Keep Colchester Cool

Andrew Doherty: Sad Gay AIDS Play - Colchester Fringe
2025-10-26 19:30 - 22:30, 2025-10-25 19:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
A brand-new show from the maker of the award-winning sell-out Gay Witch Sex Cult (‘the funniest fringe horror since Garth Marenghi’ (Guardian).
Andrew Doherty completely relaunches himself with a startling piece of groundbreaking tragic theatre. In this tragic piece that breaks new ground, Andrew throws the book at AIDS and asks the Arts Council to pick it up. Watch Andrew take the cult out of cult hit and replace it with “financially prosperous.”
Catch it before it gets a West End transfer, moves to Broadway and finally HBO Max.
“I can only regret that I saw this show so late in the Fringe that I had no possibility of returning. Andrew Doherty has created something incredible here and I will look out for his future projects.” ★★★★★ Ed Fringe Review
“Clever, impish, fun… a talent to watch” Funniest Shows at the 2024 Fringe, The TelegraphSix of The Funniest Comedians at the Fringe – The Guardian
★★★★ Mervyn Stutter’s Pick of the Fringe

Beating (off) Superheroes - Colchester Fringe
2025-10-26 18:00 - 21:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
In a bunker 3000 miles underground, Captain Handler is bound, blindfolded, and at the mercy of his arch-enemy: The Gecko. Beaten (off) into submission and drained of his superfluids, Captain Handler is doomed to be forever bred by the Gecko. Then Chuck enters… whom Captain Handler forgot his boyfriend invited over to rescue him…
Beating (off) Superheroes is a raw, kink-saturated queer comedy (of sorts) that explodes the myths of open relationships. Beating (off) Superheroes is a non-linear, multimedia, kinky gay sex romp with a full score by Jake & the Nowhere and Tungsten Lungs. Somewhere between roleplay and reality, a relationship is getting rescued. Maybe.
Captain Handler/Bruce – Matthew ArcherThe Gecko/Clark – Noah Alfred PantanoCenturion/Chuck – Chris Tal
Colchester Fringe’s SPIRT OF THE FRINGE Noah Alfred Pantano is the writer and director. This work is part of his PhD in Theatre Studies at the University of Essex. His last play, Pup Play: A Queer Pseudo-Lecture (of sorts), won five awards and tours around the world, raising over $1400 (so far) for LGBTQ+ charities. Pantano was awarded runner-up for “Activist of the Year” at the National Queer Student Awards. He is the current reigning International Mister Superhero Fetish. His other work Standing On A Nail was the best-selling play of Colchester Fringe in 2023. Pantano is infamous for his post in-yer-face queer theatre style, which, while intense, prides itself on its radical queerness, unusual staging, and brutal honesty.
Chris Tal is an international actor, choreographer, designer, and drag queen excited to bring bold energy to Beating (off) Superheroes. Last year, Tal played dual roles as a German soldier and cryptographer in Colchester Fringe’s “We Will Remember Them.” Tal also worked on sound for “5th of August 1986” and is proud to be part of the Stage Craft family. Tal cannot wait to captivate audiences with a fresh, daring performance in this super-horny play.

Box River Junction
2025-10-26 17:30 - 20:30 | 10 North Station Rd, Colchester
On Sunday 26th October from 5:30pm, we’ve got something new for you – Box River Junction are making their Victoria Inn debut!
They’ve been causing a stir elsewhere with their lively mix of tunes, and now it’s our turn to see what they’re all about.
Come down, grab a pint, and give them a big Vic welcome – it’s going to be a good one. 🍻
Free gig – donations encouraged.

Sunday Session - Sinead Orme
2025-10-26 15:30 - 18:30 | 55 The Cross, CO7 9QL Wivenhoe, United Kingdom, 55 The Cross, CO7 9QL Wivenhoe, United Kingdom
Sinead is back this Sunday her one woman solo acoustic set to chill you out on a Sunday afternoon with all the songs you know and love!

