As the year draws to a close, Colchester Arts Centre offers a dazzling array of events that promise to enchant audiences of all ages and tastes. From the soulful homage of Nearly Dan, echoing the genius of Steely Dan, to the heartwarming puppet escapades of Flotsam & Jetsam, and the harmonious melodies of The Wandering Hearts, the Centre becomes a beacon of artistic excellence. Immerse yourself in this artistic haven where diverse genres blend seamlessly, creating unforgettable experiences at the heart of Colchester.

A December to Remember: Colchester Arts Centre's Spectacular Line-Up

This February, the Colchester Arts Centre becomes the epicenter of diverse musical and artistic events, offering an eclectic lineup that includes everything from experimental electronic music to folk rock, and even a teddy bear-themed concert for the youngest of music enthusiasts. Artists like Tujiko Noriko, Mia Zabelka, and John Law promise to bring their unique sounds and styles to the stage, ensuring a month filled with creativity and cultural richness. Each event offers a unique experience that promises to captivate audiences of all ages and musical preferences.

Colchester Arts Centre: A February of Musical Diversity and Creative Expression

March at Colchester Arts Centre is packed with diverse musical events that promise to engage and entertain. From quirky instrumentals with The Churchfitters, iconic vinyl sessions, and a tribute to reggae legend Lee Scratch Perry, to showcases from rising stars like Katherine Priddy and global talents such as Martin Kohlstedt, this month offers a rich tapestry of sound. Each event uniquely highlights the talents of its performers while offering audiences an intimate experience of diverse musical genres and styles.

Colchester Arts Centre's March Extravaganza: A Musical Journey Through Diverse Sounds

This spring, Colchester Arts Centre is set to become a vibrant hub of creativity and culture, hosting a series of events that showcase the rich diversity of music and art. From the raw energy of Beans On Toast's folk-punk storytelling to the intricate soundscapes of Ex-Easter Island Head, each event offers a unique experience, reflecting a kaleidoscope of genres and artistic expressions. Whether you're a fan of jazz, folk, metal, or experimental sounds, there's something for everyone in this eclectic lineup.

A Vibrant Tapestry: Celebrating Music and Art at Colchester Arts Centre

Prepare to embark on an eclectic musical journey at Colchester Arts Centre, where a diverse array of performances awaits. From the blackened depths of Existentialist's death metal riffs to the soulful folk tales of Chris Wood and Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, each event promises a unique auditory experience. Dive into the intricate jazz fusions of Emily Saunders and the experimental soundscapes of Ex-Easter Island Head. Whether it's the energetic renditions of Leveret or a night of burlesque with Hundred Watt Club, there's something for every musical palate.

Colchester Arts Centre: A Fusion of Innovative Soundscapes and Traditional Tunes

Colchester Arts Centre is set to sparkle in 2025 with a dynamic lineup of events featuring diverse musical experiences. From the risqué charm of Hundred Watt Club's Burlesque & Vaudeville to the soulful harmonies of Roswell, these events promise engaging performances. Notable highlights include David Preston's virtuosic jazz, the folk mastery of Leveret, and a tribute to Fleetwood Mac by Fleetwood Bac. This series is a celebration of artistry, offering audiences a rich tapestry of genres, ensuring something for every music enthusiast.

Colchester Arts Centre: A Vibrant Showcase of Musical Diversity

Get ready for an extraordinary lineup of events at Colchester Arts Centre in 2025! This year, the venue is set to host a wide array of performances, from the tantalizing world of burlesque and vaudeville to nostalgic 80s experiences. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Style Councillors' 'Shout To The Top', enjoy a Britpop rivalry between Blur and Oasis, and revel in the diverse musical influences of Gryphon and the Philip Clouts Quartet. There's something for everyone at this vibrant cultural hub!

Colchester Arts Centre: A Year of Diverse Sounds and Spectacles

It's hard to find a profile like Manu Louis in music.... Belgium born, now Berlin based, he studied composition with legendary composer Fréderic Rzewski, electronic music on the internet, and dancing during his concerts. A Passionate singer, and knob agitator, he also plays the guitar in his own unique punk jazz way...

