Colchester Arts and Entertainment Scene Thrives With Upcoming Events
Colchester is set to showcase a vibrant arts and entertainment scene with diverse musical offerings and comedic acts.
Tickets are still available for comedian and actor Bobby Davro, who will perform his show, "Everything Is Funny If You Can Laugh At It," at Charter Hall on May 9. The 40-year veteran entertainer is bringing his humor to the stage, and as of now, there are still over 350 tickets left for audience members eager to enjoy the performance. The doors for the show will open at 7:30 PM, and tickets can be purchased at the price of £27.50 through colchester-events.co.uk.
But it’s not just comedy lighting up the Colchester stage; music is thriving here as well. The city is home to many venues supporting both established and rising stars, from the larger Charter Hall to intimate spots like Coda and the Queen Street Brewhouse. This mix of venues showcases musical talent at all levels, making it the perfect setting for music lovers.
Colchester's musical heritage is well-known, largely thanks to 90s Brit-pop legends Blur, and the city continues to welcome both fresh and familiar faces. An exciting recent highlight was the return of Sofar Sounds Colchester after its four-year hiatus, providing local audiences with the chance to discover performances from mystery artists across genres.
On the horizon, The Gazette has curated another list of artists to watch for 2025, featuring bands and solo acts from the area. High on the list are The Meffs, the dynamic duo consisting of Lily Hopkins from Clacton and Lewis Copsey from Colchester. Since releasing their mini-album in 2019, this punk-rock pair has garnered significant attention, including support slots with Kings of Leon and Alice Cooper. Excitingly, they have announced their UK headline tour commencing this January.
Also making waves is Annie Maguire, who began her full-time music career earlier this year. Inspired by acclaimed artists like Lianne La Havas and Norah Jones, Maguire's songwriting is steeped in musical depth and emotional resonance.
Adding to the local talent is Jonathon Downham, known professionally as Jonn Cult. With over 52,000 followers on TikTok and millions of views on his music, Downham’s bass-centric style blends grunge and industrial influences, and he's gearing up for new releases after his two singles, “Nothing More” and “That’s What Makes It Strange.”
The Colchester music scene doesn’t stop there. Gabriela Prior, recognized under the stage name Gabriela Eva, is making her mark with captivating live performances supported by BBC Radio 6 and BBC London Radio. Her upcoming show promises to highlight her unique sound, which combines indie-soul and alt-pop with thoughtful storytelling.
Emerging rapper Felc, just 17 years old, has already made significant strides with two album releases and performances alongside Big Narstie. He described his music as primarily punk-trap, with intentions to explore his multifaceted artistry.
Colchester's alt-rock scene is represented by Butterfly Handshake, whose lineup includes vocalist James Malone and guitarist Ben Thurlwell. Known for their high-energy live shows, the band is quickening its pace, with new music and performances lined up for the next year.
Finally, Jeanie from the Mountains is the latest venture from music enthusiasts Jez Dixon and Steve Hurdle, who previously performed with the popular 2000s group Fans of Kate. This fresh project aims to blend elements of synth, alt-folk, and indie, set to launch with upcoming albums and shows aimed at connecting more intimately with their audience and personal lives back home.
Colchester’s arts and entertainment scene is truly flourishing, with something for every taste, from comedy to diverse musical expressions. The upcoming events promise to keep audiences entertained as the city retains its reputation as a cultural hub.