Events

Colchester Comedian of the Year 2026The hunt for the next big thing in comedy is on! Join us for a high-stakes night of laughter as six elite comics from across [...]

Don’t miss this epic night of house dance music by Paul Hutchinson and Darryl Wright. Tickets available on Eventbrite £10 ( ees apply)

Incredibly excited to announce our new night at The Bull Colchester! Come down on the 3rd July for some late-night comedy, a secret circuit-pro and some incredible supporting acts! Lineup will be announced via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1991771233376?aff=oddtdtcreator

It’s Emo vs Nu-Metal! A night dedicated to heavy riffs, massive tunes and the tracks that defined an era. From sing-along choruses to mosh-ready breakdowns, we’re playing the songs that still hit just as hard. Come ready to shout, dance and mosh the night away. Friday 3rd July£5 advance (+ booking fee)Doors 8:30pmOver 18s only [...]

Mi Casa Es Tu Casa makes its debut at The Lexden Crown for a night of Disco and Soulful House Music with DJs Paul Hutchinson and Darryl Wright. Tickets on [...]

Major craft fair event 10am-3pm!!!

Colchester Blues and Rock in the Garden!On Saturday 4th July2026!It's our 27th (we think) year and we're back and ready for a party!"Beautiful setting""The atmosphere is incredible""We loved it!"Entry limited [...]

Lesley is a true legend of the Colchester Music scene!! She promotes, puts on and attends more music events than anyone we know!!So we decided to put on a day [...]

An uplifting afternoon featuring a wonderful selection of popular show tunes from much-loved musicals including Les Misérables, Footloose, Hercules and more. All sung in glorious 5 part harmony. Including solo [...]

A Saturday afternoon showcase featuring:Mike Darrah??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 [...]

This adults-only bingo night combines music, games, comedy and audience participation for an evening that aims to be very different from traditional bingo. Hosted by DJs, the event mixes bingo [...]

All Tickets £8 / £7 concessions.Doors open 6.30pm, first band on 7pm.This show is for a standing audience.A special evening dedicated to countering the deteriorating conditions for musicians and creatives, [...]

McFly'd brings the music of McFly to Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester on Saturday 4 July. The tribute act celebrates the chart-topping pop-rock band's biggest hits, recreating songs including Five Colours [...]

Join us at the Jobserve Community Stadium for the next in our series of fabulous party nights - this time we journey back to the 1980s for all the best [...]

McFly'd are taking to the stage at The Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester, for a night of nostalgic hits and sing-along anthems! Support for this event comes from the amazing Gypsy [...]

The Strawberry Fair comes to Old Heath Recreation Ground on Sunday 5 July as part of The Rec Community Market. Running from 10am to 4pm, the free event will celebrate one of summer's most popular fruits, with fresh strawberries, chocolate-covered treats, desserts and other seasonal food and drink on offer. Alongside the strawberry-themed stalls, visitors [...]

In this one hour session you will create your very own collaged postcard using magazine and print media under Phill's guidance. Expect a few laughs along the way.All materials supplied [...]

Tickets £16 / £15 concessions.Doors open 7pm, starts 7.30pm.This gig is for a seated audience.Trevor Watts- Saxophones / ComposerVeryan Weston- Nord Electric KeyboardJamie Harris- Congas / Percussion The trio's first studio album “Gravity” (Jazz Now) came out in the spring of this year and has since generated some fantastic reviews. “Moving On “ ( Sound [...]

It's that time of year again when The Ska-Town Syndicate get their groove on and you all dance the afternoon away!!This is a free, ticketless gig, but donations are encouraged to help support the band.Let's keep live music alive!!

Gee Vaucher is an illustrator and artist and founder member of Dial House art community in Essex. Perhaps best known for her work alongside the band Crass, she has been at the forefront of political art since the 1960s. Phill and Gee will discuss political art.About Phill JupitusPhill Jupitus drifted aimlessly onto national television in [...]

We are delighted to be hosting an in conversation event with none other than Philippa Perry, the celebrated artist and psychotherapist, who will be discussing her debut novel, Shrink Solves Murder. The event will be held at the Colchester Arts Centre, and be chaired by one of our booksellers, Carolyn.