Manu Louis

Colchester Arts Centre

Nick Drake is the most revered and loved of all this country’s acoustic Singer-Songwriters. He has given us timeless songs that shed all the tears of life within their fragile yet perfect lines. He recorded three cherished Albums between 1969 and 1972 but was almost entirely unknown in his day. After his tragic death in 1974 aged only 26 his music almost disappeared into obscurity. Now, thanks to a massive resurgence of interest and a worldwide re-evaluation of his unique music, Nick Drake has become a national treasure.

Keith James: The Songs of Nick Drake

A radically fresh, boundary-pushing take on traditional songs. 'We need more music like this; spontaneous, alive and affecting' - FRUK

The Haar

Kid Carpet really wants to win the Royal Fancy Garden Contest. The Noisy Animals really want to run a garden centre. It's a perfect match! Nothing could possibly go wrong.

Kid Carpet And The Noisy Garden Centre

Melodic jazz with inspirations from around the world. Cape Town-born pianist/composer Clouts’ South African roots have inspired a voyage of discovery that has led to him soaking up the joyful passion of Caribbean calypso, the bluesy melodies of middle eastern praise songs, the exuberant sway of Cuban dance music and the tuneful essence of Gospel while honouring jazz heroes including Bill Evans, Keith Jarrek, and Charles Lloyd.

Philip Clouts Quartet

Touring for the first time in four years, Christine will be performing songs from the “Children of the Sea” project along with a selection of old favourites.

Christine Collister

Chinese Elvis is delighted to return this popular show to the venue where it was premiered. Having agreed to stop bickering about whose suit is most authentic, the diverse Elvii will make you laugh, sing and get you up dancing to The King's greatest hits.

Chinese Elvis presents The Diverse Elvis Spectrum

The event gates open for camping from 10am Thursday 24th July and close Noon Monday 28th July.

Latitude Festival 2025

Henham Park

Just like that old school disco, you will be singing and dancing the night way in proper 80s fashion to this 8 piece live band, remembering the music from a decade that brought us the birth of MTV, chunky mobile phones, and the Rubik's cube, plus blockbuster movies like ET and Dirty Dancing.

Sounds Like the 80s - The Ultimate 80s Experience

Following the release of their new live album Gryphon Live – A Sonic Tonic, Gryphon are back on the road with their unique blend of progressive rock, folk, classical and early music.

Gryphon

The Luke Combs Experience Is In Colchester! Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with amazing music and good vibes as we welcome the UKs best tribute band to country superstar Luke Combs to Colchester. Get ready to sing along to all your favourite hits and experience the magic of live music. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity, with the only fully live Luke Combs' tribute band in the UK, up close and personal. Grab your friends, put on your boots, and get ready to have a blast! Book your tickets now and secure your spot at this must-attend event. It's going to be an evening you'll remember for years to come!

The Luke Combs Experience

To mark 30 years since the notorious Battle of Britpop, in which Oasis’ ‘Roll With It’ competed with Blur’s ‘Country House’ for chart supremacy, we bring you something of a first – a Vinyl Sessions double-header.

Vinyl Sessions: Definitely Park, Maybe Life - Blur vs Oasis

The Style Councillors will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of 'Shout To The Top', the 5th single by The Style Council.

The Style Councillors: 'Shout To The Top' 40th Anniversary

With her highly anticipated third solo studio album, To Shoot Another Day, out on November 1 2024, multiple award-winning singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rosalie Cunningham is finally on the cusp of reaping the rewards of staunch dedication to her chosen life path.

Rosalie Cunningham

 What began in 1995 as a ground-breaking union of musicians and instruments, has continued as a unique musical offering through one live album, four studio albums and countless outstanding performances. A new recording is due for release in early 2025. After 30 years Flook show no sign of letting-up in their brilliance, their dynamism, or their inventive flair.

