New year, same fantastic line up of events! Get your diaries at the ready, because we've got a LOT happening in Colchester over the next 12 months. 

2026 is set to be a huge year for Colchester; full of fantastic events from world-premieres to world-class performers, historic festivals to railway celebrations, it’s all happening here.

From world-premieres to world-class performers, historic festivals to railway celebrations, it’s all happening here in 2026, and here's your comprehensive guide to the TOP things to look out for this year:

May be an image of textThe Manningtree Witches

📍 Where? Mercury Theatre

⏰ When? 28 February - 14 March 2026

A country divided. A town on it’s knees. A teenage girl with a dangerous secret.

This year’s hottest ticket is ‘The Manningtree Witches’, a Mercury Original in association with Frantic Assembly, supported by Eleanor Lloyd Productions. Adapted by award-winning Mercury Playwright and screenwriter Ava Pickett and directed by Natasha Rickman, this gripping historical drama is a fiercely modern exploration of fear, control, and what happens when women’s voices are silenced.

Set in 17th Century Essex, this thrilling production tells the tale of 17-year-old Rebecca West, who is forced to watch as suspicion, fear, and the self-appointed Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins, tear apart her quiet hometown of Manningtree.

You can see The Manningtree Witches at the Mercury Theatre from 28th February – 14th March 2026. Learn more here.

Image credits: The Manningtree Witches, Mercury Theatre.

May be art of crowd and textLocal Art Trails

📍 Where? Wivenhoe and Mersea Island

⏰ When? May 2026

Don’t forget about the ever-popular FREE art trails that the Colchester District has to offer. Whether you’re walking around the home of wonderful artists in Wivenhoe, or going on a creative journey across the tranquil Mersea Island, you’re sure to find yourself inspired.

Both the Mersea and the Wivenhoe Art Trail are scheduled for May 2026.

Image credits: Mersea Art Collective

The Wizard of Oz

📍 Where? Colchester Charter Hall

⏰ When? Beginning 12 December 2026

Round off the year with a trip over the rainbow and down the yellow brick road to see the wonderful Wizard of Oz at Colchester Charter Hall! Beginning 12 December 2026, this family-friendly production of a classic tale is expected to be a smash-hit, so book early to secure the best seats.

May be an image of train and textInspiration: The Railway 200 Exhibition Train

📍 Where? Colchester Station

⏰ When? 3-4 February 2026

For two very-special days (3-4 February 2026, 10am-5pm), you can join a celebration of 200 years of the modern railway at Colchester Station. ‘Inspiration: The Railway 200 Exhibition Train’ will take you on a journey of discovery, telling stories of history, innovation, and the future of railway.

Tickets are free but are limited, so it’s crucial to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Learn more here.

Image credits: Greater Anglia

Heritage Open Days 2026May be an image of text

📍Where? Around the District

⏰ When? 11-20 September 2026

If local history’s your thing, you’ll definitely want to add Heritage Open Days 2026 to your calendar!

This incredible event offers the chance to peek inside some of the city’s most important and exciting buildings and venues, and to learn more about Colchester’s history. From behind the scenes tours to museum open days, there were plenty of exciting opportunities to explore the secrets and stories of the city.

Following its biggest year to date in 2025, Heritage Open Days is returning from 11-20 September 2026. Learn more here.

May be an image of one or more people, speaker and crowdColchester Castle Summer Series

📍 Where? Castle Park

⏰ When? August 2026

Following a fantastic multi-night concert series in 2025, where we welcomed HUGE stars and almost 70,000 of you, Colchester continues to establish itself as a cultural hub, hosting comedians, musicians, community events and a Fringe Festival - so you're never far from the entertainment.

And, as such, we're thrilled to share the answer to the question everyone was asking after 2025’s ultra-successful Colchester Castle Summer Series: what comes next? Well, it’s coming back for 2026!

Superstars like Becky Hill, Billy Ocean and Fatboy Slim have all been confirmed for this year’s lineup, and tickets are on sale now. Learn more here.

We’re expecting to see even more fantastic events join the lineup throughout the year, so be sure to keep an eye on our Events Calendar and our social media channels so you don’t miss out on any updates!