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.

Funky, soulful and disco led house anthems will be in abundance at the brilliant Roots & Groove Cafe on Saturday at the second ‘Divas In The House’ event with DJs Miss Ray and Miss Hazey.

Gazette: DJs - Miss Ray and Miss Hazey will be spinning tunes at the Divas In The House eventDJs - Miss Ray and Miss Hazey will be spinning tunes at the Divas In The House event (Image: Public)
​The last one was busy from start to finish, so you can expect more of the same. Starts 8pm, free entry.

To celebrate 45 years of Blancmange, the synth pop band are out on their Everything is Connected tour, which arrives at Colchester Arts Centre on Sunday.

Hear classics such as Living On The Ceiling and Don’t Tell Me, safe in the knowledge that there’s no work in the morning. Doors 7pm, tickets £27.50.

Gazette: Ben Howard
Journalist and writer Neil D’Arcy Jones will be conducting walks all May Half Term week to celebrate the release of his new book, Essex Walks.

Every morning, he will take a group out for a mystery mini-walk through a different historic part of Colchester, telling a story about the city’s past on the way while discussing his love for walking, Essex, and writing. Meet at 11am at Red Lion Books.

Each walk will be 30-45 minutes and will be different each day. Tickets cost £10 which includes a copy of the book.

The Friar reopens on Friday. The pub has had a makeover, and with new landlords Mark and Debbie running things, you know it will all be done properly.

The pub is open from 12pm and offers a great selection of drinks and a pizza oven. The entertainment starts from 7pm with the vocal talents of Yazmin Wood. DJs Floyd and Mark Nevern complete the night.

If your night on Friday doesn’t extend beyond the city centre, you should head to the legendary Twisters Bar in North Hill, where I’ll be the guest DJ alongside Sam Leppard.

I’ll be playing an eclectic mix of everything from house to hip hop to indie and rock. Starts 9pm, free entry.