Keep Colchester Cool

Spooktacular Family Fun Night
2025-10-29 18:15 - 20:30 (Europe/London) | Colchester Castle, Colchester Castle
Join us for a spine-tingling adventure at the Castle Spooktacular Family Fun Night! Come dressed in your most creative costumes and enter a world of spooktacular fun! Enjoy a night filled with thrilling games, eerie crafts, and a party bag packed with treats and surprises.
As you explore the castle, indulge in spooky refreshments. With activities designed for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this bewitching evening of laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories in the heart of a historic Colchester Castle.
Doors open at 6.15 PM, and the event runs from 6.30 PM until approximately 8.30 PM.
This event is unsuitable for children under 4 years old.
Tickets are £12.50 per child and £5 per adult.

Art Essentials
2025-10-29 18:00 - 20:00 | 74 High Street, CO1 1UE Colchester, United Kingdom, 74 High Street, CO1 1UE Colchester, United Kingdom
Join Dr. Abbie Cairns, artist-teacher-researcher, for a six-week course at The Minories designed to spark your creativity and develop your artistic skills. Across six two-hour sessions, you will explore key areas of art and design, including mark making, drawing, colour and tone, and translating 2D ideas into 3D forms.
This course is perfect for adults looking to experiment with new techniques, deepen their understanding of visual language, and enjoy a supportive, creative environment. No prior experience is necessary, just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1058966119425542/?event_time_id=1058966132758874

Thor’s A Dick – Viking Legends Not for Kids - Colchester Fringe
2025-10-28 20:30 - 23:30, 2025-10-27 19:00 - 22:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
Join Yorkshire storyteller Eden as he retells some of the darker tales from the old north. Today we see Thor and the Norse gods as heroes, but like a lot of the ancient gods they were full of faults and more human in their anger, jealousy, and spite. Today we present these tales to kids as friendly stories but in reality, they’re about heroes taking revenge by pouring snake venom into their enemies’ eyes, and parents taunting their offspring with the death of their loved ones. Back in dark ages these tales were for everyone, and scaring the life out of kids was not a problem. It’s as simple as a tale as old as time, one man, a few stories all that’s missing is the fire we won’t be sat around.

Thor's A Dick - Viking Legends NOT For Kids
2025-10-28 20:30 - 23:30 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
Thor’s A Dick – Viking Legends NOT For Kids is coming to Colchester Fringe, for some classic Viking myths not for the little ones. Join Yorkshire storyteller Eden as he retells some of the darker tales from the old north. Today we see Thor and the Norse gods as heroes, but like a lot of the ancient gods they were full of faults and more human in their anger, jealousy, and spite. Today we present these tales to kids as friendly stories but in reality, they’re about heroes taking revenge by pouring snake venom into their enemies’ eyes, and parents taunting their offspring with the death of their loved ones. Back in dark ages these tales were for everyone, and scaring the life out of kids was not a problem. It’s as simple as a tale as old as time, one man, a few stories all that’s missing is the fire we won’t be sat around.https://colchester.ssboxoffice.com/events/thors-a-dick-viking-legends-not-for-kids

Wonders of the Sky - Talk by Nik Szymanek
2025-10-28 19:30 - 22:00 | Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom, Ireton Road, CO3 3AT Colchester, United Kingdom
Astrophotographer Nik Szymanek has spent decades capturing the magic of the sky – from distant galaxies to stunning weather phenomena. His Wonders of the Sky presentation showcases rainbows, haloes, storms, and clouds, blending breathtaking images with accessible science.
A fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and an award-winning educator, Nik shares his expertise through books, magazines and talks, inspiring photographers and astronomers alike.
(Visitors £5.00)
Header Image: The Magnificent Sky of La Palma – Nik Skymanek

The Fool’s Flock’s Comedy About a Vampire - Colchester Fringe
2025-10-28 19:00 - 22:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
When plague hits the village of Bottomswort, Gunther is forced to flee. The last thing he expected was a Vampire named Vladd.
Be transported to the medieval village of Bottomswort where a vicious plague is racking its residents and a spate of mysterious disappearances have left the town on tenterhooks. Desperate to find salvation, the only hope for the village would have been Humbolt the Brave; too bad the pustules got to him too. So, the fate of the village lies in the hands of Gunther, a pig farmer who’s always happy to step up to the plate.
With the arrival of the castle-loving, ‘red-wine’-drinking, sunshine-hating Vladd of Vladestan, murmurs of a vampire haunting the land start to fill the air. Gunther, with simplicity as his shield and stupidity as his sword, quickly falls into harm’s way.
In this love letter to sketch shows of the past, the Fool’s Flock present a tale full of gothic wonder. Blending puppetry, slapstick and poor decisions, the team are all playing to their strengths in this interactive comedy.