Test your knowledge of all things film, TV and music, all whilst raising money for an incredible cause! - Book by selecting the date of the quiz and choosing quiz booking: threewisemonkeysipswich.com/reservation (If you book and then decide not to attend, please CANCEL YOUR BOOKING) - £3 a head (CASH ONLY)- Maximum 6 to a [...]

Thursday 9th July 2026, 6pm in person event at Red Lion Books (finished by 7-7.30pm)Meet the Main Characters: Bobby Palmer, author of Isaac and the Egg talks about his new book ‘Main Characters’ with author Kate SawyerClara and Seb are about to fall in love.They don’t know it yet.But everybody else does.When Clara and Seb [...]

Tickets £6.Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.This event is for a seated audience.Monthly nights of retro horror screenings from the mainly Brit school of Hammer, Amicus etc.Presented by Classic Horror buff and local musician Jason Frederick.Popcorn, a monthly themed cocktail, plenty of dry ice and often very daft over-blown intros. Join us!Torture GardenAmicus Anthology Film – [...]

The Ibiza Orchestra Experience: The Final Encore comes to Lower Castle Park, Colchester on Friday 10 July. The touring show returns for what organisers describe as its final performance, bringing together a 26-piece orchestra and a lineup featuring Artful Dodger, Baby D, Ian Van Dahl, N-Trance, Phats & Small and Ultrabeat. The event celebrates classic [...]

Join SHALAMAR & GWEN DICKEY (ROSE ROYCE) on July 10th at Charter Hall in Colchester as they celebrate their golden anniversary with shows across the UK, Europe, USA and Africa. With 18 top seventy five UK hits, 11 top forty, 4 top ten chart smashing singles and over 25 million records sold world-wide, the group [...]

Final Reason and Three Wise Monkeys Live present a multi-band bill featuring Gurn Victim, Mob Handed, Toil, The Winonas and Burial Code at Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester. The lineup brings together five bands from the heavier end of the alternative music spectrum for an evening of live music in the venue's top-floor performance space. Audiences [...]

Sale Dates and Times:Public Onsale : Fri, 30 Jan 2026 at 10:00 AMPriority from O2 : Wed, 28 Jan 2026 at 10:00 AMArtist Presale : Thu, 29 Jan 2026 at 10:00 AMTicketmaster Presale : Thu, 29 Jan 2026 at 10:00 AM

Sale Dates and Times:Public Onsale : Fri, 30 Jan 2026 at 10:00 AMPriority from O2 : Wed, 28 Jan 2026 at 10:00 AMArtist Presale : Thu, 29 Jan 2026 at 10:00 AMTicketmaster Presale : Thu, 29 Jan 2026 at 10:00 AM

Join us for a cosy and creative Candle Making Workshop, perfect for anyone looking to unwind and make something special.During this hands-on session, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the candle making process. You’ll learn about wax, fragrance, and pouring techniques, before creating your own candle to take home. With a selection of scents available, you [...]

Sausage and Cider Festival returns to Lower Castle Park, Colchester, on Saturday 11 July. Headlining this year's event is broadcaster Chris Moyles, bringing the final UK tour of Barrioke to Colchester. The bill also includes Big John from BOSH! and a DJ set from Pat Sharp's Funhouse. Live entertainment throughout the day features tribute acts [...]

Join us at The Lexden Crown for a creative and relaxing afternoon making your own giant crepe paper rose – a beautiful statement piece perfect for your home décor.This workshop is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with crafting experience. You’ll be guided step-by-step through the process of shaping, layering, and constructing crepe [...]

A fascinating evening of words and music in beautiful Dedham Church. Talks by Susan Owens, Emma Roodhouse and Jules Pretty will focus on Constable and his connection with the Dedham Vale countryside, and on that landscape today. Proceeds from the event will support the Eco-Church initiative at Dedham Parish Church.The programme includes organ music and [...]

Colchester United supporters are invited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the club's promotion to the Championship with a special promotion dinner at the JobServe Community Stadium on Saturday 11 July. The event will bring together former players from the promotion-winning squad for an evening of memories, stories and discussion, reflecting on one of the [...]

