Take a walk through the seasons at Crapes Fruit Farm in Essex in this immersive audio-visual exhibition by artists Hana Loftus and Maddie Persent. A year in the orchard Beginning in January 2024, the artists documented a year's cycle at Crapes – a sixteen-acre orchard near…
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!
Defaced leather jackets, memorabilia, self-portraits, video, and installation – journey through a raw, and personal exploration of art, identity, and growing up different. Marking her first major solo show after a celebrated collaborative career, this landmark exhibition…
David Dunnett returns to the Moot Hall for this recital following an extraordinary 29-year tenure at Norwich Cathedral, where he served as Organist and Master of Music from 1996 to 2007, and subsequently as Organist until 2025. He presided over nearly three decades of…
Get making during our Holiday Fun: Make session with a variety of free creative activities at Firstsite this February. Most suitable for those aged 4 – 11 yrs, but all ages welcome. Drop-in anytime between 10am – 2:30pm from Tuesday to Saturday to take part. No need…
Follow clues around the museum, complete a fun worksheet, and uncover fascinating facts as you explore natural history in this interactive, hands-on adventure designed for curious young visitors.
Chess Tournament! The Mayor of Colchester invites you to the Moot Hall for a day of chess. Whether you’re a seasoned chess master, a complete beginner, or just looking for a fun family day out, there is something for everyone. FREE with donations to the Mayor’s…
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…
Claudia Grinnell has been Organist and Director of Music at St Edmundsbury Cathedral since 2024, becoming the first woman to hold the post. She oversees the cathedral’s five choirs and directs a vibrant programme of concerts and recitals. A graduate of the University of…
Darius Battiwalla has been Leeds City Organist since 2017, directing the acclaimed Town Hall recital series and overseeing the renewal of the Leeds Town Hall organ. He has performed at major UK cathedrals, with Collegium Vocale Gent, and at the Royal College of Organists…
The next Art Trail will take place over 4 days from Friday 1 - Monday 4 May 2026, 10am to 5pm. A warm welcome awaits you as the artists and makers of Wivenhoe open their homes and studios and invite you in to view their most recent work.
Emma has been Director of Music at Chelmsford Cathedral since September 2024. A graduate of Pembroke College, Cambridge, she trained as an organ scholar at St Martin-in-the-Fields and Southwell Minster, and completed an MMus in Organ Performance at the Royal College of Music. She…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
The choristers of Norwich Cathedral are at the heart of one of England’s most vibrant cathedral music programmes. Trained under the guidance of the Master of Music, Ashley Grote, they perform across the Cathedral’s services, concerts, and special events with energy…