19.11°C Essex artist Simon Carter transforms Firstsite's gallery with From the Landscape, an immersive exhibition inspired by the Essex coast and countryside. Carter has spent more than 40 years walking, drawing and painting the landscape around him. The exhibition brings together more than 30 acrylic paintings and drawings made since 2020, an early watercolour painted when [...]
35 events found.
Events
Calendar of Events
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6 events,
What does it mean to grow up by the sea today? From ambition and creativity to isolation and inequality, explore intimate photographs and firsthand accounts that document what life is really like for young people growing up in coastal Britain. About the exhibition Documentary photographer Polly Braden and journalist Lisa Bachelor spent more than a [...] Out of Line: Banksy and the Art of Dissent brings a major exhibition of street and urban contemporary art to The Minories in Colchester. The exhibition features 28 original artworks by Banksy alongside significant works by more than 20 other artists from the international street art and urban contemporary art movement. Every Banksy work included [...]
£12.50
The Mercury Theatre presents Jack and the Beanstalk, its 2026 Christmas pantomime, with Colchester panto favourites Antony Stuart-Hicks and Dale Superville returning for another festive production. Jack lives at Trott's farm with Trevor and their mum Tilly, but money is running low. When ruthless landowner Augusta Bigbucks buys the farm, the family reluctantly decide to [...]
£10.00 – £43.00
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The Snowman featuring the classic film and live orchestra. Essex Youth Chamber Orchestra plus a choir of over 250 local children.
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Tickets £15 / £14 concsDoors 7.30pm, show 8pm This gig is for a seated audience 'The sheer enthusiasm & joy of their music along with their wonderful musicianship & great stage presence combine to create an act that will undoubtedly go down a storm wherever they play. " Jim McLaughlin, Musicport Festival Director 'Musical sunshine [...] |
7 events,
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Sale Dates and Times:Public Onsale : Fri, 5 Jun 2026 at 10:00 AM 
Dr Helen Wall, author of Menopause and ADHD talking on Tuesday, 1st December at 7.30pm In collaboration with the wonderful, Suffolk based Umbrella Hub Menopause and ADHD is your ultimate [...]
£20.00
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Tickets £31.50/£29.50 concsDoors 7.30pm, show 8pmThis gig is for a standing audience“An exclusive event from one of the founding members of Boney M comes to Colchester Arts Centre.Sheyla Bonnick’s name [...] |
9 events,
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Start the festive season with a creative morning making your own stunning Christmas wreath at The Lexden Crown, Colchester.Whether you prefer a traditional style or something a little more contemporary, [...]
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Standup for FoodbanksJoin us for an evening of top-tier comedy with a vital purpose at the Standup for Foodbanks benefit show on December 2nd.To help local families ahead of the holiday season, entry requires one full bag of non-perishable food items per ticket. Every item collected goes directly to supporting our community's local food banks.
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Calling all poetry lovers!Maybe you like listening to poetry.Maybe you like sharing your poetry.Maybe you’ve never shared it before.Maybe you know a poet.If you fall into one of the above, [...]
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Christmas at the Movies is a spectacular live concert experience that brings the most beloved festive film scores to life, performed by The Great British Film Orchestra. This enchanting evening [...]
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Tickets £26.50Doors 7pm, show 7.45pmThis gig is for a seated audienceThe Wandering Hearts 8.45 - 10pmSupport 7.45pm - 8.15pmI'm dreaming of a Wandering Hearts ChristmasThis winter, the darlings of UK [...] |
11 events,
By Alan P. Frayn Headgate Theatre Productions Get ready to embark on a magical journey through the woods. In the village of Munchen Lunchen, discover whether Fairy Bluebell can rescue Hansel and Gretel before they are eaten by Nightshade, the wicked witch of the woods. This colourful, funny and magical adventure for all ages features [...] 
Every family has baggage. The Weirds have an entire circus. The Weirds have always been a little peculiar, but not one of them suspected they’d been cursed by their grandmother. At the moment of their birth, Annie Weird gave each of her five grandchildren a special power that she thought was a blessing. Richard, the [...]
£15
First Thursday of the month at 10am Needle felting workshops. Seasonal themes with Nicola October – pumpkins and bats November – mixed media Robins December – gingerbread people [...]
£25.00
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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 [...]
