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


A fantastic folk double-header!
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the classic albums Howlin' Wind and Heat Treatment
Thursday
A truly unique brand of folk music
05 Oct 2026
Reimagining traditional melodies through pizzicato grooves, intricate guitar and boundless improvisation
06 Oct 2026
Celebrating over three decades of Celtic rock excellence
12 Oct 2026
Stories of sisterhood, human struggle, the joy of living and the vitality of song
13 Oct 2026
The Time Was tour 2026
An evening of ambient electronic sounds - for a seated audience
Part of the Edgelands festival of leftfield/experimental music running 15-18th October.

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