Come and test your knowledge and raise money for a great cause at our Charity Quiz Night! Raising money for Odyssey -Prizes to be won and a Raffle! £3 a head - Max team of 6! Sign up at the link below!https://forms.gle/N4EJVhiJaD26iSy99What is Odyssey?Odyssey supports people living with and beyond cancer at a point where [...]

Join us for an inspiring evening of music as two exceptional local young talents take centre stage. Pianist, Bethany Reynolds, will be playing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17, a work full of charm, wit, and lyrical beauty. Trumpeter, Oliver Toms, presents Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto, a brilliant showcase of virtuosity and flair that remains one of [...]

Tickets £15 / £12 concessions.Doors 7:30pm, Show 8pmThis show is seated but with room to dance.Introducing the unmissable, exclusive Colchester premiere of BLABBA - featuring local singer, ChiChi Armstrong and our very own Associate Director, Vijay Patel.Dance the night away to the greatest hits of ABBA and a selection of some of the best soul [...]

Summer In Nashville returns to Lower Castle Park, Colchester, on Sunday 12 July. The country music festival features a headline performance from One Night In Nashville, alongside tribute acts celebrating the music of Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen and Dolly Parton. The line-up also includes Countryoke, Robbie McMinn, Stella Lain, Georgia Nevada, Fin Pearson, Lucy Blu, [...]

Tickets £10Doors open 1.30pm, Show starts 2pmThis event is for a standing audience.Come and show your support for the talented young members of the Hermit Music Club as they take the stage! Enjoy a lively mix of rock and pop performances, all while helping to raise vital funds for Hermit CIC, supporting young people through [...]

All Tickets £5.Doors open 6pm.This gig is for a standing audience.Colchester Arts Centre’s Youth Board are back with their highly popular Mixed Frequencies event - featuring a range of genres from some of the most exciting, local young bands.Mixed Frequencies is led by young people for young people.We sold out last time - so be [...]

The Mercury Sessions – Paines Plough: How to find a producer with Ellie Fitz-Gerald (Senior Producer, Paines Plough)Date: Tue 14 Jul 2026 at 5pmLocation: Mercury Theatre, Upstairs BarThe Mercury Sessions [...]

Join us on Tuesday 14th July for our North vs South America Wine & Food Pairing Evening. Enjoy as we take you through four-courses of seasonally inspired food and wine [...]

Tickets £30.50Doors Open 7.30pm, Start 8pm.This show is for a seated audience.Legendary award-winning comedian David O'Doherty is here for a special extended headline set! David has just completed touring his [...]

A Double Bill of work in progress shows from two great comics - catch their Edinburgh show before the festival-goers do...Tickets £16.50 / £14.50 concessions.Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.This show [...]

The Music of James BondFrom the moment the first chord strikes, audiences are transported into the mysterious and thrilling world of James Bond. This incredible Chamber Orchestra brings the legendary [...]

A Double Bill of work in progress shows from two great comics - catch their Edinburgh show before the festival-goers do...Tickets £16.50 / £14.50 concessions.Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.This show [...]

Tickets £15. Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm. This show is for a seated audience. A Double Bill of work in progress shows from two great comics - catch their Edinburgh [...]

NOW! That's What I Call...DRAG! returns to Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester this July with a special appearance from Victoria Scone. The drag cabaret show will be hosted by East Anglian [...]

Dive into an evening of gritty riffs, desertrock energy, and all the swagger of QOTSA — reimagined through the raw, acoustic edge of Colour & Shape.�Expect a set packed with [...]

Rec & Ribs comes to Old Heath Recreation Ground, Colchester, on Saturday 18th July. The free-entry event celebrates barbecue cooking, bringing together food traders specialising in grilled and smoked dishes, [...]

Join us for a relaxed and creative workshop where you’ll design and make your own knitted wire word – perfect for home décor, gifts, or something completely personal to you.Using [...]

Join us for another wonderful Colchester Carnival. Wear something bright and colourful and decorate your bike if you can.