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Join us on Thursday 3rd December at 6:00pm at Brews & Whiskers, The Cat Café, 23 Sir Isaac’s Walk, Colchester CO1 1JJ for a truly unique and relaxing Christmas Wreath [...]
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A judgement-free zone to celebrate the books that make you blush! Didn't finish the book? No worries! Show up for the debrief, giggles and drinks. 
Tickets £3Doors 7.30pm, show 8pmThis show is for a seated audienceAn evening of spoken word and poetry hosted by Mary-Ann Ambrose.A mixture of emotions, a roller coaster of fun and sadness.Line-up to be announced! |
8 events,
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✨ Experience the Magic of ‘Christmas – The Candlelight Concert’ ✨ A Sophisticated Festive Celebration by Xperience LiveStep into a world of festive elegance and timeless charm as Xperience Live proudly presents ‘Christmas – The Candlelight Concert’ - an evening where music, candlelight and holiday wonder come together in perfect harmony.Set beneath the soft glow [...]
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Tickets £15.50/£13.50 concsDoors 8pm, show 8.30pmThis show is for a seated audienceCome 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 our club when [...] |
15 events,
Colchester on Ice opens at Culver Square in Colchester on Saturday 5th December, bringing a real ice rink to the city centre for the Christmas period. Running until Sunday 3rd January 2027, the covered rink will offer skating throughout the festive season. Alongside general skating sessions, Colchester Ice Rink is planning family sessions, skating lessons [...] 
Runs: Sat 5 - Thu 24 Dec 2026 After last year’s incredible response to our Santa’s Grotto, the big man returns to the Mercury for 2026!Join us for a heart-warming festive adventure as you and your group journey to Lapland, where the magic of Christmas comes alive in Santa’s cosy grotto.Gather round for a delightful [...]
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Come and enjoy a festive morning of fun for the whole family.Start your day with a delicious breakfast, followed by plenty of festive activities, including our photobooth and light-up dancefloor. [...]
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Have a handmade shopping day. The people in your life deserve something special, and for a truly unique gift, nothing beats handmade. Not only is a handmade gift a little [...]
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Get Ready to Throw It Back to the 90s! 🎉Join us for an unforgettable day filled with the biggest hits of the 1990s, featuring chart-topping tracks from your favorite artists [...]
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The Ultimate Festive Live Band Sing-Along MASSAOKE CHRISTMAS is a huge live show from the creators of SING THE MUSICALS. A brilliant band plays all the best Christmas songs — backed up by lyrics on a giant screen, so the whole audience can sing together! Featuring festive hits from the likes of Mariah, Slade, Wham [...]
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Tickets £35Doors 7.30pm, show 8pmThis gig is for a seated audienceMediaeval Baebes embark on their 30th Anniversary Tour, celebrating three decades of darkly beautiful, time-travelling song. The genre-defying, classical chart [...] |
15 events,
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Our iconic annual Santa Fun Run returns to Colchester Castle Park!The Santa Fun Run, now in its 17th consecutive year, is the ideal way to kick off your festive season [...]
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Enjoy a festive experience with Father Christmas as part of your visit to Colchester Castle and create magical family memories together. Available on 5-6, 12-13 and 19-23 December, with sessions [...]
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Discover how place can shape stories, characters, and atmosphere in this creative writing workshop. Through a series of guided writing exercises, discussions, and creative prompts, experiment with sensory language, description, [...] 
The Street Where Santa Lives read by the author, Harriet Howe 2pm-3pm on Sunday 6th December 2026 When an old man moves in next door, everyone is too busy to [...]
Free
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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 [...]
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The Devil's Prefects. They play songs. They like Smokey & The Bandit a whole lot.Join us for a Sunday evening at the fantastic Victoria Inn! |
10 events,
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Go Bananas is proud to provide children aged 0-12 years with regular S.E.N.D friendly soft play sessions.Our S.E.N.D friendly soft play sessions are designed to provide a calm and relaxed atmosphere; ideal for those children who would love to come to Go Bananas; but the normal day noise and activity be too much for them.The [...]
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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 [...]
