Colchester Art Society Exhibition, Colchester Institute J Block, Sheepen Road, Colchester, tomorrow until July 29, 10am to 4.30pm, excluding Sundays. Free. 01206 761319.

THE cream of the area's artistic talents come together for the society's annual exhibition. Formed in 1946 for the promotion of the visual arts, it has scored a real coup for tomorrow's opening and prize giving with an appearance by West Bergholt-based royal portrait painter, Richard Stone.

Betty Blue Eyes, Headgate Theatre, Chapel Street North, Colchester, until tomorrow,7.30pm, £12, £10 concessions. 01206 366000.

MAD Hatter are smashing it out of the musical theatre park again with this all singing, all dancing version of Alan Bennett's A Private Function.

The Latin Rhythm presents Son Yambu, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, doors 6.30pm, dance lesson 7pm, show 8.30pm. £20 (with workshop)

£15 (without workshop). 01206 500900.

SON Yambu play authentic Cuban son, the intoxicating fusion of Spanish and African rhythms that gave rise to salsa. Made-up of a new generation of Cuban musicians they are just as passionate about maintaining the traditions of the genre, as the Buena Vista musicians which put Cuban music back on the map in 1997.

New Town Kings: John Ball Day Special, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, tomorrow, doors 7.30pm. £12. 01206 500900.

LOCAL music heroes, the New Town Kings, are back at their spiritual home celebrating another local hero, John Ball, whose beliefs in fairness and equality during the Peasants Revolt cost him his life.

Outdoor Cinema, Abberton Reservoir, Church Road, Layer de la Haye, tomorrow, 8pm. £12 or £10 for four or more bought together. 01376 564495.

MISSING your open air movie fix following the success of the Castle Park screenings? Then get over to the very picturesque Essex Wildlife reserve for some Spielberg thrills as they show the film that stopped a generation from swimming in the sea - Jaws.