Featured Events in Colchester in June, 2025 (July Updated)

The UK's biggest food festival dedicated to Caribbean food returns bigger and better for another amazing family day of food, drink, cooking demonstrations, shopping and music. FREE ENTRY FOR UNDER 14s This will be an unforgettable outdoor experience where you can purchase delicious cuisines from different islands of the Caribbean. Bring your blankets and foldable chairs, spend the day with us, dance to reggae, the music of Motown, R&B classics, 80s, 90s and drink lots of rum punch. TRY AS MANY DIFFERENT CUISINES AS YOU CAN HANDLE. This event will feature some of the UK's best restaurants and street food traders, representing islands all over the Caribbean. Over 50 variations of dishes including vegan options will be on sale! Jerk Chicken, Lamb & Pork, Ackee & Saltfish, Oxtail, Curry Chicken, Curry Goat, Brown Stew Chicken, Plantain, BBQ Chicken, Fried Chicken, Roti, A Variety of Fish, Fried Dumpling, Festivals, Lobster, Crab, Doubles, Rice & Peas, Vegan Versions of your Favourite Caribbean Dishes and more. LIVE MUSIC THE MARLEY EXPERIENCE : Bob Marley & The Wailers Tribute Band UB4D: UB40 Tribute Band DEM BOYZ : The No1 Caribbean Party Band in the world from Barbados Plus CARNIVAL STEEL PAN BANDS HOSTED BY: KAT - MTV BASE MUSIC BY: DJ CEESIX COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS : Featuring celebrity and local chefs CHEFS RICHARD BLACKWOOD - Celebrity Master Chef & Eastenders Plus more to be confirmed ENTERTAINMENT & FEATURES Live Music Stage Eating Competitions Market Stalls Children's Area with free activities and games Free Cooking Demosntrations SHOPPING Traders selling books, jewellery, cosmetics, clothes, sunglasses, kids toys, greeting cards plus more CHILDREN: UNDER 14s FREE ENTRY Entry is free for children under 14, no ticket required, this is for standard event entry only. This does not include entry to the VIP area or any VIP access. Due to limited capacity, a VIP ticket will be required for children over the age of 5. FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT Free Activities and games Funfair Rides Bouncy Castles Face Painting Dessert & Sweet Stalls FREE CHILDREN ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT Story Telling Circus Skills Free activity areas Arts & Crafts Puppet Shows Stilt Walkers FACILITIES Toilets Medical Tent BOOK TODAY AS TICKETS ARE LIMITED Please note, all tickets purchased are non refundable unless the event is postponed or cancelled. Tickets do not include food, drink or funfair rides, this must be purchased separately. No food or drink under any circumstances purchased outside of the event is permitted entry in to the venue, except sealed baby food for under 3s All activities including funfair rides and children activities are subject to weather conditions, no refunds will be given for the closure of any activities or rides due to predicted adverse weather. All live performers and activities are subject to change, no refunds will be given for any changes to the advertised entertainment. This event will follow any government rules and restrictions regarding covid-19 that are in place on the date of the actual event. No refunds will be given for government enforced changes to event entry requirements. No tickets required for under 14s Information Source: eventbrite

6 Weeks Sewing/Cloth making Classes Hey there! Are you interested in learning how to sew and make your own clothes? Join us for our 6 Weeks Sewing/Cloth making Classes starting on Mon Jun 02 2025 at 9:00 AM . This in-person event will teach you the basics of sewing, from threading a needle to creating your own garments. No experience required, just bring your enthusiasm and creativity! Don't miss out on this opportunity to unleash your inner fashion designer. Sign up now! Information Source: Victoria Edah | eventbrite

Information Source: Victoria Edah | eventbrite

Weave a willow heart with lights and the choice of a hot beverage and cake or lunch, please let me know if you have any dietry requirements. Lunch choices: Fish & Chips Vegetable Samosas, Salad & Sweet Potato Fries or Pulled Pork & Melted Cheddar Flatbread, Leafy Salad & Coleslaw All materials are provided and no experience necessary. Information Source: The Creative Workshop Company | eventbrite

