Keep Colchester Cool

An Evening of Ghost Stories by M. R. James at Layer Marney Tower
2025-10-23 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | Layer Marney Tower
An Evening of Ghost Stories by M.R. James A one-man performance by Toby Burchell.
“Yet, in all this quiet, there was an acute, an acrid consciousness of a restrained hostility very near to us, like a dog on a leash that might be let go at any moment.”
Join Behind the Door Productions for ‘An Evening of ‘Ghost Stories by M. R. James’ at Layer Marney Tower.
Act 1: ‘The Mezzotint’ follows Mr Williams, the curator of a university art museum, who receives a mezzotint from an art dealer. What Mr Williams comes to discover is that the picture appears to move every time he looks at it. But the story the mezzotint is showing is something far more sinister than Mr Williams first thought…
Act 2: In ‘A Warning to the curious’ we follow Paxton, an archaeologist who inadvertently comes upon one of the three holy crowns of East Anglia. What he uncovers leads to something far more sinister…’
This is a candlelit performance taking place at Layer Marney Tower and will begin at 7pm.
In this one-man performance, Toby Burchell performs two chilling tales by the finest writer of the ghost story genre, M. R. James. Originally narrated by James himself as an entertainment for friends, these are the perfect traditional ghost stories.

Music Bingo
2025-10-23 18:30 - 23:00 | JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, CO4 5UP Colchester, United Kingdom, JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, CO4 5UP Colchester, United Kingdom
Get ready to sing, dance, and shout ‘Bingo!’ as we turn your favorite hits into a night of non-stop fun! Music Bingo is your ticket to prizes, laughter, and unforgettable good times. Mark off the songs as you hear them to win amazing prizes.
Doors open at 6.30pm, with our bar food menu available to purchase. The 5 games of bingo will start from 8pm. Additional games are available to purchase on the night for £2.50 each. Over 16’s only. Event will finish by 11pm.
Our magic mirror will also be available to take photos throughout the evening!
Parking is free at the stadium when attending one of our events. Simply enter your car registration number into the tablets in the reception foyer as you enter.
If you wish to leave your vehicle overnight, you may do so and your parking validation will cover you until the following day. Please ensure that your vehicle is collected by 10am.

Autumn Beer Tap Takeover
2025-10-23 17:00 - 2025-10-26 22:00 | Other Monkey Brewing – The Taproom, 5-6 St Nicholas St, Colchester, CO1 1LB, GB
Join us for a celebration of the season’s finest brews at our Autumn Beer Tap Takeover! Taking place from Thursday 23rd October to Sunday 26th October immerse yourself in the world of craft beer as we showcase an exquisite assortment of both seasonal draught and cask beers, each carefully selected to embrace the essence of autumn.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just looking to explore new tastes, our tap takeover has something to offer everybody.
Mark your calendars for a weekend of fun and beer at The Taproom. Thursday 23rd October – Sunday 26th October. FREE ENTRY

THE FARGO RAILROAD CO. 22nd October, Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester
2025-10-22 19:30 - 22:30 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
-HEAD LINE TOUR-
This October we shall be striking out under our own steam. Tickets are out now click our link. We hope to see all of you on the road this Autumn.
support from the glorious Emilia Quinn (solo acoustic)
Love,Jody, Smack, Andy, APD & Eli

SPACE: Peer-to-Peer (in person)
2025-10-22 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.

TheatreFest 2025
2025-10-21 19:30 - 2025-10-22 19:30 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
TheatreFest brings together students, teachers, and theatre professionals from across Essex for schools and our Mercury Young Company in the Community to devise a themed 10-minute theatre piece to be showcased on the Mercury stage. This year the groups are devising pieces inspired by our Associate Company Frantic Assembly who is celebrating its 30th Anniversary.
Participation in the festival fosters respect, excitement, artistic development, teamwork, problem solving and a true sense of community.

CPS 8 X 8 Trophy Competition
2025-10-21 19:30 - 22:00 | Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom, Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom
Eight clubs compete with an entry of eight prints, each by a different photographer.
Appraisal by Julie Hutson ARPS DPAGB
Header Image: Siblings – Roy Essery (Best Print in the 2024/2025 competition)

Mini Museum Explorers
2025-10-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Hollytrees Museum, Hollytrees 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 exploration and discovery. The October session will focus on Bones and Skeletons.
These sessions offer a unique opportunity for children and their caregivers to bond and learn while exploring the Garden Room and its displays. Through storytelling, interactive play, craft activities, and science exploration, they aim to stimulate development, encourage communication, and nurture curiosity.
Parents/carers must stay with their children throughout the session. Mini Museum Explorer sessions are designed for pre-school children and their carers – they are unsuitable for larger nursery groups.
Spaces cost £3 per child.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1100459501987292/?event_time_id=1100459508653958

