Café in the Park is proud to present Soundwave Sessions! Join us on selected dates for a fantastic mix of live music from some brilliant performers, all set in the beautiful surroundings of Castle Park. Free to attend – just bring your friends and enjoy the music!…
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!
The Minories Gallery is delighted to announce ‘The Constant State of Becoming’, the first major exhibition of work by Wivenhoe-based artist Charlotte Bernays, opening Saturday 9 May and running until Sunday 28 June 2026. The exhibition brings together sculpture…
This first major exhibition of works by Wivenhoe-based sculptor Charlotte Bernays. Charlotte is an artist in perpetual motion. Moving fluidly between two and three dimensions, across media and materials, her practice mirrors its central subject: the endless cycle of…
The Roman Circus Visitor Centre is open from 10 AM to 4 PM. See the archaeological site of Britain's only known chariot racing track, the Roman Circus! The Visitor Centre provides insights into what a "Day at the Races" was like in Roman Colchester nearly 2,000…
Come and join us! The annual Duck Race is back, raising funds for Chappel Primary School. The fun starts from 12 noon, with the first race kicking off at 2 PM. Enjoy a delicious BBQ and hog roast, bounce around on the bouncy castle, treat yourself at the cake stall, and try your…
Come to beautiful Mersea Island and embark on a creative journey! Mersea Island Art Trail is a celebration of our community's creativity! This is your opportunity to meet the MERSEA ART COLLECTIVE passionate artists. Explore their studios, and witness their creative…
Join the Rangers for this free drop-in pond dipping session at Salary Brook and discover what creatures hide under the surface. Once you’ve explored the pond, why not make your own pencil or spinner, all from natural materials. Stay for as long, or as little, as you like.
Looking for a fun and free family day out this half term? Join us at Culver Square on Saturday 30th May for Cirque Du Square – a full day of circus-themed entertainment, live performances and family activities in the heart of Colchester. From 10am…
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. 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…
Come and discover what really happens on the farm during harvest! We’re opening up our farmyard and inviting you to join us for a guided farm tour on the evenings of Thursday 4th June and Friday 5th June 2026. During the tour, we’ll take you around the yard and show…
We are taking part in Open Farm Sunday again this year. This years activities include: Farm Trail: Explore the fields at your own pace or join one of two guided tours with Danny, who will be able to answer any of your veg related questions. Family Fun: Outdoor games and…
Hilary Punnett joined St Paul’s Cathedral in August 2025 as Assistant Director of Music, working alongside Director of Music Andrew Carwood to deliver the Cathedral’s world-class music programme. Her appointment coincides with the historic expansion of the choir…
Come to our mini Highland Gathering as pipes and drums from across the south of England play amazing medleys of Scottish tunes throughout the day. Admire the colourful tartan kilts and the skill of the young Highland dancers. Relax at the bar, enjoy the food outlets, browse the…
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…
Founded in 1926 Colchester Morris celebrates its 100th birthday in 2026. To celebrate this milestone we have invited other Morris dancing sides to join us for a day of dance on 27th June. Starting at 10am there will be dancing at a number of locations across the city, with the…
An exhibition of collage artworks by Phill Jupitus. Perhaps best known to audiences as the long-standing team captain on BBC Two's Never Mind the Buzzcocks and as a regular panellist on QI , Phill moved from Essex to Scotland in 2018 to pursue fine art…
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…
William Saunders is one of Britain’s leading concert organists, celebrated for his imaginative programming, recordings of modern English repertoire, and dedication to music education. He performs widely across the UK and Germany, appearing at major festivals including…
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. These concerts are free to attend and do not require pre-booking - turn up, grab a coffee, and listen to some wonderful music!
Ian Ray is a distinguished organist, conductor, pianist, and singing coach with a career spanning over five decades. He served as Colchester’s Borough Organist from 1988 to 2025, performing at civic occasions and a wide range of cultural events. Director of Colchester…
Heritage Open Days return to Colchester and Wivenhoe for 2026. Find out more on our dedicated page here! You'll be invited into some of Colchester's most iconic buildings, including churches, art galleries and museums. Stay tuned for more info.
Richard Brasier is an internationally acclaimed organist and educator, celebrated for his performances, scholarship, and teaching. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz, Köln, he has performed across the UK, Europe, and Asia…
Iain Farrington has a busy and diverse career as a pianist, organist, composer, and arranger, celebrated for his inventive choral, orchestral, and chamber works. He has composed and arranged for prestigious ensembles and venues, including the BBC Singers, Orchestre National de…