As part of the Constable Ambisonic project, sound artist Stuart Bowditch has been making 360º spatial audio recordings of the locations of 20 paintings by John Constable. You’ll be able [...]

Join us for a calm and creative afternoon learning the traditional craft of bookbinding, where you’ll create your own hard, fabric-covered notebook completely from scratch. At the wonder House of [...]

MY HEART WILL GO ON – Is the Ultimate celebration concert of the music of one of the worlds greatest iconic singers of all time- Celine Dion. This outstanding concerthas [...]

Tickets £15.Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.This show is for a seated audience.A Double Bill of work in progress shows from two great comics - catch their Edinburgh show before the [...]

The club's annual event will see the doors of the JobServe Community Stadium open to the public, to showcase what's on offer ahead of the 2026/27 season.Admittance is free, as [...]

Join Chameleon's Web Theatre Company for their Summer outdoor show - Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book adapted by Neil Duffield.Mowgli the wolf cub boy and his friends Baloo the bear [...]

Rescheduled from Saturday 11th April. Tickets for the original date are valid for this new one.PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DOOR AND START TIMES!Tickets £23.Doors open 7pm, starts 7.30pm.This gig is [...]

Dire Streets bring to life the classic songs of one of the world’s greatest guitar bands with a level of musicianship and attention to detail that makes them the stand out Dire Straits tribute in the UK.The two-hour theatre show includes faithful renditions of classic studio tracks along with extended live versions from some of [...]

Sessions are at 10 – 11 am and 11:15 am – 12:15 pm.Designed for children aged 2 1/2 to 5, along with their parents, grandparents, and carers, these monthly sessions offer an immersive journey of scientific or historical exploration and discovery at the Natural History Museum.Nature is full of patterns, colours and shapes. Join us [...]

Tickets £15 / £13 concessions.Doors open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.This show is for a seated audience.Age Guidance: 16+100% Badgers is a sell-out 2025 Edinburgh Fringe stand-up comedy show where Matt Hobs talks about how the worlds of humans and badgers collide. The show takes us on Hobs’ journey from a passing interest in badgers, to an [...]

‘Utterly, surreally brilliant’ - Mick Wall, Classic Rock MagazineCloudbusting can’t wait to share their love for the music of Kate Bush with their two-hour stage production featuring all the hits you’d expect – as well as many songs you wouldn’t! Wuthering Heights, Hounds of Love, Babooshka, This Woman’s Work... and of course the world-wide No.1 [...]

Tickets £27.50.Doors open 7pm.This gig is for a standing audience.Rhythm, Rust & Static Tour 2026 From July to October 2026, When Rivers Meet return to the stage with the Rhythm Rust & Static Tour, following the release of their brand-new studio album Rhythm Rust & Static, out in spring 2026. Recorded with an intentionally stripped-back, [...]

Tickets £23.50Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm startThis show is for a seated audience.Actress and Comedian Nina Wadia will be coming to Colchester Arts Centre for an exclusive 'In Conversation' event. Our Associate Director, Vijay Patel, will host the conversation, which will also include an audience Q&A.The event will take a deep dive into some of [...]

An Edinburgh Fringe Preview:Immerse yourself in two timeless Edgar Allen Poe’s classics.Arguably Poe’s darkest tale, The Black Cat depicts an alcoholic’s last confession on the eve of his death. Then, the poem that made Poe famous: The Raven. In the midnight hour, an elderly man laments the loss of his love, when an ominous visitor [...]

Mercury Creatives Deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent Meet-up is a free monthly in-person meeting for any and all creatives who identify as deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent. Welcoming artists at any experience level, it is a space to network, meet and develop your practice.Occurring between 10am and 1pm, you are welcome to drop in anytime.We meet in [...]

We are delighted to have debut picture book author Helen Rose at the store for the start of the Summer holidays. She will be begin with a reading of "The Supersonic Fart" with the help of a puppet of Luna the Dog. Then there will fart spinner fun and an interactive quiz. Helen is promising [...]

