The List

Colchester Arts Centre

The venue promotes a wide range of contemporary performing arts including comedy theatre and live music covering folk, world, pop and rock as well as children's workshops and farmers' markets. The centre has showcased several big names on their road to stardom including Eddie Izzard, Graham Norton, The Libertines and The Killers. There is no parking outside the venue in Church Street, except for performers/contractors loading in and out but parking is available on St Mary's Car Park on Balkerne Hill. The nearest railway station is Colchester Town.

What's On @ Colchester Arts Centre

Fleetwood Bac

Fleetwood Bac

30 Apr 2026 - 13 Mar 2027

Fleetwood Bac were the world's first Fleetwood Mac tribute show. The classic Mac sound, the look, the mystical atmosphere and that infamous on-stage chemistry are all portrayed with the passion and energy that got them the ultimate seal of approval from the real Fleetwood Mac members including Mick 'Big Daddy' Fleetwood and original Mac guitarist Peter Green!
Wishbone Ash

Wishbone Ash

23 Aug 2026 - 21 Oct 2026

Over 50 years of continual touring and recording It’s a remarkable milestone few bands have achieved… and always at the highest level. Discover for yourself why Wishbone Ash are one of the most enduring and popular bands in British Rock. With millions of albums sold, their iconic twin-guitar sound inspired bands from Thin Lizzy to Iron Maiden and produced such classics tracks as The King Will Come, Throw Down The Sword & Blowin’ Free. Wishbone Ash take their audience on a unique journey through their illustrious history by combining the old songs with the new, with a live show that remains as fresh and in demand as ever.
Steve White

Steve White

1 May 2026 - 2 May 2026

Legendary drum master Steve White of The Style Council, Paul Weller, Trio Valore and more announces tour dates with his new band launching his latest album 'Soul Drums' (Acid Jazz Records). Steve White came to fame as drummer with The Style Council appearing on the majority of the band's recordings throughout the 1980's and touring around the world including appearing at 'Live Aid' in 1985. When the Style Council broke up Steve White co-founded his own group with saxophonist Alan Barnes - The Jazz Renegades - who were one of the first bands from the 'Acid Jazz' movement. Steve went on to perform with Galliano, The Young Disciples, JTQ and more around that time. Steve White joined the Paul Weller Movement in 1991 and continued to record and perform with Paul Weller throughout the first few decades of his solo career. Steve White has recorded albums with Mick Talbot from the Style Council as Talbot/White and the Players group with Mick Talbot and Damon Minchella. 2008 saw Steve form the highly acclaimed Trio Valore with Damon Minchella and in 2015 Damon & Steve formed The Family Silver with ex-Mother Earth vocalist Matt Deighton. Steve White has also appeared live with Oasis, The Who, Ocean Colour Scene, Jon Lord, Ginger Baker, La Roux, Ian Dury and many more.
Glenn Tilbrook

Glenn Tilbrook

10 May 2026 - 22 May 2026

“I'm not reinventing the wheel, I just like the way it makes me feel,” says Glenn Tilbrook of his recent recordings. When the wheel in question is the perfect three-and-a-half minute pop song, Tilbrook is a certified patent holder and member of that elite group that includes such tunesmiths as Lennon & McCartney, Ray Davies and Elvis Costello. As one half of the song-writing ampersand behind the beloved band Squeeze and now a successful solo artist, Tilbrook has perfected a signature style marked by brilliant melodic invention, cheeky humor and slice-of-life pathos, all wrapped up with unshakable hooks and his golden boy tenor. From chestnuts like ‘Up the Junction’ and ‘Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)’ through stunning new tracks ‘Untouchable’ and ‘Ray and Me,’ he has amassed a veritable Sears Catalogue of memorable songs.
The Rezillos

