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


Announcing a new collaboration between two key voices of British folk
Manchester-based musician and composer, best known for his work with cosmic prog-rave outfit HENGE
Contemporary folk band based in London, UK
02 Nov 2026
Bof + Paul Riley & Gwendal Moële + Corbeau
Dynamic and effervescent interpretations of centuries-old material as well as original songs and compositions
An uplifting, vibrant show full of positive energy and feel-good vibes
Brand-new trio of seasoned session musicians, born out of a shared love for traditional music
19 Nov 2026
Genre-blending folk
21 Nov 2026
Ghost Town 45th anniversary
Highlights and stories from 25 years of songwriting

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