Country Day Party comes to Colchester on Saturday 25 July, bringing a soundtrack of classic and contemporary country music to the dancefloor. The daytime event will feature music from artists including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Chris Stapleton, Willie Nelson, Carrie Underwood and Zach Bryan, alongside newer stars [...]

The Take That Experience returns with a live show celebrating the music of one of Britain's most successful pop groups. The tribute production recreates songs from across Take That's career, from their breakthrough success in the 1990s through to their later chart-topping releases. Audiences can expect hits including Pray, Relight My Fire, Patience, Shine, These [...]

Tickets £18 / £17 concessions.Doors open 7pm, starts 7.30pm.This gig is for a seated audience.The world famous acappella and dance group make a long awaited return to the UK!Black Umfolosi performances are inspired by the traditional song and dance of their native southern Africa, with a beauty and enthusiasm that is unrivalled. The ir performances [...]

Who can resist this gorgeous orangutan?Paint your very own to take home with you - no experience required

Join us on the last Thursday of every month at Other Monkey Brewing – The Taproom for a night of incredible flavours and craft beer. July is all about the [...]

This stunning 100% live show combines first class music with slick choreography and an amazing band who deliver a truly outstanding performances for the best Motown experience you will ever [...]

Tickets £16.50.Doos open 7.30pm, starts 8pm.This show is for a seated audience.A fun and informative performance - lecture with Bob Fischer and Stephen Brotherstone.When it comes to vintage creepiness, “Folk [...]

The game is afoot!Castle Park After Dark returns for another night of theatrical thrills.This time it's the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes and the man who told the world [...]

Join us for an eclectic scratch night of short plays and extracts, platforming disabled and neurodivergent writers and their new work!Along with your free ticket, there will be chips served as you settle into your seats.Brought together by a collaboration between Mercury Theatre and Graeae Theatre Company, nine new pieces have been created under the [...]

Tickets £5Doors open 7.30pm, start 8pmThis show is for a seated audienceChai LatesA masala blend like no other; Chai Lates is a series of 4 unforgettable cabaret-style evenings, packed with performances which will leave you craving another cup. Line-ups TBC – watch this space!Chai MixersChai Mixers is a strong, spicy brew of performance, creative and [...]

Join us for a creative and relaxed Beginners Crochet Workshop at Colcheco, where you’ll learn the basics of crochet in a friendly and supportive setting.This workshop is perfect for complete beginners as well as those who may have tried crochet before and would like a refresher. You’ll be guided step-by-step through a range of crochet [...]

Follow in the footsteps of the Emperor Claudius and Queen Boudica to uncover Colchester's fascinating Roman history! The tour will include a visit inside the Roman theatre and will end at the Roman Circus Centre.Price - £9.50pp FREE for under 16sBook via any of the following:Call the Visitor Information Centre on 01206 282920 Email vic@colchester.gov.ukOnline [...]

Join us at Colcheco for a creative and hands-on handbag making workshop, where you’ll design and construct your very own bag to take home. This session is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to try something new in a relaxed and friendly setting. You’ll be guided step-by-step through the process, learning how to construct your [...]

Tickets £15Doors 2.00pm, starts 2.30pm.This event is for a standing audience, although there will be some chairs available.And the acts this year are:Vaahlhallans 02:45 - 3:30Aithur 03:50 - 4:20Jøtnarr 04:40 [...]

Join Chameleon's Web Theatre Company for their Summer outdoor show - Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book adapted by Neil Duffield.Mowgli the wolf cub boy and his friends Baloo the bear [...]

The Rec Community Market returns to Old Heath Recreation Ground on Sunday 2 August. The monthly market brings together a range of independent traders offering street food, fresh produce, handmade [...]

The Brilliant Electro Jazz Orchestra play Castle Park Band Stand for the 3rd year running. Come and see our superb 19 piece band and vocalists for pop/jazz/tv and film themes [...]

Join us on the first Sunday of every month from 3 PM to 5 PM for a quieter experience at Colchester Castle.These sessions are designed for anyone who would benefit [...]

Creedence Clearwater Review brings its Cosmo's Factory Tour to Mercury Theatre Colchester, celebrating the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival. The show focuses on the band's classic catalogue, including songs such [...]