Kit Hawes & Aaron Catlow at Colchester Arts Centre
2025-10-20 19:30 - 22:30 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
“Fleet fingered and ingeniously arranged…deserve to be thought of as up there with the best of them” – Songlines“Such dexterity, energy and passion…mightily impressive” – R2 MagazineOne of the most exciting duos to emerge from the UK in recent times, Kit Hawes & Aaron Catlow combine heartfelt musicality, unparalleled virtuosity and vocal harmony. Using the folk music of the British Isles as a catalyst, Kit and Aaron create dynamic and effervescent interpretations of centuries-old material as well as original songs and compositions, all the while celebrating the timeless aural quality of a guitar, fiddle and vocals duet.Studio albums The Fox (2016) and Pill Pilots (2019) have been met by wide critical acclaim, receiving five star reviews and local and national airplay. The duo tour extensively in the UK and internationally across Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.BBC 2’s Mark Radcliffe is a champion of their work, saying “Kit and Aaron are reminiscent of the late Dave Swarbrick and Martin Carthy… I can give them no higher accolade. They are at the top of their game”.“The pair demonstrate an eclectic approach that lifts them head and shoulders above the rest” – Acoustic Magazine“Never a dull moment, with imagination firing throughout and an abundance of creative energy” – Living Tradition

Halloween Arts and Crafts
2025-10-20 10:00 - 12:00 | 9-10 Mason Road, Cowdray Centre, CO11BX Colchester, United Kingdom, 9-10 Mason Road, Cowdray Centre, CO11BX Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us for free halloween special arts and crafts from 10 am to 12 pm, plus a hot drink per adult and squash with a biscuit per child, no booking needed! Normal entry costs apply.

The Carpenters Voice of the Heart
2025-10-19 19:30 - 22:00 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
Our show has been on the road 21 years and we are looking forward to performing for the first time at Mercury Theatre Colchester Sunday 19th October Tickets are available now via the link below ��
Live music at it’s best! ���
Join singing star Carole Gordon and the fabulous cast of musicians and singers which boasts a wealth of talent having performed in the West End and travelling the world performing on cruise liners QE2 and QM2
A sparkling evening out for Carpenters fans everywhere. Book your tickets now

Underwater Sky album launch part 2 @ Headgate Theatre Colchester
2025-10-19 19:00 - 22:00 | Headgate Theatre, Headgate Theatre
The second of just two very special shows celebrating the release of the debut Kyson Point album ‘Underwater Sky’, withguest musicians Giovanni Crescenzi on bass and Sophie Sirota on viola, and support from the fantastic Florence Sommerville.

Shed
2025-10-19 17:30 - 20:30 | 10 North Station Rd, Colchester
They’re back!!!
We’re super lucky and very excited to welcome back Shed to The Vic!!
In the 7 months or so since they last played here, they have gone from strength to strength and really are one of Colchesters top bands.
Get down here early as this is going to be a full house as always this is a free gig, but donations are encouraged!
Let’s keep live music alive!!

Medieval Music Concert - St Andrew's Church, Marks Tey
2025-10-19 14:30 - 17:30 | St Andrew’s Church, Marks Tey, St Andrew's Church, Marks Tey
Join us for a unique musical experience with ‘Love, Devotion and Harmonious Melodies,’ a medieval music journey presented by Marco Cannavò and Steve Tyler. Explore secular and sacred compositions from the 12th to the 14th Century, performed on a variety of historical musical instruments such as Hurdy Gurdy, Citole, Organistrum, Symphonie, Portative Organ, Bladder Pipe, Gothic Harp, and Percussion. Refreshments will be served after the concert, with donations to church funds
Ticket Price: £15.00 – Concession: £10.00 – Under 18 years old: Free

PUNX 4 THE ANIMALS
2025-10-18 20:00 - 23:00 | Queen St Brewhouse, 7 - 9 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PG, GB
PUNX 4 THE ANIMALS at Queen St Brewhouse, Colchester. Charity gig in aid of Together for Animals. Although it is a Free Entry gig, donations are very appreciated. Every penny goes to those animals that need support 💜🩷💜
Band Times:
Everyone Lies: 8:00-8:40
Dynamite & Dinosaurs: 9:00-9:40
We Punch Tigers: 10:00-11:00

