Events

Carlos Quilici is bringing you his technical guidelines from a professional musician's perspective to help tango dancers express their musicality. Expert musician, bandoneonist, singer, and composer Carlos Quilici will give you a technical understanding of the structure and nature of tango music which is essential for dancers to be able to satisfyingly interpret and successfully [...]

As part of the First Thursdays Festival, join us at Colchester Castle for a special session designed for visitors with autism or other sensory sensitivities.We turn off sounds and visual displays to reduce sensory stimulation, so you can enjoy the museum in a more calm and relaxed atmosphere.In the Chapel, we have a quiet area [...]

Black Cactus Studio presents an evening of live local music at Pöpinä as part of the First Thursdays programme. The event features sets from emerging Colchester bands Butterfly Handshake, Syncopate and The Enquiries, as well as performances from the Black Cactus Choir. Expect a mix of original material and familiar favourites from some of the [...]

Test your knowledge of films and help raise money for an incredible cause!- Book via https://booking.stampede.ai/v2/e4824ca0-abe5-411d-94cb-190dab8c7a63/BU8DGDMRZY7D/events- £3 a head (cash only, all proceeds to charity)- Maximum 6 to a team - Food available throughout Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes before the quiz is due to start to place food and drink orders.

Have you ever made it to Friday night, and just feel like you're running on fumes.Perhaps you've spent the week working, caring, organising, picking up the pieces and only just remembering or holding everything together.Our new Friday Night Defrazzle is your invitation to put some of that down.Through trance meditation, creative expression and thoughtful reflection, [...]

Take a virtual journey back in time with 'The Travelling Baker' to discover the ingredients and stories behind 3 incredible historic breads.

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 in the next couple weeks 🥳https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1991771233376?aff=oddtdtcreator

Myopia’s single release gig @Coda, Colchester. Fresh from their headline UK tour Myopia return to their home town for a night of Alternative Rock music. Supported by Good Health, Charcoal and Tom Harbour it promises to be a special night!!Free Entry - Music from 8pm

Tickets £15.50/ £13.50 concessions.Doors open 8pm, show starts 8.30pm.This show is for a seated audience.Come on in for a riotous night of laughter where the bar will be open throughout.We get all the big names of comedy on their way up - Eddie Izzard, Billy Bailey, Jimmy Carr and Michael McIntyre have all appeared at [...]

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 DarrahGreg WhittleZac PotterRosalind Harniess(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 [...]

Our events are designed to be inclusive & welcoming, with a focus on creating a safe, fun space for women and their fabulous friends💖Whether you're coming with a group, or turning up solo (which loads of people do), you'll find yourself surrounded by like minded people out for a proper good time. No drama, just [...]

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, [...]

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 tunes from the most iconic decade ever!Our photobooth will be open, and fancy dress is always encouraged!Doors open from 7.30pm and the night finishes at [...]

🍓 Strawberry Fair at The Rec Community Market! 🍓Join us this Sunday at Old Heath Recreation Ground for a fantastic FREE family day out!🍓 FREE Strawberry Trail🔍 Find all 20 hidden strawberry clues around the market and be entered into our prize draw.🎁 FIVE lucky winners will each receive a box of giant strawberry sweets!Plus [...]

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 but feel free to bring some collage materials if you wish. A very limited number of free bursary tickets are available. Contact workshops@theminories.org to apply.Age [...]

🎉 TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT! 🎉Join us for the Festival of Fun on Sunday 5th July at Colchester Leisure World!🛼 FREE skating sessions♿ Relaxed session (sensory friendly, low music, reduced numbers, wheelchairs welcome)🎵 Community skating session with Function One Entertainment DJ🏒 Colchester Roller Hockey demo & taster🛼 Ipswich Skating Club artistic skating demonstration & mini [...]

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 [...]

Join us for a night of music, both live and recorded. There will be food, there will be drinks, and there will be the same great vibes you've come to expect at the Hollyhock Café.This is a free event to celebrate our official opening, so there will be a ribbon cutting, a few words from [...]

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 [...]

Another cracking line-up from the ''I Don't Like Sundays'' team.SWINES are relatively new to the local scene, but are already making waves after just a handful of gigs. Fronted by the irrepressible Amy Fry, their music is an edgy, grungy, post-rock thing. Expect Courtney Love with nobs on!X-KAMINSKI are Colchester's own punk / new wave [...]

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Tickets £15.50Tickets with Book £30.50Doors open 6.15pm, Start 7pm.This is a seated event.We are delighted to be hosting a Q&A session 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 [...]

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 threewisemonkeyscolchester.com/book-a-table (If you book and then decide not to attend, please CANCEL YOUR BOOKING) - £3 a head (CASH ONLY)- Maximum 6 to a [...]