Grimm's Fairer Tales
2025-10-28 16:00 - 19:00 | Headgate Theatre, Headgate Theatre
With wolves, witches and goblins, the story unfolds as the audience is invited to become part of the drama. Interactive storyteller Eden Ballantyne has reimagined them for a contemporary audience. Maybe Little Red Riding Hood won’t have to wait for the woodcutter to save her? There may be a house of gingerbread, but how well will that go down?
“A must see for anyone with children, especially those who enjoy performing!”One4review Aug 2018 ****
“With this delight of an interactive children’s show, enthralling both children and adults alike.” *****Fringe Review Aug 2018

Beating (off) Superheroes - Colchester Fringe
2025-10-27 22:00 - 2025-10-28 01:00, 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.

Bruce Ryan Costella: SPOOKY & GAY - Colchester Fringe
2025-10-27 20:30 - 23:30 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
BOO!
Spooky & Gay is a queer horror storytelling cabaret featuring original scary stories, songs and standup performed entirely in the DARK – written & performed by award-winning touring theater artist Bruce Ryan Costella (@BRCostella).
Like Goosebumps – only GAYER.
“I got goosebumps, I laughed (a lot), and I cried — all in one show. Of the performances I’ve seen at the Fringe so far this year, this is my favourite […] it was perfect.”Colin Thomas, FRESH SHEET
“The DAVID BOWIE of the Fringe circuit.”League of Cincy Theatres
WINNER – Best Writer, Splash Awards 2024WINNER – Best Off-Broadway Solo Performance, Broadway World Awards 20233x Horror Theater Festival Official Selection

SPOOKY & GAY @ Colchester Fringe 2025
2025-10-27 19:30 - 2025-11-02 20:30 | Three Wise Monkeys Colchester
Like GOOSEBUMPS but GAYER! 🎃 Spooky & Gay is an award-winning queer horror storytelling show featuring original scary stories, songs and standup performed in the DARK.
Written & performed by touring solo theater artist Bruce Ryan Costella.
TICKETS: campsite.bio/bruceshows

The Wilderness Yet
2025-10-27 19:30 - 22:30 | Church St, CO1 1NF Colchester, United Kingdom
Tickets £15.50 / £14.50 concessions.Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.This gig is for a seated audience.
The Wilderness Yet combines the acclaimed talents of folksinger Rosie Hodgson, traditional fiddler Rowan Piggott, and guitarist-flautist Philippe Barnes. They have earned audiences’ esteem as consummate musicians & singers, weaving an eclectic tapestry of traditional and original songs; a cappella three-part harmonies to luscious instrumental arrangements.
From their eponymous debut The Wilderness Yet (2020), to their seasonal celebration Turn The Year Round (2021), to their last studio album, What Holds The World Together (2022), The Wilderness Yet have have consistently created genre-breaking music earning them hundreds of first class reviews from the global music press, airplay on the BBC & RTÉ, and performances at festivals from Cambridge to Folk by the Oak.
https://www.thewildernessyet.com
Support… Elly Tree‘’Elly is the writer of quirky, intelligent and irresistible songs performed with a driving baritone ukulele and a voice that seems to summon up the gods’’ (Katherine Tait) She performs solo and with other musicians – solo on this occasion.

What Have the Romans Ever Done For Us?
2025-10-27 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-10-26 21:00 - 22:00 | Headgate Theatre, Headgate Theatre
Following last year’s sell out Colchester Fringe show, The Crunchy Frog Players, Colchester’s leading (only) comedy sketch troupe return with another show of reimagined (and lovingly butchered) iconic sketches and songs, designed to titillate, tantalize, tease and tickle and all with a distinctly local twist. Known for their Pythonesque proclivities and devotion to detail, this show will forcibly probe Colchester’s fecund history; from its Roman roots through to a vision of a dystopian future, via a wry look at Jane Taylor’s Twinkle. Disclaimer – other Colchester nursery rhymes are available. Allegedly. Will you be able to spot the classic sketches from the new, original ones? There’s only one way to find out!

Eleanor Grant “Inside Me” tour - Colchester
2025-10-27 19:30 - 22:30 | Patch, 24 Trinity Street, Colchester, CO1 1JN, Patch, 24 Trinity Street, Colchester, CO1 1JN
On Monday 27th October, I’ll be coming to Colchester, Essex, as part of my “Inside Me” tour! 🧡✨🌅☀️🧚🏼‍♀️
Inspired by the music of Joni Mitchell, The Carpenters, Simon & Garfunkel, and a sprinkle of Sabrina Carpenter, Eleanor Grant presents the “Inside Me” tour, named after her upcoming debut single. Her collection of original songs aim to heal the hiding heart, inviting you in to a truly intimate live music experience.
Hailed as “one of Britain’s greatest talents” (Hollywood in Vienna 2019), Eleanor is a singer and double bass player who has been writing music since the age of 17. As someone who sings in so many different styles, it’s taken a while to discover her sound as an artist. Versatility lies at the core of her identity, regularly touring Europe and Asia as a vocal soloist with Avatar, Titanic, and Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings in Concert, requiring her to move seamlessly across different styles of music. She studied double bass at the Royal Academy of Music in London and is one half of the multi-genre duo ‘Eleanor and Gus’. However, fast forward to 2025, Eleanor feels that now after 8 years of writing, she has finally collated a collection of music that feels true to her inner self.
“I’ve always been so conflicted as an artist who loves singing and writing in so many different genres. I’m never going to put myself into a box, but I can wholeheartedly say that this set of songs are equivalent to my cosy every day jumper. I would be happy singing these songs every day of the year, and that doesn’t mean that I want to abandon the rest of my musical wardrobe, I’ve just finally written songs that truly feel like home.”
Hope to see you there! 🫶🏼🎉

