1 Grayson Perry: The Life of Julie Cope, Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, Colchester, until February 18, 10am to 5pm. Free. 01206 713700.

With January rattling on at a fair old pace, blink and this gorgeously small, but oh so perfect, exhibition will be gone from our town. Grayson is one of the country’s most thought provoking, provocative artists but here he’s showing his warm and lyrical side. It’s a must see.

2 Bhangra Chef: Bolly Masala, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, tomorrow, doors 7pm. £12, £10 concessions, under 14s £5. 01206 500900.

Music, food and dancing, what’s there not to like as Bhangra Chef Indi Sandhu fuses Bollywood and Bhangra dance with a mix of Indian food.

Take part in Bollywood and Bhangra dance followed by a unique experience of Indian cooking followed by a tasting session.

3 Steve Tilston, Grasshopper, Colchester Folk Club, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, Monday, 7.45pm. £11, £10 concessions. 01206 500900.

A firm favourite with the folk club regulars, Steve is one of the country’s most celebrated song-smiths, widely recognised within the world of folk and contemporary music.

The story of Steve’s “lost” letter from John Lennon inspired the Hollywood movie Danny Collins starring Al Pacino in the title role.

4 Modern Ritual featuring Charles Hayward and Laura Cannell, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, Tuesday, doors 7.30pm. £10, £8 concessions. 01206 500900.

A night of new performances exploring ideas of ritual through music and words, evoking real and fictional landscapes.

5 Hairspray, Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Wednesday until February 3, 7.30pm and 2.30pm (Saturdays). £21.25 to £15 plus concessions. 01206 573948.

The very talented cast members of the Colchester Operatic Society strut their funky stuff in this Sixties set musical that’s already been a hit on the West End.