🤩 SPACES FILLING UP 🤩 Spaces are filling up fast for our next Silent Disco Walk in Colchester 🥰 thus time we are hitting Abbey Fields to walk, sing, dance & strut ourselves around! BOOKING ESSENTIAL VIA https://gymcatch.com/app/provider/6951

🤩 SPACES FILLING UP 🤩 Spaces are filling up fast for our next Silent Disco Walk in Colchester 🥰 thus time we are hitting Abbey Fields to walk, sing, dance & strut ourselves around! BOOKING ESSENTIAL VIA https://gymcatch.com/app/provider/6951

Working on a new army? Painting your latest D&D character? Writing your latest Campaign? Why not come to our Hobby Hangout! A friendly hangout where you can work on your [...]

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 [...]

🚨TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW🚨The Ibiza Orchestra Experience: The Final EncoreThis incredible 26 piece orchestra will be performing some of the greatest hits from the famous white isle, for the very last [...]

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 [...]

Level: Beginner | Price: FREE (booking required)Join us for an introductory session in taking care of your bike.In this workshop we'll take you through an M-Check, a step-by-step process that [...]

50% OFF TICKETS NOW LIVE!🚨Sausage and Cider Festival returns to Colchester on Saturday 11th July 2026!HEADLINER - CHRIS MOYLES!Special Guests⚡️The Final Barrioke UK Tour!⚡️Big John - BOSH!⚡️Brand New - Pat Sharp's Funhouse!Party DJ SetUK's Best Tribute Acts:⚡️Kaiser Chiefs ⚡️Queen⚡️Kasabian ⚡️Red Hot Chilli Peppers⚡️Mumford and Sons ⚡️UB40PLUS⚡️Childrens Tent⚡️SIlent Disco ⚡️Axe Throwing⚡️Huge Festival Market⚡️30+ Ciders ⚡️20+ Sausages50% [...]

Join our Miniature Painting Competition in aid of OdysseyThere is two categories-Over 18's Single MiniatureUnder 18's Single MiniatureOur guest Judge for the day is the amazing Monopalite Miniatures!Drop off your miniature by 1pm - winner will be announced at 4:30pm!Sign-up at the link below!https://forms.gle/8fnp8JgohunhRBE58Saturday 11th JulyYou entry can be ANY single miniature - from any [...]

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 [...]

🚨 Strictly Vinyl Collective presents: FLASHBACK.On Saturday 11th July, we are rewinding the clocks to the golden era of 1988–1992... Expect a night of the best tunes from Old SkoolAcid House, Breakbeat & Techno,. 🔊A few years back, we threw our first Flashback party. The vibe was incredible, but we heard your feedback: upstairs venues [...]

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 [...]

Join us for a special evening as we celebrate 20 years since Colchester United secured historic promotion to the Championship.Relive one of the club’s greatest achievements with an exclusive two-course dinner alongside former players from the promotion-winning squad. The evening will feature special guest appearances, live Q&A sessions, entertainment throughout the night, games, photo opportunities, [...]

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 [...]

Geek Pie, a hi-tech multi-genre post-punk disco for all you self facilitating media nodes.Wall to wall anthems and well plastic chaos. Including the infamous 'Pleasuredome Hour'.Expect bangers from the likes of:Blur / Red Hot Chili Peppers / T-Rex / Wet Leg / Hot Chocolate / Wu Tang Clan / Black Lace / Supergrass / Talking [...]

🚨50% OFF TICKETS NOW LIVE🚨Summer In Nashville returns to Colchester with a huge line up of music, games and food!Line up announced!🤠 One Night In Nashville - Brand New Set ListTribute Bands:🤠 Luke Combs 🤠 Morgan Wallen🤠Dolly PartonPlus:Countryoke, Robbie McMinn, Stella LainGeorgia Nevada, Fin PearsonLucy Blu, Ollie Hawkins, DJ Chris ArmstrongExpect an unforgettable day including:💃 [...]

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 are monthly, business-focused conversations for creatives, offering practical insight, sector knowledge, and the chance to connect with peers.Finding the right producer can transform a creative [...]

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now!Join us for a spectacular production of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! JR., brought to life by our incredibly talented students.🌟 For two nights only📅 14th & 15th July 2026🚪 Doors open: 5:40pm🎭 Show starts: 6:00pm🎟️ Tickets: £3.50 each📲 Available now via ArborFollowing the incredible success of last year’s production, we are [...]

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now!Join us for a spectacular production of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! JR., brought to life by our incredibly talented students.🌟 For two nights only📅 14th & 15th July 2026🚪 Doors open: 5:40pm🎭 Show starts: 6:00pm🎟️ Tickets: £3.50 each📲 Available now via ArborFollowing the incredible success of last year’s production, we are [...]