Chris McCausland: Yonks!
2025-10-18 20:00 - 23:00 | Colchester Charter Hall, Colchester Charter Hall
Sale Dates and Times:
Public Onsale : Wed, 30 Oct 2024 at 03:00 PM

Gig at Newtown Tavern
2025-10-18 20:00 - 23:00 | Newtown Tavern, Kendall Road, Colchester, CO1 2BN, GB
A night of live music from everyone’s* favourite cover band!!Serving bangers and mash-ups!!
*at least 3 people’s

Endless Love - A Tribute to Diana Ross & Lionel Richie - COLCHESTER
2025-10-18 19:30 - 22:30 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
Starring a sensational cast, incredible vocals and a stellar live band, Endless Love is the ultimate feel good night out and it celebrates the two legendary artistes Diana Ross and Lionel Richie.
The show is packed with Motown classics and timeless smash hits such as I’m Coming Out, Dancing On The Ceiling, Upside Down, Say You Say Me, Chain Reaction, All Night Long, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Hello, Can’t Hurry Love and of course the NUMBER 1 DUET OF ALL TIME – “ENDLESS LOVE”plus many more.
Featuring authentic live arrangements taken from both Lionel’s and Diana’s original touring shows, Endless Love is an electrifying and joyful emotional rollercoaster guaranteed to get you singing along and on your feet!
This wonderfully produced show brilliantly captures the glitz, glamour and sentiment of soaring love songs and guarantees to have audiences rocking out to 80s classics and gettin’ down to outright dancefloor fillers. You already know the words… so, singing voices at the ready and dancing shoes on, grab your tickets and let’s party All Night Long!

Tchaikovsky and Dvorák
2025-10-18 19:30 - 22:30 | St Botolph’s Street, Colchester, CO2 7, United Kingdom
Dvořák: Slavonic Dance No. 8 in G minorTchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1
Soloist: Joanna LamTchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4
Conductor: Chris PhelpsLeader: Greg Eaton

Raver Tots Halloween Party Colchester with So Solid Crew
2025-10-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Trilogy Colchester, Trilogy Colchester
Raver Tots is coming to Colchester!
BOOK NOW – https://www.fatsoma.com/e/1vykr58z/la/kn8j
﻿WITH SPECIAL GUESTS: SO SOLID CREW– LISA MAFFIA, ROMEO, DAN DA MAN
Featuring a huge effects show throughout the event with dancers, performers, cold pyro, bubbles, festival sized confetti blasts, multi coloured lasers and lighting, parachute games, giant balloons, licensed bar and face painting!
All events sell out in advance so please book early to avoid disappointment.
TERMS AND INFO:
• Babies under 18 months are free of charge and do not require a ticket. All other children require a kids ticket.
• Buggies should not be taken onto the dance floor in case of tripping. They will need to be parked in the buggy park area which is sometimes situated outside, slings or baby carriers are recommended.
• All children under 12 require kids tickets, children 12 and over require adult tickets.
• Strictly no adults admitted without a child (maximum of 3 adults to 1 child).
• Carers are required to show the Nimbus Access card on entry, you can find out further information and apply for this here
• Please note parents remain responsible for children at all times. Children must remain under adult supervision and we kindly request no running.
• Tickets are non-refundable and can only be re-sold through our trusted partners at Tixel
• Music is kept at safe levels at all times in line with our risk assessment guidelines. Please note it is still loud so bring ear defenders if you wish.
• Expect kid-friendly club lighting in a festival style environment.
• By attending you give permission for Raver Tots to take photos and videos of the event for the use of press. If you see a photo you wish to have these taken down please contact us via our Facebook page.
• No external food or drink is permitted on site
• PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN INDOOR EVENT.
• Venues vary considerably in shape and size so may differ slightly from video footage dependant on the space available

CODA - Acoustic Showcase
2025-10-18 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:Chris BurnessThe Four blokes TrioScott AndersonAdam MooreStu 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

Syncopate at HMV Colchester
2025-10-18 11:45 - 14:45 | HMV Colchester, HMV Colchester
Syncopate are performing at HMV Colchester as part of National Album Day! A selection of Indie-Rock numbers to get you dancing- don’t miss out!

SLAY DUGGEE Live at Colchester Arts Centre
2025-10-18 11:30 - 13:30 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
Slay Duggee is coming back to Colchester Arts Centre on Sat 18th Oct 2025 (yeah, the place we did our last gig ever 2 years ago!)
Kids and adults get down and get moshy to the WORLD’S NUMBER ONE CANINE METAL BAND FOR KIDS
All ages. All welcome. Accessible show.
Metal, laughs, merch, fun!