Flook

SORRY, WHAT’S THAT? I CAN’T HEAR YOU OVER THE SOUND OF A SHANGRI-LAS SINGLE BEING BLASTED WITH SHARDS OF SHEET METAL.Ah, just kidding, J&MC fans. We’ll be the first to admit that Jim and William Reid’s magnificent debut is a thrilling listen.

Vinyl Sessions: Jesus and Mary Chain - Psychocandy

FLEETWOOD BAC were the world’s first and are regarded as the UK’s most authentic Fleetwood Mac Tribute show, raved about by Peter Green’s biographer, and were the first Fleetwood Mac tribute band to fully replicate the classic Stevie, Lindsey, Christine, John & Mick ‘Rumours’ line-up.

Fleetwood Bac

The Oxley-Meier Guitar Project has continued to be highly productive: Following nearly 100 concerts on the back of their 2022 album, ‘The Alluring Ascent’, they have now released an album of brand-new, original pieces in their quartet format. This is ‘Mercurial Indigo’.

The Oxley-Meier Guitar Project

'A duo whose voices combine to create a seamless flow of rich, harmonic beauty' ~ Americana UK

Roswell

Leveret is a unique collaboration between three of England's finest folk musicians. Andy Cutting (button accordion), Sam Sweeney (fiddle) and Rob Harbron (concertina) are each regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity.

Leveret

London based guitarist and composer, David Preston has been described by the Guardian as “Virtuosic” and TimeOut as “A superb modern jazz guitarist”. He released his debut album ‘Purple / Black’ on Whirlwind Recordings in April, 2023 featuring ECM recording artists, Kit Downes, Sebastian Rochford and bassist Kevin Glasgow.

David Preston: Purple / Black featuring Seb Rochford & Conor Chaplin

Ex-Easter Island Head are a UK-based experimental musical collective composing and performing music for solid body electric guitar, percussion and other instruments. The group plays multiple electric guitars augmented through mechanical preparations and extended techniques, creating hypnotic performances rich in repetition, shimmering drones and melodic invention through purposefully limited means.

Ex-Easter Island Head

A story that began at the legendary Marquee Club in London's Wardour Street finally arrives at the chapter PROG journalist Martin Kielty describes as "Solstice becoming the band they were always meant to be".

Solstice

Now, we’ll be the first to admit that this particular combination of band name and album title might be somewhat off-putting to all but the most intrepid musical explorers. Have the normies skipped down to the next entry yet? Okay, well that’s their loss.

Vinyl Sessions: Bongwater - The Power of Pussy

With a raucous & raunchy cast hand selected by Hundred Watt Club's Lena Lenman, this show is a no-holds barred, full throttle journey into the wonderful world of show-people, spectacles & songbirds, all wrapped up with a feisty, tongue in cheek ribbon!

Hundred Watt Club: An Evening of Burlesque & Vaudeville

Sam Kelly is working on a hotly anticipated new album, due for release in 2025. The album will feature Sam’s signature eclectic arrangements of traditional folk songs, seamlessly interspersed with stunning original music from the pen of Sam and his Lost Boys band collaborator and banjo virtuoso - Jamie Francis. The album will take the listener on an eclectic journey all the way from fantastical moonlit adventures of privateering and poaching, to introspective reflection & solemnity, as centuries old folk songs sit alongside modern themes of mental health and exploration of the inner self. Sam and Jamie have gained a reputation as one of the most innovative and important partnerships to come out of the UK folk scene in recent years, and this album promises to be a groundbreaking addition to their impressive portfolio. One of the most exciting bands to have entered the UK folk scene in the past twenty years, Sam's band The Lost Boys has gained a reputation as one of the best live acts in the UK and they have packed out festival tents and venues the world over since they started in 2016.

Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys + Honey & The Bear

Dubbed “UK’s queen of jazz-fusion”, critically acclaimed vocalist, songwriter and producer, Emily Saunders takes any stage by storm leading an exceptional band of stellar musicians through her spellbinding set of original songs.