COLLIDESCOPE cabaret @ Colchester Fringe
2025-10-26 15:00 - 16:00 | Colchester Fringe, Colchester Fringe
Get £8 tickets here >>> https://colchester.ssboxoffice.com/events/collidescope-cabaret/
Fancy something a little bit different? Come along to the first COLLIDESCOPE Cabaret at Colchester Fringe! Expect poetry, drag, song, dance, music and lots of joy and fun from local LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, disabled and global majority talents. Each of our amazing variety shows will be completely unique and feature five fantastic artists at each, so why not come to every show?
This event is brought to you by COLLIDESCOPE is an Essex based non profit that promotes diversity, inclusion and creativity from LGBTQ+ and other minority communities. For more information go to www.collidescope.uk
https://www.facebook.com/events/1509753793705346/?event_time_id=1509757060371686

Halloween ride
2025-10-26 12:00 - 15:00 | Firstsite Colchester, Firstsite Colchester
Get spooky for our third Halloween ride. Crafts and face painting from 12-1.30pm with the ride starting at 2pm. If you don’t celebrate halloween you are still very welcome, dressing up is optional although we do ask that faces aren’t completely covered so everyone can ride safely.

Diwali 2025
2025-10-26 11:00 - 14:00 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £5, Under 3’s free11am to 2.30pm
We warmly invite you to celebrate Diwali with us!
With henna-painting, delicious Diwali snacks and entertainment from the community – there is something for everyone to enjoy in this family-friendly event celebrating the fabulous Festival of Lights!
Tickets purchased by Monday 20th October INCLUDE a delicious Indian snack. Other snacks will be available to purchase on the day.

Live music with 33rpm
2025-10-25 20:45 - 23:45 | Ye Olde Albion Pub, High Street, Rowhedge, Colchester, CO5 7ES, GB
Live music with 33rpm!

Colchester Fringe Festival: Red Bastard
2025-10-25 20:30 - 21:40 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £8Saturday 25th, Thursday 30th & Friday 31st Doors open 8:15pm, start time 8:30pmSaturday 1st Doors open 5:15pm, start time 5:30pmSunday 2nd Doors open 5:45pm, start time 6:00pmThis show is for a seated audience
Duration 70 minutes
Age Suitability: 18+Contains Audience Participation, Nudity & Strong Language
“Very, Very Funny” – NY TIMES.
Something Interesting Must Happen Every 10 Seconds… And it will. After fifteen 5-star reviews, and numerous awards, this dangerous, seductive comedy-monster descends on Colchester to unleash his critically-acclaimed juggernaut. Prepare yourself for an edge of your seat roller-coaster of raw conversation, traps/rewards and catch-22’s.
“Top-5-shows in the UK”- LIST Mag.“One of the premiere clowns of our generation” – Gothamist
★★★★★ “Jaw Dropping” “Spellbinding… a full standing ovation” – The Scotsman★★★★★ “A must-see masterpiece” – The Adelaidian★★★★★ “A masterclass in physical comedy” – The List★★★★★ “A Once in a Lifetime experience” – The Skinny★★★★★ “On the edge of your seat … funny, shocking and disarming. – British Theatre Guide
https://www.facebook.com/events/1448538012926163/?event_time_id=1448538029592828

Queen Street Beyond The Fringe Presents Planet Pumpkin
2025-10-25 20:00 - 2025-10-26 00:30 | Queen St Brewhouse, 7 - 9 Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PG, GB
Planet Pumpkinis back at the Brewhouse on Saturday 25th October 2025!!
Colchester’s premier celebration of 70s/80s electronic, alternative, punk and ska music is hosted by DJ Fettdog, with DJ Jules Zillion.
Expect the usual diverse evening of music by artists like ABC, Adam & The Ants, Duran Duran, Howard Jones, The Cure, Madness, The Specials, Erasure, The Smiths, Joy Division, New Order, Gary Numan, The Human League, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, The Clash, The Sex Pistols and many more, as well as those deeper cuts and one hit wonders that you’d forgotten that you loved!
Come and join us on Saturday 25 October atthe Queen Street Brewhouse from 7:30pm, and bring your dancing shoes!