The Rezillos

7 May 2026 - 16 Jan 2027

The Rezillos burst forth upon the rock scene in 1976, having gathered together at Edinburgh College of Art. Through a shared love of Sixties Garage Rock and the Spectoresque Girl Group glam of The Ronettes and The Shangri-Las, The Rezillosfound themselves inadvertently caught up in the Punk or New Wave movement. Their debut single, I Can't Stand My Baby, shot them to underground fame initially via airings on John Peel's radio show. Their classic singles My Baby Does Good Sculptures, Top of the Pops and Destination Venus signalled critically acclaimed milestones for the band. Their landmark album of 1978 Can't Stand the Rezillos reached the top 10 in the UK album chart. They appeared twice on the legendary Old Grey Whistle Test and hit the Top Twenty with their hit single Top of the Pops, a satirical swipe at the UK pop music show of the same name. Once the band had achieved chart success it was inevitable that they should appear on the same show! They followed up that same year with a live recording, Mission Accomplished... But the Beat Goes On, and promptly broke up to the anguish of fans and music critics alike.
The Specials Ltd.

The Specials Ltd.

23 May 2026 - 24 Apr 2027

The Specials Ltd are the UK's most authentic and original tribute to 2-Tone Legends, The Specials. When the original line up of The Specials split in 1981 they left behind a legacy which has been unrivaled by a single band since. The group were integral to promoting an anti-racial ethos, created a unique image and combined punk, ska and reggae music while lyrically commentating on the state of Britain in the late 70's and early 80's. They formed their own 2-Tone record label which launched the recording careers of Madness, The Beat and The Selecter. The Specials Ltd recreate the passion and enthusiasm of The Specials, bringing back memories of those who were there first time around and showing younger fans what they missed. The Specials Ltd are a 9 piece band full of energy, excitement and accuracy, performing Specials favourites such as Gangsters, Too Much Too Young, Do The Dog, Message To You Rudy, Stereotype, Rat Race, Do Nothing, Monkey Man, and Ghost Town.
Mark Chadwick

Mark Chadwick

1 May 2026 - 20 Sept 2026

Mark Chadwick is an English singer, songwriter and musician, best known as the co-founding frontman and lyricist of the British band Levellers, who were once considered the most popular Indie band in Britain. The band saw their popularity culminate in their record breaking headlining act at Glastonbury Festival in 1994 when they played to a crowd of over 300,000. Besides his work with Levellers, Chadwick has also enjoyed a successful solo career.
A Siege in Colchester Outdoor Exploration Game
Step into the shoes of a young Colchestrian trapped within the city walls during the longest siege in British history. Guided by a mobile app, you'll navigate the streets to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and experience the English Civil War through a local lens. This self-guided adventure blends history with competition. Get your tickets for A Siege in Colchester Outdoor Exploration Game in Colchester now!
John Otway

John Otway

9 May 2026 - 15 Jan 2027

John Otway and his hard hitting band attack his favourite set list with gusto, leaving plenty of room for anarchy, fun and acrobatics that are his trademark. The Big Band are Richard Holgarth (lead guitar), Seymour (bass guitar), Murray Torkildsen (guitar, songwriter), Adam Batterbee (drums).
London Calling: A Tribute to The Clash
London Calling, The World's Premiere Tribute To The Clash, Will Be Playing The 'A' & 'B' Sides Of Singles Released By The Clash Between 1977-1983. The Clash Formed In 1976 And Are Considered One Of The Most Influential Groups To Come Out Of The Punk Scene. The Clash Released Singles Throughout Their Lifetime Which Did Not Feature On Any Of Their Albums Such As 'Capital Radio', '(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais', 'I Fought The Law', 'Complete Control' And More. An AGMP Concerts Presentation.
The 9075