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Tickets £16/£15 concs Doors 7.30pm, show 8pm This gig is for a seated audienceWinter Wonderband are a chamber folk quartet with Saul Rose on melodeon (Faustus, War Horse, Waterson Carthy) & Maclaine Colston on hammered dulcimer (Pressgang, Kings of Calicutt) joined by Beth Porter (SpellSongs, Bookshop Band) on Cello and Jennifer Crook (Broken Road, Cythara) [...] |
8 events,
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On the road again, JOHN OTWAY AND WILD WILLY BARRETT "Alive and Gigging" at the Colchester Arts Centre on TUESDAY 8th DECEMBER 2026. Show starts at 8.00pm. For tickets, go to www.weloveconcerts.com or call the Box Office on 07879 208141.John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett have been at it .... and each other.... for over [...] |
11 events,
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Get ready to sing, dance, and shout 'Bingo!' as we turn your favourite Christmas hits into a night of non-stop fun! Festive Music Bingo is your ticket to cash prizes, laughter, and unforgettable good times. Mark off the songs as you hear them to win amazing prizes. No musical knowledge is required, you will be [...]
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Edwyrdian Tales The best place by the festive fireside was always reserved for the storyteller. Join Edwyrdian Tales for an evening of haunting seasonal tales featuring chilling stories by M. R. James and Marjorie Bowen. From a sinister hotel room and a house of mourning to a windswept coastline stalked by an unseen presence, these [...] 
Tickets Pay what you can afford Doors 7.30pm, show 8pm This show is for a seated audienceFrom Slade and The Pogues to Ukrainian hymns, village brass bands and a live orchestra playing the soundtrack to Home Alone, this is a show all about Christmas music. The perfect show for nights out in December, step into the magic of [...] |
8 events,
Tickets £10/£8 concsDoors 7.30pm, show 8pmThis show is for a seated audienceI Hear Voices Theatre Company return for their now traditional (and extremely silly) evening of unquiet nonsense in a tale of mystery inspired (in part) by M.R. James and other writers of the incredible… Medievalist, antiquary and genial fear monger, Montague Roads Jim, is poised [...] |
8 events,
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Tickets £23.50 Doors 7.30pm, show 8pm This show is for a seated audienceStar of Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, QI, Richard Osman's House of Games & Comedy Central Live; Ignacio Lopez returns with perhaps his most ambitious and pretentious project yet. Nada is the captivating comedy experiment which sees Spain’s [...] |
14 events,
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Colchester’s Record Fair returns to Firstsite, a treat for both enthusiasts and casual collectors alike. Come browse through stallholders’ collections of vinyl and CDs from a vast range of genres. Grab yourself a bargain – or perhaps something a little rarer.
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Enjoy a festive experience with Father Christmas as part of your visit to Colchester Castle and create magical family memories together. Available on 5-6, 12-13 and 19-23 December, with sessions running from 10am (11am on Sundays) to 4.30pm and is suitable for all ages.Make Christmas extra special with a visit to Father Christmas in the [...] Tickets £10Doors 2pm, finishes 6pm This event is for a standing audienceFeaturing legendary Colchester DJs BEN HOWARD & SAM LEPPARD!Expect classic pop, disco, soul, indie, rave and dance anthems - all guaranteed to get you moving. With its singalong vibes and feel-good energy, the Daytime Disco brings a fresh twist to the venue’s legendary club nights.And [...]
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The Wizard of Oz Musical is coming to Colchester for Christmas 2026! In December 2026 Colchester Events and Stage Right Entertainments (the producers of Elf and Shrek: The Musical) will transform Charter Hall into the magical land of Oz with this spectacular production of The Wizard of Oz Musical. A story loved for generations The [...]
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Join us for a calm and creative afternoon learning the traditional craft of bookbinding with a Christmas twist!You’ll create your own hard, fabric-covered notebook completely from scratch. At the wonder [...]
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Christmas concert & carols - with heathlands school choir |
10 events,
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Enjoy a festive experience with Father Christmas as part of your visit to Colchester Castle and create magical family memories together. Available on 5-6, 12-13 and 19-23 December, with sessions running from 10am (11am on Sundays) to 4.30pm and is suitable for all ages.Make Christmas extra special with a visit to Father Christmas in the [...] 
Tickets Pay what you can afford (Suggested minimum of £2)Doors 10.30am, workshop 11am If cost is a barrier, please contact us at ticketing@colchesterartscentre.comAwaken your senses with Indian spices and hands-on masala [...]
