What’s On

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 showwatch 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'

This Month's Highlights

Coming Up in Colchester...

Abba Reunion - Christmas Show Dec 21

The ABBA REUNION tribute Show is the creation of an Award Winning West End Director, Producer and Choreographer Starring the original 'Frida' from the London West End cast! ABBA REUNION gives Abba fans, old and new, the opportunity to once again get together and re-live…

Charity Christmas Concert Dec 21

Join the Black Cactus Choir for a wonderful, uplifting start to your Christmas celebrations. Join us to hear artists Sophie Griffiths, Low Lying Sun, Daisy Jackaman, Doug Panton, Hyoie O'Grady and the Black Cactus Choir for a fantastic Christmas Concert. All proceeds from the…

Christmas Time Dec 21

Miles of Music return to the Headgate with another original take on the Christmas Concert. The programme will include familiar songs from Christmases past, along with more recent festive gems. With their melodic arrangements and stunning harmonies Miles of Music provide the…

Elf - The Musical Dec 21

ELF-THE MUSICAL tells the hilarious tale of Buddy, who, as a baby, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and grows up in the North Pole. Raised as an elf and never quite fitting in, when Santa tells him the truth of his birth father, Buddy sets out to New York for a…

Enchanted: Trail of Light 2024 Dec 21

Experience a whole host of illuminations along a designated route, featuring an immersive blue ice tunnel, magical rainbow light bridge and life-sized animal illuminations. Plus, you can control the magic with special interactive light zones, all put together by our creative…

Enlightened: Markshall 2024 Dec 21

For the very first time, the highly anticipated illuminated phenomenon is making its way to the magnificent Markshall in Coggeshall this winter. Just a brief drive from Braintree, Witham, and Colchester, Enlightened at Markshall promises to be an enchanting experience not to be…

Ghost Stories for Christmas Dec 21

An evening of bone chilling tales to conjure the spirits of Christmas. This night of seasonal spirits features terrors from some of the finest authors of their age. A one-man performance, directed and haunted by Matthew Wood.

Ghost Stories for Christmas Dec 21

An evening of bone chilling tales to conjure the spirits of Christmas. This night of seasonal spirits features terrors from some of the finest authors of their age. A one-man performance, directed and haunted by Matthew Wood.

Halla Groves-Raines Life in Patterns Dec 21

Celebrating 10 Years of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards We're thrilled to mark a decade of the Firstsite Collectors' Group Bursary Awards with our second exhibition this year that celebrates East Anglian artists who have received or applied for these…

Hot Air Balloon Rides Over Colchester Dec 21

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…

Jane Ostler: Finding the Hand of Kindness Dec 21

'Finding The Hand of Kindness' is inspired by Jane's own life, reflecting on her roles as a caregiver, the impact of patriarchal expectations, and the everyday moments of kindness. Through her art, Jane invites us to see how creativity can be a source of comfort and…

Leonora Carrington: Avatars & Alliances Dec 21

Marking 50 years since the English translation of 'The Hearing Trumpet', Leonora Carrington's 1974 novel, was published, this exhibition offers a fresh exploration of her extraordinary life, career and travels. What to expect Featuring over 50 artworks and objects by…

Meet Santa At Lion Walk Shopping Centre Dec 21

This festive season, Santa’s sleigh is making a special stop in Colchester, and he’s setting up his magical grotto in the heart of Lion Walk Shopping Centre. From Wednesday 13th November onwards, you can trade in your wish lists for facetime with Santa himself. This…

Meet Santa at the Mercury Theatre Dec 21

A Magical Storytime and Santa Experience This Christmas, we’re bringing the holiday magic to life with a special opportunity to meet Santa! In partnership with The Ho Ho Ho Christmas Show, we’re excited to offer kids and their families a chance to enjoy a truly…

Nicola Burrell Concrete Dreams Dec 21

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…

Oh What Wonder - No Room at the Inn Dec 21

Join us for a FREE Family Christmas celebration Date: Saturday, December 21st Times: 3 PM & 6 PM Location: C3 Church, Ypres Road, CO3 7FD Bring your family of all ages for an unforgettable afternoon! Our festive event kicks off with a delightful 1-hour show, "No Room at…

Popina at The Courtyard Dec 21

Our brand new pop-up bar, Popina at The Courtyard, will be opening its doors on Wednesday 13th November until the end of December. Join us throughout the festive season for the ultimate Christmas Aurora experience. Enjoy Christmas under the lights while indulging in locally made…

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