Emily Saunders: Moon Shifts Oceans

Reflections on minor league football, empty nest syndrome, learning to swim, Cook-in Sauce and of course, the Gecko as a metaphor for contemporary society! Tom Robinson and Chris Difford are fans while Stick In The Wheel and The Unthanks look to him as an influence. In a world of soundbites and distractions Chris Wood is a truth seeker. His writing is permeated with love and wry intelligence, uplifting and challenging as he celebrates the sheer one-thing-after-anotherness of life. Winner of 6 BBC Folk Awards, he's played with The Royal Shakespeare Company and was a key member of The Imagined Village along with Billy Bragg, Martin and Eliza Carthy. A wise and soulful craftsman, his concerts are a cliche free zone.

Chris Wood

Essex based Existentialist is a 5-piece Blackened Death Metal band who are wholly cementing themselves as serious players in the scene. Their debut album ‘Prophet of Ignorance’, released in 2020, demonstrates the bands technicality, musicianship and above all, heaviness. The combination of the dark vocals, aggressive guitars, intense drumming and sinister orchestral sections creates a beautifully morbid blend of noise. With the release of the Sophomore album ‘The Heretic’ through current label Seek & Strike records, the band demonstrates the evolution of their current sound.

Existentialist + Mechromorph + Rad Pitt + Draugrheim

Nine is the ninth official studio album from Dreadzone and a reflection of the last 5 years and a culmination of growing and re-inventing the Dread sound. The new album was released in October on their own Dubwiser label with first single Conqueror and accompanying video.

Dreadzone

Cult legend and all-round hero 'Beans on Toast' will take to the road this winter for The Wild Goose Chase, an extensive tour of the UK.

Beans On Toast

Huge will be performing a series of songs, but not songs he’s written – these are songs passed down from his family members and ancestors (dead). From his Grandpa Joe finally winning a ticket to the chocolate factory to his brother Elliot finding a stray alien in the garden shed, there’s something for everyone.

Huge Davies: A.F.M.A Dead

“Torch-bearers of a freshly reinvigorated tradition. . . one of the most exciting Scottish folk discoveries in recent years” (AllMusic)

Fara

Mrs Holly Frost lives with her goose keeping an eye on the world below. When she bakes the sun shines, when she hangs up her washing it rains and when she shakes out her bedding soft feathery snowflakes fall, covering the earth in a blanket of snow.

Strawberries In The Snow

One of the most unique and enjoyable live dub acts on the planet, their use of dynamic onstage dub mixing whilst performing alongside acoustic instruments and exceptional vocalists, make Zion Train one of a kind.

Zion Train + Johnny Fisher AKA Cyberdog

Based out of Berlin, Germany, electro-acoustic composer Hainbach (*1978 Freiburg im Breisgau) creates experimental music that is both visceral and whimsical. Using esoteric synthesizers, test equipment and magnetic tape he creates “one hell of a trip” in his live sets and recorded music.

Hainbach + Rorquals

"The Putan Club exists precisely to cross borders, challenge limits, stir consciences, overthrow dogmas, prejudices and formatting, developing during each concert a manifesto of irreverence and libertinism which involves -literally- the public in a turmoil to which it is difficult to remain indifferent.(....) This Franco-Italian duo but from and to the whole world, forges what goes through their heads, from rock to techno, from jazz to avant-punk and world music, in a viral and very contagious experience that dared to defy the resistance of the participants of a long and intense festival day. And despite everything, the public did not stop making the revolution in a performance that invites and incites just that. It was impossible to find a better closing concert for this second day of Amplifest 2022..." LOUD!MAGAZINE (P)

Putan Club

Duos come and duos go, and some nurture and fine tune their art and watch it grow into something totally original and captivating.

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman

Legendary award -winning Italian acoustic guitar virtuoso - composer Antonio Forcione teams up with fellow Italian/Sardinian award-winning guitarist, composer and educator Giorgio Serci. Passionate and melodic, these are world class performers.

Antonio Forcione & Giorgio Serci

Martin Kohlstedt is among the outstanding composers, pianists and producers for instrumental music and electronica. His past albums and their respective reworks were rewarded with international recognition and concert tours throughout the whole world.

Martin Kohlstedt

The annual showcase of musical talent from local schools is back!