The 9075

9 May 2026 - 20 Dec 2026

The 9075, formed in August 2019 from a jamming session, are the world's first tribute dedicated to celebrating the music and essence of The 1975. With a 2-hour show, The 9075 brings the spirit of the original band to life, creating unforgettable nights filled with nostalgia and excitement. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the music, The 9075 promises an unforgettable experience that pays homage to one of the most iconic bands of our time.
Rosie Holt: The Illegal Aliens Have Landed!
Rosie Holt: The Illegal Aliens Have Landed! Rosie and her MP alter-ego are back, fighting their biggest foe yet. Labour are trying to continue the Conservatives work of stopping the boats while also still appearing left wing," but they have an even bigger problem when UFOs arrive. Will the government stand strong? Or insist they are just waiting for the facts as aliens start to abduct and eat the British public? A sci-fi streaked satire.
Book Club Event with Author Wendy Erskine | Discussing The Benefactors
In Collaboration with Essex Book Festival Book Club / Author event with Wendy Erskine discussing THE BENEFACTORS with Appetite Book Club members This event is held offsite at a wheelchair accessible venue LONGLISTED FOR THE 2026 WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION Meet Frankie, Miriam and Bronagh: three very different women from Belfast, but all mothers to eighteen-year-old boys. Gorgeous Frankie, now married to a wealthy, older man, grew up in care. Miriam has recently lost her beloved husband Kahlil in ambiguous circumstances. Bronagh, the CEO of a children’s services charity, loves celebrity and prestige. When their sons are accused of sexually assaulting a friend, Misty Johnston, they’ll come together to protect their children, leveraging all the powers they possess. But on her side, Misty has the formidable matriarch, Nan D, and her father, taxi-driver Boogie: an alliance not so easily dismissed. Brutal, tender and rigorously intelligent, The Benefactors is a daring, multi-voice presentation of modern-day Northern Ireland.
Author Event: Mel Giedroyc

Author Event: Mel Giedroyc

27 Sept 2026 - 27 Sept 2026

Sunday at noon, 27th September (doors open 11.30am) In person event at Colchester Arts Centre. In conversation with author Kate Sawyer. Ticketing options are available with or without a hardback edition of ‘The Comeback’ (rrp £20). Mel will stay on to sign her book after the talk. Ticket only, Ticket with book. 2 Tickets with 1 book Please note, this is not stand up comedy act. This is Mel talking about her book, in conversation with author Kate. The Comeback is a funny, big-hearted story of second chances. Sometimes life surprises you with an encore… Twenty years ago, aspiring performer Gill Piper boarded a bus out of Leatherhead with a spring in her step and stars in her eyes. Things didn’t quite pan out… Back home again, Gill finds much has changed. Young Lights, the youth theatre group which coaxed her out of her shell, is no more. The theatre itself, once the heartbeat of the community, now feels like a has-been; Gill can relate. When Gill learns the theatre is approaching its hundredth year, she decides to put on a spectacular anniversary show to give it a comeback and unite the town. She has just eight weeks, but if she can persuade some shy newcomers to step into the spotlight, it might just be possible. But Gill hasn’t counted on self-appointed Artistic Director and diva extraordinaire Carla Keswick, who declares war. Can Gill and her unlikely company of amateurs defy Carla’s dirty tricks, and prove it’s never too late for a curtain call?
Graham Parker

Graham Parker

8 Sept 2026 - 1 Oct 2026

Regarded as one of the UK's most distinguished and original songwriters Graham Parker is perhaps best known as lead singer of Graham & The Rumour who preceded the arrival of punk rock and new wave, his career has spanned over 40 years and was recently reinvigorated when acclaimed US film producer and director Judd Apatow cast Parker in his hit film 'This Is 40', featuring a performance by GP & The Rumour that signalled the band to reform to play a series of now legendary come back concerts. Expect songs from early albums with the Rumour, his solo career and the present day with tunes from recent Rumour reunion albums.
Amy Gledhill: Thanks for Having Me

Amy Gledhill: Thanks for Having Me

24 May 2026 - 8 May 2027

Amy Gledhill has appeared on the biggest comedy shows on TV, won the most prestigious award in live comedy AND starred in a Netflix blockbuster. Then why can't she nail just one first date, social interaction or trip to the spa. (She is now banned.) Join the Taskmaster alumnus, Last One Laughing's cruelest red card, and co-host of smash-hit podcasts Single Ladies In Your Area and Northern News on her brand new stand-up tour, as Amy Gledhill says Thanks For Having Me to audiences up and down the country. Amy won the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2024, is triple Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, National Comedy Award nominee and 1/3 of cult double act The Delightful Sausage. She's also appeared on Live at the Apollo (BBC) Would I Lie To You (BBC), The Jonathan Ross Show (ITV), Never Mind The Buzzcocks (Sky), Run Away (Netflix), Alma's Not Normal (BBC) and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (C4). Presented by Plosive Live in association with United Agents.

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