Our Abberton Home Education Group runs on the 4th Wednesday of every month (exc. August and December). These are drop-off sessions so children do not need to be accompanied – it is for children aged 8-16. Each session has a theme, and we will complete activities, and engage with nature based on the topic that month. This is a relaxed session where children can be themselves and work together to develop social skills and foster a deep understanding of wildlife and a love of the natural world. In June we will be looking into the world of insects! A chance to look under logs, catch flying insects out of the air, and learn to distinguish between different kinds of invertebrates. Please bring children to education shelter to sign them in (directions can be given at front desk). A consent form should be completed ahead of the session so that children can be dropped off. Consent Form Please come suitably dressed for the weather as we will be outside for the whole session. Please find our booking terms and conditions here  Event booking terms and conditions Information Source: Essex Wildlife Trust | eventbrite

Information Source: Questo - Outdoor Exploration Games & Tours | eventbrite

🌟 Join Our 'Frida The Highland Cow🌟 This Spring, treat yourself and your friends to a magical evening of creativity and connection! Join us at The Lexden Crown for a Sip'N'Paint guided painting session that promises laughter, relaxation, and a chance to unleash your inner artist. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this event is designed for everyone—no prior painting experience necessary! 🎨 What You Can Expect: Step-by-Step Guidance: Our experienced artist will walk you through each brushstroke, ensuring you create a masterpiece you’ll cherish.A Cozy Atmosphere: Enjoy a gentle creative flow as you sip your favorite beverage, whether it’s a glass of wine, a cozy cup of tea, or a refreshing mocktail.Connect with Friends: Invite your besties to join in the fun, while we create togetherMaterials Made Easy: All your materials are included💖 Whether you're painting solo or with your gal pals, you're in for a delightful evening filled with creativity, joy, and a little touch of love. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make beautiful memories—reserve your spot now! Please Note: The ticket price does not include Food or drink, but they are available to purchase on the night from The Lexden Crown Information Source: Becca Bourne | eventbrite

Lincolnshire Folk Tales Book LaunchFriday 13th June // 7pm doors.Come and join us for an evening of readings, music, ritual and other fine entertainment inspired by the fabulous Lincolnshire Folktales Project and their wonderful new publication! https://lincolnshirefolktalesproject.com/ Tickets only £6 (so there is something left in the bank to grab a copy of this brilliant book with!) We are utilising a wheelchair accessible room for this event. Please contact us if you do need to use the accessible entrance so that we can make sure we are ready for you at the start and end of the event. Information Source: East Anglian Folklore Centre | eventbrite

As the seasons change, discover and learn each week through a range of fun wildlife-themed activities from bug hunting and leaf spotting to natural painting and stick creatures.  We are currently offering Nature Tots & Babies as a block booking. The events will take place every Monday from 16 June to 7 July (4 weeks). Dates: 16, 23, 30 June, 7 July. Suitable for ages 6 months to 5 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please come suitably dressed for the weather as we will be outside for the whole session. There will be access to toilet facilities if required. Enjoy a 10% discount on sibling tickets for Nature Tots and Home Ed programs! Bring your little ones together for a fun and educational outdoor adventure. Advance booking is essential. You only need to book a place for the child attending.  Accompanying adults do not require a ticket. We have a limited number of places available for families receiving universal credit.  We may be able to offer free taster sessions and shorter blocks of sessions priced at £8 per week. To find out more please email our Wilder Learning Officer on the email address below. Please find our event booking terms and conditions here: Event booking terms and conditions Information Source: Essex Wildlife Trust | eventbrite

In relaxed outdoor settings, we run a number of home education groups where children can be themselves and work together to develop social skills and to foster a deep understanding of wildlife and a love of the natural world.  Activities may include den building, woodland crafts, using tools, and fire lighting.  Events run in blocks and take place weekly, starting every Monday from 16 June to 7 July (4 weeks). Dates: 16, 23, 30 June, 7 July. Suitable for children of primary school age. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please come suitably dressed for the weather as we will be outside for the whole session.  Toilets are available near the meeting point. Access codes /information will be sent out on booking. Enjoy a 10% discount on sibling tickets for Nature Tots and Home Ed programs! Bring your little ones together for a fun and educational outdoor adventure. We have a limited number of places available for families in receipt of universal credit.  We may be able to offer free taster sessions and shorter blocks of sessions priced at £8 per week. To find out more please email our Wilder Learning Officer at the email address below. Advance booking is essential. You only need to book a place for the child attending.  Accompanying adults do not require a ticket. Please find our booking terms and conditions here: Event Terms & Conditions Information Source: Essex Wildlife Trust | eventbrite