Schools Rock Prom 2025

Yes, a name of a wizard who shook the world by giving birth to Reggae Dub, that produced some of the biggest reggae household names... Lee Scratch Perry.

Omar Perry & Easy Riddim Maker: A Tribute to Lee Scratch Perry

February 2024 saw the release of Katherine Priddy’s eagerly awaited second album: The Pendulum Swing. Greeted by critical acclaim in the press including MOJO who called it “simply brilliant”, the album landed at #1 in the official UK Folk Charts. It saw the likes of Iggy Pop, Guy Garvey, Craig Charles, Mark Radcliffe and Gideon Coe giving it a spin whilst RTE in Ireland added tracks to their recommendations list for 3 weeks running.

Katherine Priddy

It’s one of the most iconic LPs of all time. The Rosetta Stone of art-rock. The album that (in)famously sold poorly upon release, but compelled the few who bought it to form bands of their own. VU & Nico is an album with quite the reputation – but what’s it like to actually, y’know, listen to? Well, as you’ll discover if you join us for this springtime session – REALLY GOOD.

Vinyl Sessions: The Velvet Underground & Nico - The Velvet Underground & Nic

They’re not fitters and have absolutely nothing to do with churches. The name’s origin is lost in the mists of time but there is one aspect that suits them perfectly - its quirkiness. When your array of instruments includes a motorcycle petrol tank, a musical saw and a Mercedes Benzouki made from hubcaps there’s little point worrying if the name makes sense! Saucepan dulcimer, glass harp, Bing-Bong machine and magic boots all join some more conventional instruments (fiddle, banjo, sax and whistle to name a few) to back Rosie Short’s sublime voice.

The Churchfitters

Album of the Month – Not Just Ship Land “Her voice thick with velvet and mirk ... hovering between the comforting warmth of The Breath and the whip-smart forlorness of early Adele ... Hamill has a big intriguing voice, it’s Scottishness ever- present.”

 Ainsley Hamill

Released in 1986, The Colour of Spring is, as the modern parlance would have it, A Whole Mood.

Vinyl Sessions: Talk Talk - The Colour of Spring

Edge Street Live presents Clare Ferguson-Walker & Arthur Smith: 2 Poets and a packet of crisps.

Arthur Smith & Clare Ferguson-Walker: Two poets and a packet of crisps

Trailblazing ​glitch masterpieces​ (1990s), delicate, hyper-real, ​futuristic​ post-rock vignettes​ (after 2010) and now abstract club bangers​ with a delicious twist - Markus Popp aka Oval continues to be one of THE most prolific, influential creative forces in contemporary electronic music. Every Oval album is a unique, shape-shifting celebration of innovation, skill and sensibility.

Oval + Masal + Frazer Merrick

Folk music’s legendary triumvirate of musical magpies Mike McGoldrick, John McCusker and John Doyle are on tour again in 2025, bringing you their own blend of top -class folk songs, tunes and charming bonhomie.

Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle

John Law (“One of the UK’s most imaginative and versatile jazz pianists”International PianoMagazine, 2014) presents Re-Creations: creative re-workings of some of the world’s most familiar music.

John Law's Re-Creations

Singing shanties and songs of the sea out of Brightlingsea, Essex.

Motley Crew Sea Shantymen

Bands from the local college do battle! Lineup announced soon.

Sixth Form College Battle of the Bands 2025

The Magpie Arc, the folk rock supergroup with Led Zeppelin vibes" (copyright Mark Radcliffe of BBC Radio 2!) come to Colchester for the very first time.

An Evening With The Magpie Arc

A perfect introduction to the world of music, with musical stories and short pieces that will get your teddy dancing!

Teddy Bear's Concert

Tujiko Noriko is a musician, singer, songwriter and filmmaker based in France. Her latest album is Crepuscule I&II, from Editions Mego (2023). On Crépuscule one can hear the influence the film medium has had on her music as visual insignia are invoked in the evocative audio at hand. Instrumental interludes further conjure a film landscape alongside the titles which also reiterate the cinematic form. This is synthetic music with a deep human presence.

