CULTURAL COLCHESTER

Colchester's cultural and creative pedigree dates back to the Romans and beyond, after all Camulodunum boasted three theatres, and you can still find evidence of great craftsmanship in the beautiful Iron Age and Roman artifacts on display in Colchester Castle.

The modern city of Colchester is equally blessed, with every type of cultural experience on offer for visitors, however long your stay.

Discover world class contemporary art at Firstsite; first rate productions in the elegant surrounds of the newly refurbished Mercury Theatre, an eclectic mix of folk, jazz, comedy and more at Colchester Arts Centre or art cinema at the Curzon. Our cultural events calendar is flourishing and diverse and makes the most of the City’s unique spaces – from open air theatre and big-name concerts in Castle Park to intimate classical recitals in ancient churches.

The Colchester Fringe and Film Festivals are among the many annual events with fantastic line ups and growing reputations. And culture doesn’t stop at the city limits of course; for instance, the countryside around Colchester inspired some of Britain’s greatest artists from Constable to Gainsborough and more recently Sir Alfred Munnings.

You can visit museums or attractions dedicated to all three, while Wivenhoe and Mersea Island are home to thriving contemporary artistic communities supported by galleries and open studio events.

For more detailed listings of where to visit see pages 27–36