24 Karat: Live at Coda, Colchester
2025-10-25 20:00 - 23:00 | Coda Colchester, Coda Colchester
We are back at one of our favourite live music venues – Coda in Colchester. Come on down and get your feet tapping to our mix of the best party tunes from a wide range of decades and genre. Don’t miss it!

Knightzzz At The Museum
2025-10-25 19:00 - 2025-10-26 09:00 | Colchester Castle, Colchester Castle
Knightzzz at the Castle is back!
If you’ve ever wondered what Colchester Castle is like at night, this is your chance to find out. Join the team for a sleepover experience like no other. Set up camp in your chosen spot and prepare for a fun-packed overnight adventure. Meet historical characters, enjoy a tour of the Castle (including spaces not normally open to the public), participate in some fun activities and feast on late-night hot chocolate before a light breakfast when you wake up.
Tickets from £40 per person. Booking is now open. Please call the team at Colchester Castle on 01206 282939 to book. Our lines are open from 10am – 4.30pm.

Accident Avoidance Training for Cutlery Users: Advanced & Improvers
2025-10-25 17:30 - 20:30 | Headgate Theatre, Headgate Theatre
With fork-related accidents up by 7% and the teaspoon declared hazardous (size-to-injury wise), there has never been a better time to polish your cutlery safety awareness. Fear not as expert Ian Crawford is here with all the answers in his deadly serious cutting-edge training workshop presentation, carefully welding classic tips with all-new sharp material.
‘Forking good comedy’ **** (TheWeeReview.com).

Halloween Fancy Dress Disco
2025-10-25 16:30 - 19:00 | Marks Tey Parish Hall, Old London Rd, Marks Tey, CO6 1EJ, GB
Join in the family fun at our Halloween Disco at the Parish Hall.Fancy dress is optional but definitely encouraged.This is a ticket only event so get your tickets by scanning the QR code above.

Beyond 30 Presents... Daytime Clubbing | Colchester🕺🏻🎃
2025-10-25 16:00 - 19:00 | Trilogy Colchester, Trilogy Colchester
🎃 Welcome to the Ultimate Over 30s Daytime Halloween Clubbing Experience!💀
Dust off your fangs and unleash your inner ghoul — Over 30s Daytime Clubbing is back with a spine-tingling twist at the iconic Trilogy, Saturday, 25th October! Get ready for a frightfully fun day where nostalgia meets neon and monsters mash on the dance floor — all before dark. 👻
Your kind of crowd, your kind of party! We’re bringing hours of good vibes, great music and unforgettable moments. Over 30s Daytime Clubbing is your chance to relive the peak of the 80s, 90s & 2000s clubbing scene…
Get ready for:🎶Club Classics🎊Confetti Showers🔊Resident DJs🎠Crazy Inflatables
Tickets are now available via Fatsoma & the link in our bio🔗
See you on the dancefloor🎃

CODA - Saturday Daytime Acoustic Sessions
2025-10-25 15:00 - 17:30 | 63 High street, co1 1dn Colchester, United Kingdom, 63 High street, co1 1dn Colchester, United Kingdom
🎶 Live Acoustic Saturday Sessions! 🎶Join us every Saturday from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM for a relaxed afternoon of local acoustic talent hand picked by Colchesters very own Stu E Skinner. 🌟 Whether you’re a fan of soothing melodies or want to discover fresh music from your local scene, this is the perfect way to spend your Saturday afternoon. 🎸🎤✨ Free entry for all ages – bring your friends, family, and your love for live music! No tickets required. Just walk in, enjoy the vibes, and support your local artists.See you there! 🎶✨
https://www.facebook.com/events/2271807086600756/?event_time_id=2271807176600747

CODA - Acoustic Showcase
2025-10-25 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:???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

Fuse Theatre Launch Event
2025-10-25 14:30 - 19:00 | Mercury Theatre Colchester, Mercury Theatre Colchester
Join our Associate Company, FUSE Theatre, for an exclusive FREE Mercury Creatives Masterclass!
Discover FUSE Theatre’s unique practice and ways of working through an engaging workshop and an in-depth panel discussion with their creative team. Plus be among the first to experience an exclusive sharing of their brand-new show!
This event will conclude with a relaxed networking event a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow creatives. Refreshments will be provided.
The schedule is as follows:
Creative Learning Space – Launch Event – 2.30pm-5.30pm (Workshop, panel discussion and sharing of new work)
Upstairs Bar – Networking Drinks – 5.30-7pm