David O'Doherty - Postponed Colchester Arts Centre are sorry to announce that, due to circumstances beyond their control - and a particularly busy evening in the nation’s sporting calendar - they’ve made the difficult decision to reschedule this show. They hope to have a new date asap and apologise for any disappointment or inconvenience caused. [...]

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 is for a seated audienceFiona Allen: Work In ProgressSellout 2023 and Smack The Pony Star runs out of time to find the perfect excuse to [...]

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 music of James Bond to life in a way that is bold, elegant and utterly unforgettable.This is more than a concert - it is an [...]

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 is for a seated audienceFiona Allen: Work In ProgressSellout 2023 and Smack The Pony Star runs out of time to find the perfect excuse to [...]

📢 MAGDALEN STREET CLEARANCE KILO SALE IS BACK! 📢Looking for a wardrobe refresh at an unbeatable price? Join us for our Magdalen Street Clearance Kilo Sale and pick up fantastic pre-loved fashion for just £2.49 per kilo! 🛍️👕👖📅 Friday 17th July⏰ 3:30pm – 6:30pm📍 95–97 Magdalen Street, Colchester, CO1 2LAWhether you're searching for everyday essentials, [...]

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 festival-goers do...Cecily Hitchcock Cecily Hitchcock is a comedy siren, crowd enchantress & heckler annihilator. Her unique mix of outlandish anecdotes and off-beat [...]

Do you love all things drag?! Well strut right up because “NOW! That’s What I Call…DRAG!” is BACK bringing you a fabulous evening of DRAG this July! And this time, we'll be joined by RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 3 and Canada Vs The World Superstar, VICTORIA SCONE!That's right! We have the Drag Race ICON, [...]

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 Queens of the Stone Age favourites, alongside a handful of tracks from other iconic altrock artists, all delivered with the duo’s signature, driving rhythms, and [...]

🔥 REC & RIBS – BBQ FESTIVAL 🔥A full day of BBQ food and summer vibes is coming to Old Heath Recreation Ground as Rec & Ribs takes over Colchester.This is a proper BBQ-led event, celebrating low & slow cooking, big flavours and a laid-back outdoor atmosphere. Expect stacked ribs, sizzling grills, great traders, a [...]

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 a knitting machine, you’ll create your own wool-covered wire, before shaping and forming it into your chosen word or phrase. Don’t worry if you’ve never [...]

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 to hear stereo versions of these recordings at ‘The Hay Wain: Walking Constable’s Landscape’ exhibition at Christchurch Mansions in Ipswich from July. There will also [...]

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 Joy.In this friendly, guided workshop, you’ll choose from a range of fabrics to design a notebook that reflects your personal style. You’ll then be taken [...]

We cannot wait to bring our Mid Summer Evening Market back to Colchester in 2026 on Saturday July 18thWe’ll be filling the gorgeous piazza area, outside the Mercury Theatre from 4pm until 8pm with lots of amazing food, drink and craft stalls as well as some delicious street food so get the date in the [...]

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 been storming its way across Europe for 4 years gaining critical acclaim and outstanding reviews. Described as a “ powerhouse performance that delivers on every [...]

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 festival-goers do...Rob Auton Following on from his 2025 Edinburgh hit show CAN - The story of a man called Can, writer and performer, Rob Auton [...]

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 is parking, and the event runs from 11am until 4pm.Last year's Open Day proved to be very popular!The kits for the new campaign will be [...]

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 and Bagheera the panther transport us to the jungle in a story that has remained a favourite for generations.Can Mowgli discover the secret of Man's [...]

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 for a standing audience.Dire Streets bring to life the classic songs of one of the world’s greatest guitar bands with a level of musicianship and [...]

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 [...]

Come and join us on Monday 20th July 2026 at The Dog & Pheasant, 24 Nayland Rd, Colchester CO4 5EG for a relaxed and enjoyable evening painting our Lighthouse under the expert instruction of our workshop leader Sarah. No experience needed. You can either follow the step by step instructions or ‘express yourself’ by putting [...]

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 Cult Kid and Me: My Villain origin story.Raised in the Petri dish of fundamentalist belief, marinating in guilt and shame and the ever present threat of doomsday our cult poet was once a kid, cut into tiny pieces. Separated entirely from himself and living on a lifeboat. A family caught in the farty fumes [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Get your cowboys hats ready!Join us for an unforgettable day filled with the chart-topping tracks of Morgan Wallen, Dolly Parton, and many more, combining the best of the old school and modern country hits. Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or just looking for good vibes, this is the ultimate party. 🤠🌵💃What to Expect:🎶 Nonstop [...]

As Take That celebrate over 30 years as the UK's number one boy band, The Take That Experience mark over a decade together as their most popular and recognised tribute [...]