Colchester Arts Centre

Church Street, Colchester, CO1 1NF


Never knowingly understood.

How do you describe a venue that can put children's entertainer Palfi the Clown on, on the same day as Cradle of Filth?

Where a vinyl listening session in the morning becomes a comedy club in the evening. Where folk enthusiasts can sit happily knitting (and they do!) in the exact same spot a ferocious mosh pit of teenage dancing takes place the following night?

And where the beautiful historic architecture of St Mary's Church - dating back over a thousand years - plays host to some of the newest comics, most modern choreographers, some of the coolest DJs and some of the freshest talent in Britain.

Over the years we've promoted Coldplay, Eddie Izzard, Graham Norton, Harry Hill, Catherine Tate, Jo Brand, The Libertines, Ash, The Killers, The Strokes, Phill Jupitus, Mick Jones, Bill Bailey, Jack Dee, Count Arthur Strong - all before anyone had ever heard of them of course - plus the likes of jazz legend Ronnie Scott and even the late lamented and much loved Brian Johnston the cricket commentator.

Our passion to present new work bringing great bands and comics to Colchester burns more brightly than ever. Our business is all about fresh ideas, new acts, new art forms and vibrant new ways of working. We can't stand still. We embrace the new, the quirky the original - and yes, the surreal!

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Coming soon to Colchester Arts Centre


Undoubtedly one of the hardest-touring musicians on the UK folk/roots circuit
A power jangle noise pop band originally from Coventry, UK. Got in the charts a few times
A brand new production and outstanding tribute
NOVA TWINS + Bridget. + Hobo Chang + Slow Husky + The Lamplight Club
Celebrated original Generation X drummer Mark Laff returns
24 Nov 2025
Essex-based traditional folk band
One of our most captivating singers
London based alt-country/folk Americana
Multi-instrumentalists and songwriters from East Anglia
07 Dec 2025
The Total Stone Roses + The Smiths Presumably + Oaysis

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