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.

Jazz returns to The Foresters Arms on Saturday.

The night features a jazz quartet led by Elmer Van Der Hoek on drums, Martin Dobson on sax, Gareth George on guitar, and Geof Harris on double bass.

It starts at 7pm. Entry is free, with a £5 suggested donation for the musicians.

The much-loved Soulful Sundays have recently moved to Roberts Bar.

Group - the Soulful Sundays DJsGroup - the Soulful Sundays DJs (Image: Public)

This month's DJ lineup includes Joe Newell, Andre Chinzano, Steve Hills, Miss Behaving, Chris Medhurst, and Just Claire.

This is where you need to be on Sunday for an afternoon and evening of authentic soul. From 3pm to 9pm. Tickets are £3.

Normal Schnormal is based on the best-selling book of the same name.

Comedian and television producer Ashley Blaker's show is about raising children with special needs.

Between endless meetings, countless therapists, public humiliations, failed playdates, surreal monologues and occasional violence, it's certainly not what anyone would call a 'normal' household – but would Ashley want it any other way?

Find out on Tuesday at Colchester Arts Centre. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets £18.50.

Sweet Unrest play Three Wise Monkeys on Wednesday.

Exhilarating, energetic, emotional, and entertaining, the indie-rock band will play their first-ever Essex show to promote their debut vinyl single 'Falling For You', out on No Distance Records. Combat Sports, Butterfly Handshake and Solitude Sometimes Is, support.

Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7.

Wivenhoe Funny Farm has Robin Ince headlining on Thursday.

The comedian, actor and writer is known for presenting the BBC radio show The Infinite Monkey Cage with physicist Brian Cox, creating Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People, and co-creating The Cosmic Shambles Network.

Taking place outdoors at The Horse and Groom Pub in Wivenhoe, support comes from Jake Baker, Hazel Donovan and MC Hazel Humphreys. 

Starts at 6.30pm. Tickets via donation - suggested £8 (pre-book via funnyfarm@gmail.com).

These are just some of the events in Colchester over the week ahead; you can find out more on keepcolchestercool.co.uk