Reclaiming the Hag - Samhain Sister Circle Celebration
2025-10-25 13:00 - 16:30 | High Woods Country Park-Visitor Centre, High Woods Country Park-Visitor Centre
🌙🔥 Reclaiming the Hag: Honouring the Witch 🔥🌙A Samhain Sister Circle Ceremony when the Veil is Thin
At Samhain, when the veil is thin, we gather in sisterhood to honour the Witch, the Ancestors, and the wild within us.
✨ What Awaits You:•⁠⁠Ancestral Fire Rite — call in your loved ones through flame & prayer•⁠⁠Witch’s Drum & Chant — raise energy under the darkening sky•⁠⁠Hammock Journeying — rest between worlds, receive vision & guidance•⁠⁠Herbal Witch Charm — craft a protective talisman for the dark months•⁠⁠Communal Feast of the Dead — gratitude for those who came before
🌿 The Witch is remembrance. The Witch is power. The Witch is us.
✨ This is not performance witchcraft — this is remembrance.A reclamation of the Hag, the ancestral Witch, the wild within us all.A night of fire, drumming, feasting, and honouring.
🕯️ Flow: 1pm – 4.30pm | Woodland Gathering | Bring food & drink to share

Gundam TCG GD02 Dual Impact Release Event
2025-10-25 12:45 - 15:45 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
Gundam TCG GD02 Dual Impact Prerelease Event
For this new release of set 2 we will be running a Sealed Battle event, meaning that instead of bringing a pre-built deck, players open booster packs and build a deck using only the cards from those packs. Here are the specific deckbuilding rules for this format:Open 4 booster packs. (48+4 cards)Deck must be exactly 30 cards.No color restrictions when building the deck.You can include any number of cards with the same card number.
At the end each player will get two additional booster packs for participating. We will also have the participation and winner promos to give out on the day too.
Start Time: 12:45 pmEntry: £30.00
Please make sure you have a Bandai TCG+ account as we’ll be running the event through that. https://www.bandai-tcg-plus.com
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.

Pokemon League / Learn To Play / Trade Event
2025-10-25 12:30 - 17:00 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
With demand for more Pokemon time in-store we will now be running Pokemon league ever other Saturday from 10am-12pm. This now means that Pokemon will be on every week. So for this month we will be running the league as below:
Saturday 18th October 10am-12pmSaturday 25 October 12:30pm – 5pmSaturday 1st November 10am-12pm
It is the idea time to come along, learn to play, trade cards and play games against each other in a relaxed friendly environment.
Your only requirement is that each week you will have your Pokemon ID with you (you can get this by creating an account on the Pokemon web-site). As a result we will be able to gain league promos for those that have submitted Pokemon id’s.
This really is a meet up for anyone regardless of if you are beginner, intermediate player or expert. So don’t miss out come join in the fun and drop by to see us this Saturday.
COST : This is a free to enter event.START TIME : 10amEND TIME : 12pm
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.

Yu‑Gi‑Oh! GENESYS Event
2025-10-25 12:30 - 17:00 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
Attention Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelists!We are excited to be hosting our first Yu-Gi-Oh! Genesys event.
The event will be a 100-point tournament played in swiss style event. We hope to host Genesys regularly so get those decks ready.
For more info and points list please check out the link below
https://www.yugioh-card.com/en/genesys/
WHAT IS GENESYS?The Genesys rules are simple:
No Link Monsters or Pendulum Monsters are allowed. All other cards are allowed. The original field layout is used, with no Extra Monster Zones nor Pendulum Zones.
The standard Forbidden & Limited Cards list is not used. All those cards can be used, except Link Monsters and Pendulum Monsters. Usual limit of 3 copies max of any card still applies.
Deck construction uses a point system. Some cards are assigned a point value; most cards cost zero points. The total point cost of cards in your Main Deck, Extra Deck, and Side Deck (combined) cannot exceed the point cap for that event.
The standard point cap is 100, but events can be run with any point cap, or even a zero-point cap!
Entry Price: £6.00One of the new OTS 29 Tournament Pack will be given to everyone plus a booster pack of the latest set into the prize pot.

