Nicola Burrell is a Colchester-based artist and sculptor who creates three-dimensional artworks that reflect her fascination with built environments and artificial spaces. Her creative process often begins with drawing and mapping out various locations, allowing her to capture…
Free Events
As well as Colchester's fantastic free attractions, you'll find an impressive selection of free events happening in and around the city all year long. Firstsite Art Gallery always has an exhibition on that's bound to impress, and during the summer months Castle Park is home to pop up bandstand concerts, and a number of festivals with free admission in the lower park. Later in the year, firm favourites like Heritage Open Day and Invasion Colchester provide fantastic entertainment at absolutely no cost. Find our picks in the listings below!
Colchester Morris take to the streets of Colchester to perform once again! Formerly known as 'The Colchester Morris Men', the Colchester Morris now perform as a mixed-side group, eager to keep the Morris tradition and heritage alive and thriving. Most commonly seen…
Returning for the third year, the Rowhedge Art trail is organised by Rowhedge Backyard Artists. The Backyard Artists are a group of local artists, mainly from Rowhedge, formed over thirty years ago, and have been showing work together nearly every year since…
Set in a welcoming environment, our fair showcases a stunning array of original artworks, including paintings and sculptures. Whether you're on the hunt for a unique gift or treating yourself to something special, this is your chance to discover one-of-a-kind pieces that…
A fan favourite, 'The Castle Park Bandstand Concerts' - presented by Cafe in the Park - return for another year. The Colne Endeavour Band is a charity run band. We love making music together and helping others to learn how to play too. So our members are from…
One for all the dog lovers! The Mayor and Mayoress of Colchester will be raising money for their charities with Bark in the Park on Monday 26 May 2025. The event is part of Hospital Radio's Fun Day in Lower Castle Park and is being held from 11am - 4pm. There…
A fan favourite, 'The Castle Park Bandstand Concerts' - presented by Cafe in the Park - return for another year. Combining elements of more traditional big band with more modern tracks and electronics, the Colchester based Electro Jazz Orchestra are bringing the…
A fan favourite, 'The Castle Park Bandstand Concerts' - presented by Cafe in the Park - return for another year. West Bergholt Concert Band & Training Band were formed in 1978 to encourage young musicians and to perform all styles of music in a fun…
Colchester's Lower Castle park is turned into a mini Highland gathering as pipes and drums from across the south of England play amazing medleys of Scottish tunes as they perform in the arena.
A fan favourite, 'The Castle Park Bandstand Concerts' - presented by Cafe in the Park - return for another year. These concerts are free to attend and do not require pre-booking - turn up, grab a coffee, and listen to some wonderful music!
Join us for some midsummer family magic in the Minories Garden. Take your seat and honour the city's roots in our 'Twinkle, Twinkle Storytelling Armchair', featuring BBC Essex's Rob Jelly and local children's authors. Explore the fascinating stories of spies…
A fan favourite, 'The Castle Park Bandstand Concerts' - presented by Cafe in the Park - return for another year. The Salvation Army is a worldwide Christian church and registered charity, which has been fighting against social inequality and transforming lives…
A fan favourite, 'The Castle Park Bandstand Concerts' - presented by Cafe in the Park - return for another year. These concerts are free to attend and do not require pre-booking - turn up, grab a coffee, and listen to some wonderful music!
The Wivenhoe Town Regatta attracts thousands of visitors annually. Whether you love the water or are a land lover, there’s something for everyone. Discover the sailing and rowing , including the raft race and shoreside activities , including the…
Get arty and enter our drawing competition! All your need to do is sketch us your favourite museum animal and tell us why its the best! With great prizes to win, we can't wait to see your arty animal creations. 1st prize is a family pass to Colchester Castle, while 2nd and…
A fan favourite, 'The Castle Park Bandstand Concerts' - presented by Cafe in the Park - return for another year. The SweetingSwingBand are a local band who have been playing for private and public audiences for over 30 years, and on the bandstand for at least 15…
A fan favourite, 'The Castle Park Bandstand Concerts' - presented by Cafe in the Park - return for another year. The Abbeygate Concert Band was established in 2002 and has about 35 musicians playing mainly brass and woodwind instruments. Our Musical Director is…
A fan favourite, 'The Castle Park Bandstand Concerts' - presented by Cafe in the Park - return for another year. These concerts are free to attend and do not require pre-booking - turn up, grab a coffee, and listen to some wonderful music!
A fan favourite, 'The Castle Park Bandstand Concerts' - presented by Cafe in the Park - return for another year. Introducing Ruby Robinson – The Jazz Diva of Our Era! Ruby has performed on stages all over the UK including prestigious venues such as…