It's by no means recent, but Colchester's impressive scene for music, arts, and culture continues to grow.

I've showcased thousands of events through the Keep Colchester Cool project I launched in 2009.

Now, I'll bring the best events to you each week which I recommend checking out.

Here are my five recommendations for music, arts, and culture in Colchester in the week ahead.

80s anthems are the order of the night at The Victoria Inn on Saturday. DJs Dave Mansfield and some fella called Ben Howard will be spinning tunes at the launch of Pub Tropicana.

This is our first DJ gig together in nearly two years, and it's shaping up to be a good one. Starts 8pm and is free entry.

Do you believe in the power of rock n roll? John Robb comes to Colchester Arts Centre on Tuesday to talk about a life in music, his best-selling art of darkness book, being the first person to interview Nirvana, inventing the word Britpop and adventures on the post-punk frontline.

Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets cost £14.50 or £12.50 for concessions.

Gazette: Wordsmith - Ricci Read of Poetry at Events Image: Billie Vasquez-WaltersWordsmith - Ricci Read of Poetry at Events Image: Billie Vasquez-Walters (Image: Image: Billie Vasquez-Walters)
Poetry at Patch takes place on Wednesday. Organised by Poetry at Events, the line-up includes Ricci Read, Mary-Ann (The Emotional Poet), James Domestic, Mike Harwood, and Bassie Gracie. An open mic will follow the event. Doors open at 6.30pm and tickets cost £5.

Richard Eyre's adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's landmark drama, Ghosts, is at the Headgate Theatre from Wednesday until Saturday.

Presented by Headgate Gate Theatre Productions, expect a show that's hard-hitting, emotionally gripping, and full of moral questions.

The show will be performed at various times. Tickets cost £15.

Gazette: Scene stalwart - Ben HowardScene stalwart - Ben Howard (Image: Public)
The success of the Colchester Anti-Loo Roll Brigade always impresses, and their Shine event at Trilogy next Friday is yet another example of Peter Dutch's vision.

Between 6.30pm and 9.30pm, the ALB will host a nightclub for those 16 years of age and over with additional needs.

It's great to see this happening - good work by all involved. Tickets are £5, while support staff and/or parents go free.

These are just some of the events in Colchester over the week ahead. You can find out more by visiting keepcolchestercool.co.uk.