East of England Disabled Creatives Meet-Up - Oct
2025-10-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
The East of England Disabled Creatives Meet-Up is a free space for deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent creatives to meet, share and create!
As artists, don’t ask for permission. Take up space. For yourself and your work. We aim to provide that space for you!
This is a monthly in-person meet-up at the Mercury Theatre in collaboration with Graeae Theatre Company.
We welcome artists at any experience-level, the aim is to establish a relaxed space for people to turn up for however long they wish within the meet-up session time. The meet-up is from 10am-1pm, but you are welcome to drop-in anytime.
We will be meeting in the upstairs bar at the Mercury Theatre, if you do not know where this is, please ask a member of our Box Office or Front of House staff and they will guide you.
It will be an opportunity to network, meet new artists in your area and develop your practice.
The Mercury’s Graeae Associate, Christian Markham, will always be in attendance to facilitate and/or answer any questions you might have about the Mercury, Graeae, or wider disabled arts initiatives.

Eddie Izzard: Hamlet - Colchester
2025-10-17 21:00 - 2025-10-18 00:00 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
Tickets Pre-Sale: March 5th @ 10AMGeneral Sale: March 6th @ 10AM
Go to eddieizzardhamlet.com for full info

Eddie Izzard Performs Shakespeare's Hamlet *
2025-10-17 21:00 - 2025-10-18 00:00 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Thursday 6th March 2025
All Tickets £35.Doors open 7.30pm, performance starts 8pm.Two halves with interval.
DIRECT FROM HER CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED, TRIPLE-EXTENDED NEW YORK, CHICAGO AND LONDON SOLO PERFORMANCES OF SHAKESPEARE’S ‘HAMLET’.
Nominated for New York’s: Drama League’s Distinguished Performance Award and Outer Critic’s Circle Outstanding Solo Performance Award.
“An impressive sweeping performance. ★★★★” The Telegraph
“When it gets to the famous soliloquies, Izzard…smashes all three of the great ones.” ★★★★ The Chicago Tribune
“Eddie Izzard’s Hamlet is spectacular.” Dame Judi Dench
Akin to the original performances of HAMLET, Eddie will perform on the blank canvas of a bare stage, letting Shakespeare’s words and pure storytelling take the spotlight.
Adapted by Mark Izzard and directed by Selina Cadell
Presented by Mick Perrin Worldwide Ltd in association with PBJ Management This production is true to the text of Shakespeare and for ages 9 to 90.
https://www.facebook.com/events/[REDACTED]/?event_time_id=2450017225331942

Eddie Izzard: Hamlet
2025-10-17 20:00 - 23:00 | Colchester Arts Centre, Colchester Arts Centre
Sale Dates and Times:
Public Onsale : Thu, 6 Mar 2025 at 10:00 AM
Ticketmaster Presale : Wed, 5 Mar 2025 at 10:00 AM

Queen St Brewhouse
2025-10-17 20:00 - 23:00 | Queen St Brewhouse, 7 - 9 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PG, GB
COLCHESTER! We’re really excited to be returning to Queen St Brewhouse on Friday 17th October – along with support from Groovy Psycho and El Tel!
#dreampop #indie #queenstbrewhouse #colchester #newmusic

Voltstorm - Break The Silence Tour 2025 - Live Colchester with Heathen Kings and Tempest Saint
2025-10-17 19:30 - 22:30 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
🔥 SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT! 🔥Voltstorm is bringing the thunder to Colchester this Friday 17th October at Three Wise Monkeys (Top Floor)!
We’re joined by the mightyHeathen Kings and the epic Tempest Saint for a night of pure heavy metal mayhem! You don’t want to miss this.
📍 Venue: Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester🕢 Doors: 7:30 PM
Let’s tear the roof off Colchester. See you in the pit! ⚡#Voltstorm #ColchesterMetal #LiveMetal #ThreeWiseMonkeys #HearNoEvilLive #UKMetal #HeathenKings #TempestSaint

Voltstorm Live At TWM Colchester
2025-10-17 19:30 - 22:30 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
Join us for a night of Heavy Metal music as Voltstorm takes the stage, supported by the talented Heathen Kings and Tempest Saint.
Date: Friday, 17th October
Time: Doors open at 7:30 PM
Venue: Top Floor, Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester
Tickets: £10 + booking fee
This Show is 18+, , we operate a strict challenge 25 policy, so please bring ID.
Accessibility Information:
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:
Please be aware that this event may feature flashing and strobing lighting effects.
