Monstrous Medieval Trail at Colchester Castle
Join us for a spine-tingling journey through Colchester Castle where tales of medieval life and…
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There's always something happening in Colchester, from vibrant community events to large-scale festivals and concerts, you're bound to discover something to keep you entertained while on a trip to Colchester.
You could catch a show, watch a band, browse the stalls at a market, or take in an exhibition at one of our wonderful galleries! Check out our event listings to discover what's happening during your trip to Colchester. From hidden gems to large scale events that you don't want to miss, this handy tool will show you everything coming up in the city.
To help keep you busy over the October half term, be sure to visit our guide for 'What's On for Halloween'.
Join us for a spine-tingling journey through Colchester Castle where tales of medieval life and…
Step into the past where a costumed character will guide you through a fascinating exploration of…
Our Trail of Terror is packed full of scares at every turn, from rustling bushes, to masked monsters…
In this election year – with the country in turmoil – there’s only one comedian…
Join us for an evening of dark history, witchcraft and Magick. Listen to talks about the darker side…
Every month we now have a wonderful line up of nearly 30 stalls joining us selling a fantastic range…
Handmade shopping day for gifts and crafts at Firstsite Art Gallery. 40 small creative businesses…
Take a guided walking tour around Colchester to discover its history and heritage with an expert…
A firm favourite with families, they're a great opportunity to visit the Museum and have a ride…
The excitement will commence from 5:30pm at The Courtyard, with live performances from Jupiter Ray…
This festive season, Santa’s sleigh is making a special stop in Colchester, and he’s…
Our brand new pop-up bar, Popina at The Courtyard, will be opening its doors on Wednesday 13th…
Get ready to rock out this Christmas with definitely maybe the UK's greatest Oasis tribute…
Immerse yourself in the wonderful Christmas atmosphere with our festive activities taking place…
Running during the half term holiday week, discover the very best in childcare! Children aged eight to sixteen-years-old can enjoy exhilarating activities in small groups throughout the day. They’ll rotate round four sessions all for just £40 at the purpose-built…
The Town Hall as you've never seen it before… Are ready to step into Colchester’s dark and eerie past? Take a trip through the maze-like narrow corridors and atmospheric rooms within the Town Hall where you’ll experience an immersive scare event not for the…
Join us for a not so spooky Halloween experience, when The Fairy Godmother’s magic goes wrong. She needs your help to save Cinderella before the clock strikes midnight! There are 6 characters – both good and evil – are waiting for you in different rooms in…
The Brothers Grimm are the most famous collectors of fairy tales, but back in the 19th century, stories for children were a lot scarier, blood thirsty and disturbing. Join Yorkshire storyteller Eden Ballantyne as he retells a collection of some of the darker tales from the Grimm…
The Protagonist takes centre stage, as a steadfast force, a beacon of determination amidst the chaos of driving the narrative forward. No one knows how they became, their presence is seemingly eternal and unwavering. Enter Hubris, throwing obstacles in the path of the…
What is FEMININITY? An old Disney princess becomes a witch, a man rejoices when Wonder Woman tramples him, and a prostitute ballerina and nun burlesque dancer destroy the perfect beauty created by plastic surgery and breast augmentation. In a Japanese society full of gender gaps…
Winners of ARTIST'S PICK (Colchester Fringe 2023), Theatre Group GUMBO from Japan is BACK! Welcome to the Forest of Truth! Stepping through the boughs of the densest trees, Man and Woman 'fall in love'. However, the mythical residents of the forest have other plans…
Cheryl is a middle aged Essex woman who would go 'out, out' if she could but is in a quandary as she tries to navigate her menopause alongside her 'bestie' Sandra. With her so called 'change' comes bizarre symptoms that no one told her were on the horizon…
Audience members are invited by the warden to shelter from the raging storm outside; four mysterious strangers decide to swap ghost stories to pass the time. Delving into tales of witchcraft, occult rituals, hauntings, and all things supernatural, as the night draws in, and the…
These renowned multi instrumentalists from the Isle of Lewis take you on an eclectic musical journey through the Highlands and islands of Scotland past and present. From soulful laments to high energy, beautifully arranged sets of jigs, reels, and traditional (also Gaelic). Plus…
Following the tragic death of her lover, faded cabaret performer Madame Mirage puts on one last show against all the odds. But with an alien invasion occurring in the city above, it's only a matter of time before her show takes a turn for the bizarre... The lean green drag…
Paul Merryck's back with 3 fantastic compilations shows featuring some great comedians appearing at the Fringe and from around the world (ie Essex) . Always a brilliant hour to kick off your evening, with a selection of handpicked funny people who are either appearing at the…
Across an hour of original (and quite rude!) songs and stories, Sexy Rude Harp Concert presents one woman's journey to get railed, among other things... Using high camp, old school Hollywood glamour, childhood trauma, knowing winks, ostrich feathers and a Bedazzler, Sam…
This is a story about love. And abuse. A story untold till now. Suz has got a great job and a good life with amazing friends. They're on a night out when she bumps into Olly. He's funny, charming and very good looking. They talk all night and that's all it takes to…
Winner of the audience pick award Prague Fringe . Winner of The Fringe Encore Producers pick Cincy Fringe . Winner of The Doric Wilson award Dublin International Gay Theatre Festival. This is the true story of William Dorsey Swann, former slave who became the Queen of Drag in the…
Join Essex cheekiest chap for a quick witted hour of stand up with captivating stories from travels around the world. *Please note there is no lift to access the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys. There are five flights of hand-railed stairs to reach the top floor with rest…
Essex based children’s entertainer and Braintree panto legend Billy Banana brings his Edinburgh Fringe Festival smash hit show to Colchester Fringe. It’s an interactive extravaganza for all the family. Expect lots of laughter, games, prizes, music and lots of fun!!…
Captain Zak Space Pirate needs your help! He's crashed his broken-down spaceship and only with your help answering questions, solving puzzles, and singing songs can he get the ship going and hopefully survive a bubble attack! Zak worked as a delivery driver for the Amazin…
Welcome to the world of Fates Fortune, where audiences are invited to tap into their divine intuition and embark on a contemporary exploration of Tarot. Join us as we delve into this ancient practice through captivating mediums of immersive theatre and visual art. As you step…
A decade after a dramatic split, star-crossed lovers reunite at the worst time. Guilt, rage, and love collide in this new play with music. Accompanied by an equally chilling and uplifting score provided by a small live band, this story of regret and second chances covers a legion…
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…
This Halloween, dive into the eerie side of history with our Dark Spirits Castle Tour, inspired by our spine-chilling Wicked Spirits exhibition. Explore the castle’s shadowy corners and uncover the darker tales that lurk within its ancient walls. This specially curated tour…
Colchester Castle Museum is set to showcase a remarkable artefact with deep ties to the city's medieval past: the Bodleian Bowl. This historical object, associated with the medieval Jewish community in England, will be on display from 27 September to 27 January.
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…
The Wicked Witch has returned and has banished Queen Tatiana from the Secret Fairy Garden and has filled it with lots of spooky things, turning it into the Scary Fairy Garden! The Wicked Witch has created a forcefield that Tatiana’s magic alone cannot thwart, she needs your…