Tujiko Noriko + Mia Zabelka

Currently touring the brand new CD that’s taking the world by storm – “COAT-TAILS FLYING”.

John Kirkpatrick

The ultimate Emo Night is coming with headline shows from The Black Charade (My Chemical Romance) and Fell Out Boy (Fall Out Boy) who got an endorsement from the real FOB. Playing all the hits from ‘Welcome To The Black Parade’ to ‘Sugar, We’re Going Down’ this night is not to be missed!

The Black Charade + Fell Out Boy + Dookie

We offer this gift for the edification of humankind… so that eventually your species may put an end to war and set up new homes in space.

Henge

Sealionwoman, is vocalist Kitty Whitelaw and double bass player Tye McGivern. Together they craft a unique and defiantly uncategorisable sound. Whitelaw’s rich and beguiling vocal delivery and McGivern’s atmospheric, inventive approach to his instrument creates melancholy soundscapes, torch-song transgressions and rapturous drama. In late 2018 they released their first album “Siren” with Antigen records, and their second album is currently in production. Kitty and Tye have been collaborating for many years and have played numerous live venues in the UK including EARTH Hackney, Union Chapel and Cafe Oto. They have also had the opportunity to support incredible acts such as Meursault, Tanya Tagaq, Bohren and der Club of Gore, Sarathy Kowar, and Collocutor.

Sealionwoman

L’esprit du Jazz playing music inspired by French swing, Latin and Brazilian songs alongside original compositions and jazz standards. The line up is Sam Dunn, guitar, Charlie Pyne, bass and vocals, Katie Patterson on drums and Karen on accordion.

Karen Street Quartet

Mermaid Chunky. It’s all in a name, sometimes. The danceable, costumed, curiosity rich duo of artists Freya Tate and Moina Moin are as imaginative as they profess. Or, to get more to the point, as we all need them to be.

Mermaid Chunky

Kick off the New Year with this FREE beginner’s workshop.

Morris Dancing Taster Workshop

London-based British-Kurdish singer-songwriter Olcay Bayir blends original compositions with tunes rooted in the rich musical heritage of Anatolia, reflecting her complex cultural background. Infusing traditional Anatolian sounds with modern elements and drawing from her Kurdish-Alevi soul, Olcay's music resonates with themes of survival, exile, love, and longing. Her debut album, Neva – Harmony (Riverboat, World Music Network, 2014), features songs in multiple languages spoken across the Anatolian region. Her second album, Rüya – Dream (ARC Music, 2019), showcased her original compositions for the first time. Both albums were well-received by industry press. Olcay was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Songlines Music Awards in 2015 for Neva – Harmony. Her latest album, Tu Guli, reached #3 on the World Music Charts Europe. She was also honored with the PRS Foundation's Women Make Music award.

Olcay Bayir

Now in their 3rd decade as a full-time professional touring act, Limehouse Lizzy continue to keep the spirit of Celtic rock icon Philip Lynott and his band THIN LIZZY alive and dominating stages worldwide.

Limehouse Lizzy

“It's like a part of my body,” says Jozef Van Wissem of the relationship he has to his chosen instrument, the lute. “The complexity of it is what keeps me going because you can always find something new.” The ability to constantly extract something different and explore fresh terrain is evident throughout Wissem’s sprawling back catalogue and up to his latest album, The Night Dwells in the Day. Over the years he’s released countless solo albums stretching into double figures, there’s been collaborations with Jim Jarmusch and Tilda Swinton, award-winning computer game soundtracks, along with award-winning film soundtracks, from Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive to Pierre Creton’s 2023 film A Prince.

Jozef Van Wissem + The Witching Tale

Laurence Jones is ‘The Next Eric Clapton’ - Buddy Guy. Laurence Jones, the multi-award-winning guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter born in Liverpool released his 8th studio album ‘Bad Luck & The Blues’ which charted #1 in The Official Jazz & Blues Charts in The UK. Hailed "The future of the blues" as Classic Rock Magazine aptly puts it! Don't miss a chance to book Laurence Jones to perform live on tour. With his impressive prize cabinet of awards and a place in the British Blues Hall Of Fame, he's one of the UK's greatest guitarists.