Ghoulish Gallery Games
2025-10-25 10:00 - 17:00 | Colchester Castle, Colchester Castle
From 25 October to 2 November, discover and enjoy playing with fun games dotted around the museum. Take a break, have a game or two and then continue your journey through time with the Castle’s treasures and displays – not forgetting our fascinating new Mythical Creatures exhibition!
Our gallery games are suitable for ages 4+
This event is included as part of Castle admission. No need to book, simply drop in.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2062641114560254/?event_time_id=2062641134560252

Wyvern Brickshow 2025
2025-10-25 10:00 - 17:00 | William Loveless Hall, 85-87 High St, Colchester, CO7 9AB, GB
Hello everyone! We’re back this year and the sign is up! New exhibits, new activities, new creativity. Come and join us Saturday 25th October and bring all your mates, no one is too cool for Lego!

Disney Lorcana Fabled League
2025-10-25 10:00 - 12:00 | ACE Comics, 42 Culver Street East, Colchester, CO1 1LE, GB
This week is Poorcarna 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.
However for those that want to spice it up each week will be looking to put in a weekly twist. Not only will we be theme weeks the board will be back up to pop your stickers on to show your wins & losses. That being 2 points for a win and 1 point for a loss.
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.
The theme will be set as a weekly rotation each month as set out below:Week 1 Standard (Sets 5-9)Week 2 Theme decks (Sets 1-9)Week 3 Infinity (Sets 1-9)Week 4 Poorcarna (This format is that all cards must be common or uncommon rarity).
This week will be week 2 and Infinity decks for you all. 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.

Newborn Photography Workshop - The Fundamentals
2025-10-25 10:00 - 13:00 | 2 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, CO2 8LA Colchester, United Kingdom, 2 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, CO2 8LA Colchester, United Kingdom
Everything you need for a successful newborn session by the amazing Fru Jonas from Captured Magic Photography!
blanket posing– workflow – wrapping – prop posing –incorporating parents and siblings –lighting and angles – styling and choosing the right colours – client preparation – poses that will sell –lifetime support
Only takes £99 deposit to book, and the balance can be paid in monthly instalments.
Limited space only. Book yours here:https://www.artsyimagestudios.co.uk/event-details/newborn-photography-the-fundamentals

Paul James at Junction 25 LDC
2025-10-24 20:00 - 22:30 | Marks Tey Parish Hall, Old London Rd, Marks Tey, CO6 1EJ, GB
Join us for a night of line dancing.£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

Evening Music Session 🎶🎹🎤🎸🎶
2025-10-24 20:00 - 23:00 | Kings Head Brightlingsea Essex, Kings Head Brightlingsea Essex
‘Blurred Vision’Three Piece Covers Band
Playing a great selection of classic hits from Coldplay to David Bowie and a whole lot more besides!
A musical evening not to be missed….

Murder on the Dancefloor: Murder Mystery Dining Experience
2025-10-24 19:00 - 2025-10-25 00:00 | Colchester United FC, JobServe Community Stadium, United Way, Colchester, CO4 5UP, GB
It was to be the party of the year but when the star performer is found dead, it seems someone has been killing more than the groove!
Beneath the disorientating spinning of the disco ball will you be able to get the party back on track and catch the killer? You’ll just have to pray the suspects don’t get away or prove your theories wrong. Just come along and hear me when I say… It’s murder on the dance floor!
Join us for an evening of murder mystery, packed with plot-twists, suspicious suspects and plenty of red herrings along the way, alongside a delicious 3 course meal. You are the detectives, and its your task to crack the case before it’s too late!
Doors open at 7pm, with the meal being served from 7.30pm when the murder mystery will commence. The murder mystery will finish at 10pm, when our dancefloor will open until midnight. Over 16’s only.
Tickets can be booked on www.coluboxoffice.com.
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.