Learn skills to create any actions and changes you wish to make in your life, personally and professionally. Plus learn and gain insights about your ADHD from the challenges, barriers, strengths, successes of others on a similar journey to yourself. You will stay on track as Michelle will keep you accountable of your progress as will the group via the relationships you will build. You will learn solutions that have worked for those with ADHD. Information Source: Find Your Spark | eventbrite

Reframing Road Safety: A Public Health Approach to Prevention Workshop Overview: This interactive workshop explores road safety not as accidents, but as a preventable public health issue. Participants will examine the root causes and risk factors that contribute to crashes across different population groups and learn how to design and implement multi-level interventions—from individual behaviour change to community engagement and policy reform. Key Topics: • Identifying and addressing risk factors at the individual, community, and policy levels • Designing evidence-based interventions to reduce crash incidence and injury severity • Promoting behaviour change through education, awareness campaigns, and social marketing • Leveraging data collection, analysis, and evaluation to monitor impact and refine strategies Information Source: Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for Essex | eventbrite

Pop down to your local People Planet Pint meetup to find more about what's going on locally with sustainability and how you can get involved. No pitches, powerpoints or panels. Just People, Planet, Pint/s. Your local meetup is a great place to start your journey or continue learning, and meet diverse people to chat about life and how we can sustain it. Every job is a climate job, so come along and learn about how you can take action, as well as what is going on locally. We welcome everyone, regardless of their experience or background. People Planet Pint is a space where everyone can feel comfortable learning about sustainability and sharing their ideas. Afterall, creating a sustainable future requires connected communities. And what better way to bring everyone together than over a drink? Your Volunteer Hosts James Cracknell is Co-Founder of The Weave, an enterprise dedicated to driving sustainable business through growing aspirations and engaging with eco-innovation. As a University of Essex Entrepreneur in Residence James has direct connections with the talent, resources and capabilities that are needed to drive sustainable growth. The Weave delivers on the following: an accountability programme based on the Objectives and Key Results model, a cohort programme called PitchLab, that helps entrepreneurs empower their language and Sprint-Lento, an extended innovation sprint that helps businesses increase team cohesion, bring innovation to fruition, and develop leadership skills. We also have a FREE community platform – full of resources, content, and talent. Our Sponsor KRYSTAL are an award-winning, 100% renewably powered web hosting, with datacentres in the UK, US, & Europe. They are climate positive, and their approach centres on value, quality and transparency. We are delighted to announce our partnership with Krystal (the UK's only B Corp web hosting/cloud provider), and welcome them on board as sponsors of the People, Planet, Pint events. This means the first 10 drinks are on Krystal at every event, and has allowed us to invest and upscale the series to accelerate action on climate change. Simon Blackler is the founder of KRYSTAL , and Co-Founder of MillionTreePledge . About Small99, Founders of PPP At Small99, our vision is to build resilient & prosperous communities & companies.  We host the UK's fastest-growing sustainability meet-ups, People Planet Pint and People Planet Pastry, which now take place in over 140+ cities across 15 countries, with around 80 events a month.  We’re also breaking the mold of traditional sustainability training by empowering teams with the confidence and ownership over positive actions they can take with in person experiences.  Since 2023, we have directly trained over 3,000 businesses on Net Zero and carbon reduction and have reached over 50,000 businesses with our events and digital tools. Information Source: Small99 | eventbrite