Laurence Jones

Please consider donating any unwanted items, Christmas gifts or things that have been cluttering up your surrounds. We can accept donation drop offs between 10am and 4pm on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd January.

The Great Arts Centre Jumble Sale

An evening of music from The Fabs, The Judith Charmers, Park & Ride and Laura Jepp, in memory of their dear friend and band member Grahame Andrew. All proceeds to go towards Grahame’s wish for something special for his two boys.

Grahame's Fab Night

Colchester Arts Centre Director Anthony Roberts’ traditional rendition of the Dickens classic, with musical accompaniment by Jamie Cunliffe. Hear this wonderful timeless tale in the beautiful surroundings of a Victorian church, with the only illumination provided by candlelight! Guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.

A Christmas Carol By Candlelight

The hottest ticket in town! Local wordsmiths unite for the annual festive extravaganza.

Cooper Clarke, Martin Newell, Luke Wright, Ross Sutherland, Stephen Munson

Straw, wood, brick? Porridge, chairs, beds? Two trios to tantalise and tickle your senses in this DOUBLE BILL of Furry Tails, where Goldilocks may even be more scary that the Big Bad Wolf!

Theatre of Widdershins - Pigs + Bears Don't Come in Pairs!

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 - Christmas Show

After more than 30 years of existence, Gothenburg's finest metal masters EVERGREY are far away from slowing things down. The five-piece, led by founder, singer and guitarist Tom S. Englund, will release its fourteenth studio album, Theories of Emptiness, on June 7, 2024 via Napalm Records. Without any doubt, the new album marks one of the most dynamic records the band has ever crafted throughout their impressive career. Theories of Emptiness was produced by Tom S. Englund and Jonas Ekdahl, and was mixed by Adam "Nolly" Getgood (ex-Periphery), who worked closely with the band from the start - bringing out the vividness of the album’s overall sonic profile. Rounding out the album’s production, mastering was helmed by Thomas “Plec” Johansson (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra, Onslaught, The Gems, Eleine and many more).

Evergrey + Klogr + Inner Vitriol

The twisted imaginations behind "Poets Day" and "The Adventures of Bentley Strangetrousers", return for their now traditional (and extremely silly) evening of ghostly nonsense in a tale of festive terror inspired by M.R. James.

I Hear Voices Theatre Company Presents... A Ghost Story For Christmas: Count Magnus Magnus Magnusson

It's back! We'll be screening the movie prior to the live show, and the band will be performing some new material!

A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Movie... And the Music of Vince Guaraldi

Local Horror aficionado Jason Frederick presents nights of screen gems from the golden age of horror, from the mainly Brit school. Expect the return of some old favourites, new additions and all the usual silly props, cocktails, quizzes and horror-themed fun.

Classic Horror Nights! Tales From The Crypt + The Annual Classic Horror Nights Quiz!

Announcing Their New UK Tour Prepare to embark on an otherworldly journey with Nordic Giants, the UK-based instrumental duo renowned for their cinematic soundscapes and ethereal live performances.

Nordic Giants + Masal

Manchester Calling! is a night celebrating iconic Manchester music by THE STONE ROSES, OASIS, THE SMITHS and MORRISSEY. Featuring live performances by #1 tribute bands: The Total Stone Roses, The Smiths Presumably and Oaysis, if you're keen to hear your favourite Manchester anthems performed LIVE by exceptional tribute acts, surrounded by like-minded music fans, this event is for you.

Manchester Calling: The Total Stone Roses, The Smiths Presumably and Oaysis

From the Elves at Santa's workshop, to the Addams family, with some solos and Christmas cheer thrown in along the way!

JA Performing Arts: The Showcase 2024

Thirty years ago, four musicians joined John Otway to form a band.

The John Otway Band Tour

Colbert Hamilton is the UK’s original Black Elvis. Dance, sing and laugh along with the King of Rock‘n’Roll!

