmore, Cerys Matthews, and Benjamin Clementine.
John Watterson is the UK’s leading performer of Jake’s songs. As Fake Thackray he has toured with Fairport Convention and performed at Latitude, Cropredy and the Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. He has also played for Jake’s family.
John has appeared many times on radio, including Radio 4’s Great Lives, a recent Radio 2 documentary on Jake presented by Cerys Matthews and Radio 3’s The Verb hosted by Ian McMillan.

Battle of the Bands Heat 1 – Guest Judge Ghost Week
2026-01-26 18:00 - 21:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
