Immerse yourself in the experiences of those who moved to post-WWII 'New Towns' and the communities affected by these developments, through paintings, photography, videos, visual poetry and drawings. Presented 75 years after Basildon in Essex was designated a New Town…

• Colchester Castle Museum

This summer, Colchester Castle is thrilled to welcome Gaia, a captivating six-metre diameter touring artwork that brings the Earth’s beauty to an unprecedented scale. Developed in collaboration with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Bluedot, and the UK…

A Colchester hot air balloon ride is a truly memorable experience. Your ballooning adventure will start from the Ardleigh Showground where you'll have the opportunity to help prepare the balloon for flight, by helping to inflate the balloon, before taking to the skies…

• Firstsite

Join Colchester’s own Jane Taylor on a celestial adventure, inspired by her timeless poem, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” Embark on a cosmic odyssey as we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Essex writer’s passing and trace the fascinating legacy…

• The Minories Galleries

St John’s Green Primary School is delighted to be showcasing its One Square Mile: Heritage on our Doorstep project at the Minories Art Gallery in Colchester. This exhibition presents the rich heritage within one square mile of the school and celebrates the outcomes of this…

Every Saturday, children and families can join in with free games, have fun, move more, and make friends. It’s the perfect way to start the weekend and to enable communities to get active.   Before you come along to your first ParkPlay, we need you to register…

• Firstsite

Noble & Webster have created a remarkable group of anti-monuments in their 24-year career, mixing the strategies of modern sculpture and the attitude of punk to make art from anti-art. Their work derives much of its power from its fusion of opposites, form and anti-form, high…

The multi award-winning, smash hit comedy returns starring Seann Walsh, Chris Harper and Aden Gillett. ‘You’ll roar with laughter’  New York Post Named best comedy at the Olivier Awards, Tony Awards and Moliere Awards, ART played a historic nine years…

Abigail’s mum is dead. But it turns out she can’t afford her to be. Did you know how expensive it is to die? It’s £4000 for the funeral. Extra for flowers. And even more if you want sausage rolls. Otherwise, she will get a pauper’s burial. Then, when…

• Firstsite

Join local artist, Karen Densham for this accessible and fun approach to printmaking. Explore low tech printing methods like dry point etching, Lino cutting, mono printing, impression printing and more. We will be using nature and personal artefacts as inspiration, as well as…

Following the huge success of Ben Elton’s critically acclaimed sold-out UK tour in 2019, which marked his return to live comedy after a fifteen year hiatus, the undisputed godfather of modern stand-up is going back on the road with his new show – Authentic Stupidity…

TRIBUTE QUADRUPLER! The Kopycat Killers v Scam Fender v Sub-Arctic Monkeys v Oasis 96 Over 3 Hours of Tribute Band Bangers from FOUR indie legends! These are the best in the business, but don't take our word for it…. 1. THE KOPYCAT KILLERS – http://thekopycatkillers.com…

Come and enjoy creating a gorgeous arrangement of flowers that will bring the beauty of the season into your home. This natural design, that you will take home, will be worked into an attractive galvanised metal container that can be reused. Discover the gentle art of floristry…

• Castle Park

The Free Family Fun Festival returns to Colchester's Castle Park on 21st September from 11:00-16:00. Save the date and discover lots of brilliant free things to do for all the family including bouncy castles, face painting, games and activities.

Take a guided walking tour around Colchester to discover its history and heritage with an expert guide. Colchester was Britain's first city, and is now it's newest after regaining city status in 2022. With a story stretching back over 2000 years, join one of our official…

• The Munnings Art Museum

Now a private residence, Mendham Mill, the birthplace of Alfred Munnings, will be open to the public for one day. There will be a selection of original paintings by Munnings on display. In order to facilitate parking at Mendham Mill and to ensure everyone is comfortable we are…

The Crunchy Frog Players return to The Headgate with another smorgasbord of classic and newly minted original comedy sketches, seasoned with a light sprinkling of songs. With all proceeds going to the Mayor of Colchester's Charities, this year's hilarious platter focuses…

The Crunchy Frog Players return to The Headgate with another smorgasbord of classic and newly minted original comedy sketches, seasoned with a light sprinkling of songs. With all proceeds going to the Mayor of Colchester's Charities, this year's hilarious platter focuses…

• Castle Park

Head down to Castle Park on a warm Sunday in September for a fun-packed day with the family! Headway Essex have proudly hosted the Essex Classic Vehicle Show for some time now and this year is set to be another al fresco success! Lower Castle Park will be filled to the brim with…

A different adventure every week… rope walks, hammocks, woodland crafts, den building, mini beast hunting, climbing, fire making, cooking, pond dipping and so much more! £6 per child.

• Firstsite

In these sessions you will draw natural history specimens and plants from life – with a chance to experiment with a range of drawing mediums including fine line pen, watercolour, pencils and pastel across the course. These sessions can be taken as a course or as separate…

Now a staple part of North Essex cultural life, the Roman River Festival returns for its 24th season, bringing world-class performance – from the classical to the contemporary – to beautiful and unusual venues across North Essex every September. Find out more…

• Layer Marney Tower

On the first day of the festival, coincidentally also the Autumn equinox, Bach to Baby is back at Layer Marney Tower. Savour the last day of summer with a feast for your ears. Prance to the spritely dances of the English countryside and shimmy to the sultry rhythms of the tango…

Launching their new CD, ‘The Madrigal Reimagined’, in London and Wivenhoe this week, The Monteverdi String Band take their inspiration from the sound, style and repertoire of the early violin consort, using seventeenth-century instruments to create a unique sound…

• The Munnings Art Museum

“Art is long, life is short” Join our exclusive out-of-hours tours of the museum. Enjoy the atmosphere of Sir Alfred Munnings P.P.R.A. former home and studio with its furniture and personal items still in situ. Take A Closer Look at the life & art of Past…