Do you love all things 90s?! Are you a huge fan of drag?! Well shantay this way because “NOW! That’s What I Call…DRAG! Me Back To The 90s! is HERE! Combining the iconic decade of the 90s with tons of camp, comedy and chaos, get ready for a classic slice of British drag cabaret as we travel back in time! Packed with iconic songs, boyband and girlband classics and some iconic club bangers, strap in for fabulous lip synching, stunning live vocals, camp comedy, audience games and of course…a soundtrack to die for! Starring some of East Anglia's finest drag stars Knuckle Sandwich and Will Power (with special guests TBA!) you'll be in for a night of camp, colour and chaos! So put on double up that denim, paint those brows on thin and let's get ready for the drag mixtape to begin! Trust us, you won't want it to end! This event is seated, with standing room available! Seating is first come, first served! Please note the venue is upstairs and unfortunately, is not wheelchair accessible. Doors at 7pm! Show at 7.45pm(ish)! There are 2 intervals throughout the night and the bar will be open during the show! General Admission tickets - £11 each* On The Door tickets - £13 each (*Booking fees apply) Please note: We unfortunately do not offer refunds - please message if you have any questions! NOTE: NOW! That's What I Call...DRAG! is a queer led Drag Cabaret show, and we strive to welcome all audiences into our events! We have a ZERO tolerance policy towards homophobia, transphobia and all forms of abuse. The performers and the audiences deserve your respect at all times. If you do not respect everyone, you will be asked to leave. We kindly ask that ANY hen or stag party wanting to attend MUST message in advance of tickets being purchased. We reserve the right to refuse admittance if there is no prior contact, and refunds will not be issued. Thank you. Information Source: NOW! That's What I Call...DRAG! | eventbrite

Join us for some midsummer family magic in The Minories Garden. Take your seat for our Twinkle, Twinkle Storytelling Armchair featuring BBC Essex’s Rob Jelly and local children’s authors. Explore the fascinating stories of spices from around the world with writer, cook and storyteller Radhika Howarth. Get creative and messy in our very own Earth Kitchen. Learn how to weave your own Twinkle Twinkle Willow star. Pop-up Library Book Tent and Storytelling with Essex Library Service Spice painting with Lora Aziz More details coming here soon... Sunday 22nd June, 12.00pm - 3.00pm Venue: The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UE Tickets: Free, no booking required Register your interest on this page Information Source: Essex Book Festival | eventbrite

Embark on a culinary odyssey across the globe with Radikal Kitchen: Flavours without Borders. Radhika Howarth will take participants on an eye-opening journey of history, fusion, and flavour. Explore different cultures and traditions and experiment with exciting ingredients. This event will take place at The Commons Community Kitchen & Cafe at The Minories and will include the opportunity to taste somme of Radhika's food. Sunday 22nd June, 6.00pm Venue: The Commons Community Kitchen & Café at The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UE Tickets: £15 / £14 concessions (Students, Under 27s and Unwaged), includes taster bowls Box Office: essexbookfestival.org.uk Radhika: Culinary story teller, cook and Published Author Radhika Howarth is a London-based author, TV chef, and culinary storyteller whose debut cookbook, Flavours Without Borders: 80 Recipes Connecting Cultures and Cuisines, celebrates the power of food to bridge cultures. She is widely recognized for her engaging television appearances, including The World Cook on Amazon Prime and Channel 4’s Double the Money with Sue Perkins in 2024. In 2018, Radhika founded her brand, Radikal Kitchen, offering diverse food consultancy services such as recipe development, social media content creation for food brands, bespoke culinary events, cooking workshops, chef demonstrations, and food writing. Her passion for connecting people through cuisine shines in her food column for I-Global News. A proud member of the Guild of Food Writers UK, Women in the Food Industry UK, and The Chef’s Forum, Radhika also serves as the brand ambassador for Hamilton Beach UK and Europe. On Instagram, @radikalkitchen, she inspires her audience with vibrant flavours, culinary adventures, and a deep appreciation for global food culture. Flavours Without Borders Radhika's debut cookbook, Flavours Without Borders: 80 Recipes Connecting Cultures and Cuisines, is more than a cookbook — it’s a culinary journey that bridges cultures, histories, and cuisines through the universal language of food. Featuring 80 thoughtfully curated recipes, the book explores how historical trade routes, immigration and colonial pathways have shaped the way we cook and eat today. Flavours Without Borders is a produce-led cookbook where each ingredient takes centre stage, celebrated through three distinct cuisine styles. This trio of recipes unravels the story of culinary osmosis, showcasing how the exchange of cultures and ideas has shaped the way we cook and eat today. From the kitchens of Porto to the flavours of Panaji, Persia, and Palmyra, this book takes you on a captivating culinary journey around the globe. Information Source: Essex Book Festival | eventbrite

