Looking for weekend inspiration? Here are ten events happening this weekend in and around Colchester.
- FAMILY Brightlingsea Regatta and Boat Show, Brightlingsea Sailing Club, the Colne Yacht Club and Morgan Marine in Shipyard Estate, Brightlingsea
When: Tomorrow and Sunday 10am to 5pm
BRIGHTLINGSEA’S 11th annual regatta and boat show is set to feature many new and second-hand boats, marine chandlery stalls, clothing stalls and trade stands. In the evening, visitors can enjoy a spectacular firework display organised by Brightlingsea Town Council and sponors, which will start at 9.30pm on Saturday.
- WALK Glorious Georgian Colchester
When: Tomorrow, 4.30pm
How much: Adults: £4.20, children (aged 5 - 15) £3.10
DISCOVER the period that gave Colchester some of its most elegant buildings, and a world famous nursery rhyme. The walk will take participants around the town centre and will take around an hour-and-a-half. Booking is essential.
- FAMILY Fun Fair at Castle Park, Lower Castle Park, Colchester
When: Today and tomorrow, 5pm to 9.30pm, Sunday midday to 8pm
PLENTY of rides and stalls to entertain the kids in Castle Park.
- MUSIC Colne Valley Youth Orchestra Summer Concert, St Martin's Church, West Stockwell Street, Colchester
When: Sunday, 2pm
How much: Free but donations after the concert welcome
MEMBERS of the Colne Valley Youth Orchestra will be joining young musicians from the Wetzlar Musikschule for a programme of music that includes works by Bizet, Rimsky Korsakov, Brahms and Faure.
In addition to the light classical works, the orchestra, under the direction of Nigel Hildreth and Jonathan Abbott, will be performing film and TV pieces such as Pirates of the Caribbean, The Pink Panther, Game of Thrones and Sherlock.
- FAMILY Summer wildlife trail at Beth Chatto Gardens, Elmstead Market, Colchester
When: Every day of the summer holidays, starting tomorrow
How much: Adults £6.95, children £1.50 or free with advanced booking
DISCOVER the heroes and villains of the garden on an exciting wildlife trail. Prizes to be won for the best wildlife detectives.
- EXHIBITION Work and Leisure by Martin Parr, Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester
When: Until October 2
How much: Free
ENJOY the work of acclaimed British documentary photographer, photojournalist and photobook collector Martin Parr – described as ‘a chronicler of our age’. See examples of his early black and white photographs through to his vivid depiction of consumerism and modern life. Appreciate Parr’s wit and irony in his collection of Boring Postcards.
- MUSIC Afla Sackey and Afrik Bawantu, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester
When: Today, doors 7.30pm
How much: £12.50, £10 concessions
Contact: 01206 500900.
WHAT a way to kick-off a weekend of the very best in African music than with Ghanaian master percussionist and singer Afla Sackey and his ten-piece Afro-beat funk orchestra.
There are more treats tomorrow with Nigerian bassist Femi Sofela and then on Sunday the sultry jazz sounds of South African singer Joyce Moholoagae.
- ARTS Foundry: Installation/Performance, The Waiting Room, The Old Bus Station, off Queen Street, Colchester
When: Today, from 6pm
How much: Free
VISUAL artists Liam Roberts and Michael Irwin complete their residency with a sharing of their time based installation using processes such as glitching and replaying VHS tapes to explore the Waiting Room’s unique architecture.
As well as a chance to immerse yourself in this colourful sound and vision-scape there will be DJ sets from the likes of Kim Roman and the Camulous All Stars.
- THEATRE The Importance of Being Earnest, Headgate Theatre, Chapel Street North, Colchester
When: 7.30pm
How much: £12
Contact: 01206 366000.
OSCAR Wilde's most famous play of manners and good breeding is a firm favourite of the summer theatre calendar and Dot Productions version looks set to re-affirm that position.
Repeat after me - Handbag!
- ARTS Rosana Cade - Walking:Holding, Colchester Town Centre
When: Tomorrow and Sunday, various times
How much: Pay What You Can
Contact: 01206 500900
A UNIQUE performance piece that explores story-telling, human interaction and intimacy through a simple walk around town.
As the title suggest, participants will be holding hands with complete strangers as they give them a new look on Colchester.
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