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Tickets £15, £13 concs, £40 family (including at least one child)Doors 7pm, movie 7.30pmThis show is for a seated audienceIt's back! We'll be screening the movie prior to the live show, and the band will be performing some new material! So join us for this extra special evening of Christmas music, performed by film and [...] |
8 events,
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Tickets £15/£14 concsDoors 7.30pm, show 8pm This gig is for a seated audienceThe winter season whilst often cold can be thawed by heart lifting music that includes polyphonic, four-part, unaccompanied carols from Yorkshire and beyond and tunes that make you want to dance. Thrown into this music season’s mix may include irreverent songs about pheasants [...] |
10 events,
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Sessions take place on 15 December, 10–11am and 11:15am–12:15pm.Designed for children aged 2½ to 5, these relaxed, hands-on sessions give you the chance to explore the museum together through play. Join your child as they discover science and history side by side, with plenty of opportunities to get involved, make, and learn together at the [...]
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Sessions take place on 15 December, 10–11am and 11:15am–12:15pm.Designed for children aged 2½ to 5, these relaxed, hands-on sessions give you the chance to explore the museum together through play. Join your child as they discover science and history side by side, with plenty of opportunities to get involved, make, and learn together at the [...] 
Tickets £6 Doors 7.30pm, show 8pm This show is for a seated audience Presented by Classic Horror buff and local musician Jason Frederick Monthly nights of retro horror screenings from the mainly Brit school of Hammer, Amicus etc. Popcorn, a monthly themed cocktail, plenty of dry ice and often very daft over-blown intros. Join us! [...] |
9 events,
By Anthony Neilson Colchester Theatre Group On Christmas Eve, two well-meaning police officers face an impossible task: delivering devastating news to an elderly couple. Anthony Neilson’s award-winning black comedy transforms a simple duty into an outrageous chain of misunderstandings, blending sharp wit, dark humour and poignant moments in this inventive festive farce. This amateur production [...]
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Our infamous monthly in-house quiz/gameshow takes place in the cellar where 5 teams fight it out in a chaotic bacchanal! Perfect for pub quiz haters and people who know nothing! |
11 events,
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Come and join Game Anglia in Colchester at our latest game developers meetup!A casual get together for all game developers in Essex, from AAA video games to independent developers. Everyone welcome!
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Our four-part Trust the Process: Observational Drawing workshop invites you to explore the foundations of observational art.Designed for beginner artists and creative enthusiasts, the sessions focus on building confidence, developing [...] 
Tickets £12/£10 concsDoors 7.30pm, show 8pmAge Restriction 18+ Evening Standard Top Alternative Christmas Shows 2019 & 2020 ‘justifiably much loved and brilliant’ This Week London From the makers of Drink Rum With Expats, Or What’s Left Of Us and Evita Too, join ‘anarchic performance legends’ (Time Out) SH!T THEATRE & friends this December for this [...] |
9 events,
Tickets £12/£10 concsDoors 7.30pm, show 8pmAge Restriction 18+ Evening Standard Top Alternative Christmas Shows 2019 & 2020 ‘justifiably much loved and brilliant’ This Week London From the makers of Drink Rum With Expats, Or What’s Left Of Us and Evita Too, join ‘anarchic performance legends’ (Time Out) SH!T THEATRE & friends this December for this [...] |
11 events,
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Enjoy a festive experience with Father Christmas as part of your visit to Colchester Castle and create magical family memories together. Available on 5-6, 12-13 and 19-23 December, with sessions [...] 
Tickets £6.95 / £25 family (including at least one child) Children under 3 years are free but require a ticket when booking Morning Doors 10.30am, show 11am Afternoon Doors 1.30pm, show 2pm This show [...] 
Tickets £20Doors 7.30pm, show 8pmThis show is for a seated audienceIt's back - the hottest ticket in town! |
11 events,
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🎄 The Rec Christmas Market 🎄Join us for the final market before Christmas at Old Heath Recreation Ground — a festive day full of local traders, great food, and community [...]
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Enjoy a festive experience with Father Christmas as part of your visit to Colchester Castle and create magical family memories together. Available on 5-6, 12-13 and 19-23 December, with sessions [...] 
Tickets £6.95 / £25 family (including at least one child) Children under 3 years are free but require a ticket when booking Morning Doors 10.30am, show 11am Afternoon Doors 1.30pm, show 2pm This show [...]
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Test your knowledge of the beloved Disney animated films, and help raise money for an incredible cause! - £3 a head (CASH ONLY)- Maximum 6 to a team- Food served [...]