Rocky Horror Picture Show
2025-10-27 19:00 - 22:00 | Lakeside Theatre, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, GB
As the spooky season approaches join your LGBTQ+, Trans, and Disabilities Student Community Officers (SCOs) for an exciting screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show!
Whether you want to dress-up in a themed costume or just come in your comfiest outfit, everyone is welcome to join us as we shiver in antici… pation!
It’s sure to be a great night of singing dancing and time warping that you don’t want to miss!
Tickets can be booked (for free) on the SU What’s On page:https://www.essexstudent.com/ents/event/35109/

Grimm's Fairer Tales
2025-10-27 14:30 - 17:30 | Headgate Theatre, Headgate Theatre
With wolves, witches and goblins, the story unfolds as the audience is invited to become part of the drama. Interactive storyteller Eden Ballantyne has reimagined them for a contemporary audience. Maybe Little Red Riding Hood won’t have to wait for the woodcutter to save her? There may be a house of gingerbread, but how well will that go down?
“A must see for anyone with children, especially those who enjoy performing!”One4review Aug 2018 ****
“This delight of an interactive children’s show, enthralling both children and adults alike.” *****Fringe Review Aug 2018

Haunted History: Family Tours
2025-10-27 11:00 - 11:40 | Colchester Castle, Colchester Castle
Step into the shadows of the past with our Haunted History Family Tour. Designed for families seeking both thrills and education, this spine-chilling journey weaves together the rich history of the castle with eerie tales of ghostly legends and supernatural occurrences. As you wander through the historic building, you’ll uncover stories and historical secrets that have surrounded the castle for centuries.
This event is aimed at ages 7+.
Tickets are £3.75 per person.
https://www.facebook.com/events/818909757260127/?event_time_id=818909790593457

Medieval Medicine + Curious Cures
2025-10-27 10:30 - 12:00 | Colchester Castle, Colchester Castle
Join us for a journey into the fascinating (and sometimes gruesome) world of medieval medicine on 27 October, 10:30 am – 12 pm, or 28 October, 3 – 4:30 pm.
Discover how illnesses were diagnosed and treated in the Middle Ages, from curious cures to bizarre beliefs. Explore a display of medical instruments and learn about the practices of medieval doctors and apothecaries.
This event is suitable for ages 5+ and is included as part of Castle admission. No need to book, simply drop in.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1349747320022738/?event_time_id=1349747323356071

Curious Creatures Mobile Zoo
2025-10-27 09:30 - 10:15 | Colchester Natural History Museum, Colchester Natural History Museum
Join us at the Natural History Museum for a special live animal meet and greet. Come and discover a variety of curious creatures (both fluffy and scaly!) as our mobile zoo brings fascinating live animals for you to learn about and interact with.
There will be six 45-minute sessions throughout the day at 9:30 AM, 10:45 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:15 PM, 2:30 PM, and 3:45 PM. Please arrive 5 minutes before your session time to ensure a smooth start.
This event is suitable for ages 4 and up, and promises a fun, educational experience for all!
Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and children.
https://www.facebook.com/events/805309568896485/?event_time_id=805309598896482

BEHOLD! - Colchester Fringe
2025-10-26 21:00 - 2025-10-27 00:00 | 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom, 60 High Street, CO1 1DN Colchester, United Kingdom
SEX! In life, we strive only for hot, unrelenting, passionate penetrative sex! And yet, the world has never innovated to better fulfil our carnal desires… until now.
BEHOLD! Follow The Doctor as he brings life to the world’s first fully functional gay sex robot! We invite you to join us and witness our robot sexual education through song, puppets and a healthy amount of mad science!
QUEER! Written and performed by neurodivergent and non-binary comedian Jake Halimi, this 18+ show is an absurd satire of gay sex, consumerism, queer identity, and sci-fi tropes. George Hogg joins Halimi as the titular gay sex robot.

Andrew Doherty: Sad Gay AIDS Play - Colchester Fringe
2025-10-26 19:30 - 22:30 | 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

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