Elevate your pottery skills with Neville Tatham. In This 6-hour workshop (split into 3 sessions), you'll learn how to prepare clay for large throws, master centering heavy weights of clay and develop your skills in pulling tall forms. We'll also explore the art of composite pots, combining throwing and coiling techniques to achieve unique and dynamic shapes. YOU ARE BOOKING A THREE PART COURSE... Dates: 1st Session: Monday 23rd June 2025· 6:30pm-8:30pm 2nd Session: Monday 30th June 2025· 6:30pm-8:30pm 3rd Session: Monday 7th July 2025· 6:30pm-8:30pm About the Associate Artist: Neville studied 3D Design in the early '90s, specialising in ceramics. He honed his skills through production and teaching, focusing on the environmentally-friendly Slipware technique using local clays. Now based in Essex, Neville creates functional pottery inspired by traditional European rural styles. Each piece is hand-thrown and raw-fired, highlighting the natural beauty of terracotta clay. Visit: www.nevilletatham.com Join our creative community: Enjoy up to 50% off classes and 24/7 access to our space and equipment. Memberships start at just £15 a month. Materials are not included unless attending a booked class. Learn more: www.makercampus.co.uk/membership Please take time to read our Refunds Policy: www.makercampus.co.uk/refunds-policy Support Creativity: Donate to our kiln fund and help us keep making amazing things happen: https://gofund.me/1d2f2158 New to Colchester Makerspace? We're a community workshop with ceramics, printmaking and a vibrant program of classes. Explore our website: www.makercampus.co.uk Information Source: Colchester Makerspace | eventbrite

East Herts, West Essex, Beds & MK Science Hub are excited to offer schools the opportunity to attend our KS3 Climate change student summit in partnership with the University of Essex and Greater Essex Careers Hub. This summit will bring together local and national partners from across the education, research and the wider STEM sectors to enhance teacher and student understanding of the science and implications of climate change. The aim of the summit is to highlight to young people and their teachers the challenges we face but also focus on what possible solutions there are and new future technologies that can help. Greater Essex Careers Hub are kindly sponsoring schools in Essex to attend the summit. Places are limited so to find out if you are eligible for a free place please contact sciencehub@hertsandessex.herts.sch.uk Note : Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. We'd like as many schools to benefit from this exciting opportunity as possible and so schools are limited to 1 teacher and a maximum of 10 students. Agenda for the summit* 09.00-09.30 Arrive 09.30-10.30 Keynote speaker 10.30-10.50 Break 10.50-11.50 Exhibition/Workshop/Talk 11.50-12.50 Exhibition/Workshop/Talk 12.50-13.20 Lunch 13.20-14.20 Exhibition/Workshop/Talk 14.20-15.10 Panel and Q&A 15.10-15.20 Evaluation and End *subject to change Information Source: The Science Hub | eventbrite

Make your own handbag Join us at The Romano Lounge where you will make your own handbag. No prior experience or skills are needed. What you will learn How choose, arrange and fit images What tools to use How to put a bag together What is included All materials including a choice of books. If there is something specific please get in touch or you are welcome to bring your own A hot or soft beverage and cake Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot now! Information Source: The Creative Workshop Company | eventbrite

Family bowl for stu Ten pin bowling have opened up their lanes to the #doitforstu community We have for one night only 12 lanes, karaoke and limited access to the laser tag. Wait times may apply Information Source: eventbrite

