The Colchester Arts Centre
Box Office Opening Hours:
Monday – 10:00-17:00
Tuesday – 10:00-17:00
Wednesday – 10:00-17:00
Thursday – 10:00-17:00
Friday – 10:00-17:00
Saturday – 10:00-14:00
Sunday – Closed
The venue opening hours depend on the event being held. Check the website or event diary for exact times. The venue has a bar and late licence until 11pm.
The Colchester Arts Centre is a live music venue that hosts bands DJs, club nights, comedy nights, plays, food and drink festivals and more throughout the year. This important community space is located in the heart of Colchester in Essex, which was recently granted city status.
History
The Arts Centre is located inside an old church (St Mary at the Wall) which gives it fantastic acoustics and suits the many metal bands I’ve seen there over the years. The building dates back to 1286 and still incorporates many elements from its time as a working church including the ornate stained-glass windows, and a large, secluded graveyard, which is a pleasant place to sit with a drink during one of the many festivals the venue hosts.
The building itself has seen many important events in the city’s history, most notably as a cannon emplacement during the English Civil War. Legend has it that this is where the famous Nursery Rhyme Humpty Dumpty originated, with the cannon falling from the wall and being destroyed, however there is no solid evidence of this and is likely just a folk tale.
Colchester’s Arts Centre has been running since 1980 (one year before I was born) and is arguably one of Colchester’s most important creative spaces. The venue is run by a dedicated team of locals who have a passion for music, the arts and entertainment.
Past Performers
Some of the artists that have performed at the Arts Centre include everyone from local Colchester boys Blur to Coldplay, The Libertines and the Killers to name but a few. It’s also a fantastic place for those into more obscure music subgenres from heavy metal to noise and power electronics, and I’ve seen many interesting acts here over the years (Paradise Lost, Vader, Napalm Death and Consumer Electronics to name but a few).
It’s not all about music though, and this esteemed Colchester venue hosts regular comedy nights and has seen the likes of Eddie Izzard, Jack Dee, Jo Brand and Graham Norton all perform here. There are also special film screenings of arthouse cinema, experimental music nights, top DJs and more. The Arts Centre is also the home of the annual Colchester Real Ale and Cider Festival which it has hosted for over 30 years (and I’ve been to more than a few myself).
Membership
The Arts Centre is open to anyone and you can buy advance tickets online or from the adjoining box office (See top of the article for opening hours). Many events sell out, so it’s always recommended to buy advance tickets. Another great way to never miss an event is to join the membership scheme which allows free entry into all events save for private hire or sold-out shows. Check the website for more information and membership deals.
Community Outreach
As a focal point of the Colchester community, The Arts Centre engages in lots of outreach work that directly benefits Colchester residents and others. Current programmes include African Families UK which provides a space for African families to get together, and the second is the recently formed Gamechanger Pt 2, which aims to help those in often-neglected areas around Colchester and Tendring such as Jaywick.
The venue is also partnered with local and nationwide charities including Nightshelter and Colchester Foodbank, and it’s possible to make donations via the website, as well as donations to the Arts Centre itself.
The venue can be hired for events including both corporate and community-based and is a fantastic place to host your event.
Upcoming Events in 2025:
Here is a small selection of unmissable events in 2025. Be sure to check back on the website as new performers are always being added throughout the year.
Friday 10th January – The Laughter Zone Comedy Club
Sunday 19th January – The Vinyl Sessions – Portishead
Wednesday 29th January – Colchester Winter Ale Festival (runs until 1st Feb)
Wednesday 5th February – Iggor Cavelera (drummer of legendary Brazilian band Sepultura)
Saturday 15th February – Motley Crew Sea Shanteymen
Saturday 6th December – Stephen K Amos: Now we’re talking
Final Thoughts
I’ve been visiting the Arts Centre since 1998 when I was 18 years old, and the last time I went was to see Peter Hook and Light (Joy Division/New Order) last year. It was one of the most incredible performances and the sound, as always, was spot on.
So, whether you’re interested in alternative music, cinema, comedy, performance art, or food and drink, there’s sure to be something going on to pique your interest. Be sure to check out the current events diary to see what’s coming up!
Stephen Anthony Rohan
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