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The 9075, formed in August 2019 from a jamming session, are the world's first tribute dedicated to celebrating the music and essence of The 1975. With a 2-hour show, The 9075 brings the spirit of the original band to life, creating unforgettable nights filled with nostalgia and excitement. Support comes from Fontaines C.D, a tribute [...] |
9 events,
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Enjoy a festive experience with Father Christmas as part of your visit to Colchester Castle and create magical family memories together. Available on 5-6, 12-13 and 19-23 December, with sessions running from 10am (11am on Sundays) to 4.30pm and is suitable for all ages.Make Christmas extra special with a visit to Father Christmas in the [...] 
Tickets £6.95 / £25 family (including at least one child) Children under 3 years are free but require a ticket when booking Morning Doors 10.30am, show 11am Afternoon Doors 1.30pm, show 2pm This show is for a seated audienceAge Guidance most suitable for ages 4 upwardsPlease note: For family shows the bars are closed and you are welcome to [...]
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The Concert at Christmas raises money every year for a chosen local charity. |
10 events,
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Enjoy a festive experience with Father Christmas as part of your visit to Colchester Castle and create magical family memories together. Available on 5-6, 12-13 and 19-23 December, with sessions running from 10am (11am on Sundays) to 4.30pm and is suitable for all ages.Make Christmas extra special with a visit to Father Christmas in the [...]
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Participants will create their own short Christmas-inspired animated film using stop motion software. With guidance from our expert tutors, they will use festive materials, props and backgrounds to design characters and scenes, building their films frame by frame. In this festive Christmas-themed session, participants will work in a smaller group at a pace that suits [...]
£5
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Participants will create their own short Christmas-inspired animated film using stop motion software. With guidance from our expert tutors, they will use festive materials, props and backgrounds to design characters and scenes, building their films frame by frame. You will learn: • How stop motion animation works (filming frame-by-frame) • Story planning and festive visual [...]
£35
Tickets £6.95 / £25 family (including at least one child) Children under 3 years are free but require a ticket when booking Morning Doors 10.30am, show 11am Afternoon Doors 1.30pm, show 2pm This show is for a seated audienceAge Guidance most suitable for ages 4 upwardsPlease note: For family shows the bars are closed and you are welcome to [...] |
9 events,
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Enjoy a festive experience with Father Christmas as part of your visit to Colchester Castle and create magical family memories together. Available on 5-6, 12-13 and 19-23 December, with sessions running from 10am (11am on Sundays) to 4.30pm and is suitable for all ages.Make Christmas extra special with a visit to Father Christmas in the [...] 
Tickets £6.95 / £25 family (including at least one child) Children under 3 years are free but require a ticket when booking Morning Doors 10.30am, show 11am Afternoon Doors 1.30pm, show 2pm This show is for a seated audienceAge Guidance most suitable for ages 4 upwardsPlease note: For family shows the bars are closed and you are welcome to [...] 
Tickets £10, under 16's £5 Doors 7pm, show 7.30pm This show is for a seated audience This show will be BSL Interpreted This is a fundraising event for Colchester Arts [...] |
8 events,
Tickets £6.95 / £25 family (including at least one child) Children under 3 years are free but require a ticket when booking Morning Doors 10.30am, show 11am Afternoon Doors 1.30pm, show 2pm This show is for a seated audienceAge Guidance most suitable for ages 4 upwardsPlease note: For family shows the bars are closed and you are welcome to [...] 
Tickets £10, under 16's £5Doors 6.30pm, show 7pmThis show is for a seated audience This is a fundraising event for Colchester Arts Centre Colchester Arts Centre Director Anthony Roberts’ traditional rendition of the Dickens classic, with musical accompaniment by Jamie Cunliffe.Hear this wonderful timeless tale in the beautiful surroundings of a Victorian church, with the [...] |
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7 events,
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Comedy Tickets £25 (includes free entry to after show club night) Doors 8pm, show 8.30pm Club night only Tickets £5 Doors 11pmClub night closes at 1.30am Designated Drivers can enjoy unlimited free draught soft drinks on us. Join us for a night of stand up comedy & disco! Just like our regular monthly night of stand up [...] |
7 events,
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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 from a calmer environment, including visitors with autism or sensory sensitivities. During this time, we reduce sensory stimulation by turning off sounds and visual displays, [...] |
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