This is an OPTIONAL part one of a two-day Raku Club - delivered in partnership with Cuckoo Farm Studios. Makers with more experience can just attend the second session and bring your own biscuit-fired work to glaze and fire in the Raku process. Session 1: Raku Club - Hand Building Session (optional) Venue: Colchester Makerspace Session 2: Raku Club - Communal Firing Session ( booked separately ) Venue: Cuckoo Farm We supply all the raku glazes, materials and fire — you just need to bring your ceramics! The process has limits in terms of object size and suits objects that are not too big. A H200mm standard vase form is approximately the largest that can be managed safely. Raku is a rapid low-firing process that is inspired by the traditional Japanese Raku firing. Contemporary Western-style Raku involves removing pottery from the kiln while at bright red heat around 1000 centigrade and placing it into containers with combustible materials such as sawdust. Once the materials ignite, the containers are closed. This produces an intense reduction atmosphere which affects the colours in glazes and clay bodies. The thermal shock of this also produces cracking/crazing, producing unexpected outcomes. If you have any questions regarding the course, please email: hello@makercampus.co.uk Please read our cancellation/ refunds policy: www.makercampus.co.uk/refunds-policy Join Our Creative Community: Enjoy up to 50% off classes and 24/7 access to our space and equipment. Memberships start at just £15 per month. Learn more: www.makercampus.co.uk/membership New to Colchester Makerspace? We're a community workshop with ceramics, printmaking and a vibrant program of classes. Explore our website: www.makercampus.co.uk Support Creativity: Donate to our kiln fund and help us keep making amazing things happen: https://gofund.me/1d2f2158 Information Source: Colchester Makerspace | eventbrite

In this class, you'll dive into the world of clay with Associate Artist Harriet Caslin, discovering its unique properties and how to shape it with your own hands. Experiment with different hand-building techniques, unleash your creativity, and craft a one-of-a-kind piece that we'll fire in our kiln. You'll also get a glimpse into our Makerspace and learn about becoming a member. About the Associate Artist leading the session: Harriet is an independent ceramic designer and artist based in the Essex countryside. Her creative exploration has been deeply influenced by her fascination with line, repetition, tactility, and light. These elements have guided her ever since she started creating objects with her own hands. Website: www.harrietcaslin.com Please read our cancellation/ refunds policy: www.makercampus.co.uk/refunds-policy Join Our Creative Community: Enjoy up to 50% off classes and 24/7 access to our space and equipment. Memberships start at just £15 per month. Learn more: www.makercampus.co.uk/membership New to Colchester Makerspace? We're a community workshop with ceramics, printmaking and a vibrant program of classes. Explore our website: www.makercampus.co.uk Support Creativity: Donate to our kiln fund and help us keep making amazing things happen: https://gofund.me/1d2f2158 Information Source: Colchester Makerspace | eventbrite

Welcome to the Chat & Chill: Women's Wellbeing Afternoon Tea event! Join us for a vintage style afternoon of relaxation and rejuvenation at Tymperleys . Indulge in delicious treats, sip on well-blended teas, and connect with like-minded women in a cozy setting. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind, recharge, and prioritize your wellbeing. Don't miss out on this wonderful event designed just for you! Information Source: Hangout Buddy | eventbrite

Walking Meditation, Forest Bathing & Outside Yoga - High Woods Country Park, Colchester, Essex A community of nature lovers either bringing their meditation practise outside or starting from scratch with mindfulness; all are welcome. Morning walks start with some breathwork to settle into the session, followed by a 5 senses guided silent walk with body and breath awareness, forest bathing, and optional barefoot walking/earthing practise. Ending with a standing body scan and visualisation meditation. NEW for April 2025: Outsode Yoga for 45mins before the walk! Join us for a gentle sun salutation flow before our walk or only for the yoga. TICKETED SEPARATELY! To join both, please purchase both tickets. The optional Earthing Practise (barefoot walking) is a section where we can take oit shoes off and feel the earth beneath our feet and enjoy the benefits of being connected to the earth in this way. Forest Bathing is a Japanese practice known as "shinrin-yoku". Let the soothing sounds of nature and the scent of the trees envelop your senses, as you relax and unwind in the forest. This event offers a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, and to reconnect with yourself and the natural world. No previous experience is required, just an open mind and a willingness to explore the healing power of nature. Please arrive 10 mins before the start of Yoga or 5 mins before the start of the walk. If joining for the Yoga then please bring a blanket and/or Yoga Mat. Or you can practise directly on the earth if you wish. A couple of spares are available. Information Source: Jennifer Gilligan / Mandala Hikes | eventbrite