The huge Year of Celebration events programme is in full swing throughout the summer, as Colchester continues to celebrate its new modern city status with a programme of events, activities and milestones.
But it doesn’t end there. There are still lots of events taking place throughout the late summer and into autumn, and on the run-up to Christmas.
A fantastic programme of events taking place across the city centre and surrounding towns and villages. From world class exhibitions at museums and galleries to incredible art, performance and live music events all celebrating this historic year in Colchester's history.
The events coming up in September and October are:
September
- Now, until 31 December 2023: Online Exhibition: City Celebration
To celebrate Colchester's city status, historic charters dating back to the reign of King Edward III in 1364 are online to view. - Now, until 30 September 2023: Track Markers: Contemporary Sculpture Exhibition, Essex Wildlife Trust, Fingringhoe
- Now, until 1 December 2023: Under Siege exhibition at Colchester Castle
- Now, until 18 January 2024: The Colchester Globes, various locations
- Now, until 14 January 2024: Gladiators, A Day at the Roman Games, Colchester Castle
- Now, until 3 September 2023: Our Colchester: An Alternative view of our city, Old Grocery, Wivenhoe
- 2 September: Eco Festival 2023, Castle Park
- 2 September: Colchester Through Time Tour: Leafy Lexden, Lexden Nature Reserve
- 2 September: Invasion Colchester, Colchester City Centre
- 3 September: Kite Flying, Layer Marney Tower
- 8-9 September: Colchester Anti Loo Roll Festival, Castle Park
- 8-17 September, Heritage Open Days in Colchester, Various locations across The City of Colchester
- 17 September: Soapbox Rally, Colchester High Street
- 23 September: Free Family Fun Festival, Castle Park
- 26 September to 1 October 2023: Roman River Festival, Various locations across The City of Colchester
October
- 18-22 October: Colchester Fringe Festival 2023, Various locations
- 27-28 October: Oktoberfest Colchester, Castle Park
Join the extra-special programme of celebratory events marking this historic year for Colchester: www.visitcolchester.com/yearofcelebration and keep checking back as more will be added throughout the year.
Cllr Michelle Burrows, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, said: “These events are not only a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our first year as a modern city, but more importantly a chance to come together with family and friends to and be proud of our great city and the diverse range of events on offer.
“One ‘save the date’ for your diary is the much-loved Fringe Festival 18 to 22 October. A true showcase for the outstanding talent of local performers and artists as well as an opportunity to host well known performers and performances from well-known companies, thus creating a fantastic three-day event for people far and wide to travel to and enjoy our city. I’m sure we can make this a year to remember!”
If you are an event organiser, business, organisation or charity, you can get involved in the Year of Celebration, find out more on the City Council's webpage: https://colchester.gov.uk/city-status
Page last reviewed: 15 August 2023