Black Elvis Christmas Special

Goodiepal or Gæoudjiparl van den Dobbelsteen, whose real name is Parl Kristian Bjørn Vester, is a controversial Danish/Faroese musician/composer. The eccentric and self-made Goodiepal has influenced the course of modern music through radical excursions into computer technology and media art. Until recently he has been employed as a teacher at DIEM (Danish Institute for Electro-acoustic Music) at the Royal Academy of Music in Aarhus, Denmark. Goodiepal declared intellectual war against the stupidity in modern computer music and media art, which is to say against The Royal Academy of Music, when he quit the job in 2008. As per 2012 he lives somewhere in Europe and is married to the road.

Goodiepal + Valhallans

Celebrate CLIP's 5th birthday with eclectic electronic performances from award winning artists alongside up and coming talent.

CLIP presents Future Frequencies

‘Oates & Spiers left the gaudy, commercialised crass-ness at home ... theirs is a Christmas for all’ Bristol24/7

Jackie Oates & John Spiers

The Wandering Hearts are a three part vocal harmony group that formed in London in 2015. Since the release of their first record Wild Silence (Decca), Tara, Chess and AJ have been at the forefront of the UK Americana, folk and country music scenes as well as touring and performing frequently across the pond in the US. They now have three studio albums released and are working on more! The band received the Bob Harris Emerging Artist award at the UK Americana awards in 2018 after Bob had shown them huge support on his radio show. They toured with country music legend Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives in the UK and were invited to perform with him at The Ryman Auditorium, The Grand Ole Opry and Graceland in the United States. This made them the first British band to have their debut at the Ryman and Opry in the same week! The Wandering Hearts have shared bills with artists such as The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Gladys Knight, Celine Dion, Tom Petty, Chris Stapleton, Jack Savoretti and many more. Driving Home for Christmas with the Wandering Hearts is an intimate evening of festive songs, stories and no doubt some laughter as the band sing through seasonal favourites as well as their own songs. Join the band for a jolly send off to 2024 and singalong moments to see in the new year!

The Wandering Hearts

The cult Christmas show returns for 2024.

Sh!t Theatre: Sing-a-long-a Muppet Christmas Carol

Overlords of Florida Death Metal! With American thrashers SADUS in support.

Obituary + Sadus

An evening of spoken word and poetry hosted by Mary-Ann Ambrose. A mixture of emotions, a roller coaster of fun and sadness.

Emotional Madness with MaryAnn & Mates

Following his critically acclaimed November 2023 UK tour, including a sold-out performance at The Garage in London, celebrated guitarist and vocalist Philip Sayce returns to the UK for another tour that kicks off at Leeds Brudenell Social Club on Thursday 21st November 2024.

Philip Sayce plus special guest Troy Redfern

The Furrow Collective is an English/Scottish band consisting of four talented and individually prominent performers: Lucy Farrell (viola, voice & saw), Rachel Newton (harp, fiddle, voice), Emily Portman (banjo, concertina, voice) and Alasdair Roberts (guitars, voice). The group formed in 2013, drawn together by a shared love of traditional song and balladry of the England, Scotland and beyond and an open, intuitive approach to collaboration. In recognition of their innovative approach, The Furrow Collective were awarded the accolade of 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 'Best Group', hot on the heels of the release in late 2016 of their second album, Wild Hog (also on Hudson Records).

The Furrow Collective

Less tribute and more homage, Nearly Dan is saviour to the growing legions of Dan fans, desperate to hear the meticulously crafted grooves and allusive lyrical style of Donald Fagen & Walter Becker. Nearly Dan's approach is faithful, though not reverential, and relaxed but as tight as their namesakes. They bring their own unique spirit and spontaneous humour to every concert.

The Spirit & Sound of Steely Dan - Nearly Dan in Concert

Flotsam floats, Jetsam sinks – both their worlds are on the brinks, The jagged arcs of waves and sharks – chase them both in minds and hearts. They must break through their tears and fears - and worries of a thousand years, To find what’s true and out of the blue – discover the other and a friend that’s new...

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Colchester Arts Centre