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


Keep Colchester Cool and Best Days Vintage presents
Tribute band
Acclaimed British country and Americana duo
Exquisite folk from one of the country’s most exciting duos
20 Feb 2026
Formed in 2019 by XTC's drummer Terry Chambers, performing classic XTC material
My Chemical Romance tribute band
Soaring sibling harmony, inspired guitar playing and a rich array of acoustic instruments
27 Feb 2026
Tribute band
Depeche Mode tribute band
Unique set of exuberant, entertaining, and original contemporary jazz arrangements

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