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.
Colchester's LEAF Climate Centre hosts a series of events in the city centre every Saturday lunchtime called 'Shop til you Drop In'.
This Saturday, Lee Ashcroft will perform his own work on the Theremin, one of the oldest electronic musical instruments in history and the only one you play without touching.
The event starts at 1.30pm and there is free entry.
Ocean Colour Scene, Embrace, Cast, The View, Ash, and Tom Hingley of Inspiral Carpets - each of these acts sell out stand alone shows, so to get them all on the same line-up in the heart of Colchester is a real bonus.
You can watch them all in Lower Castle Park this Sunday. They'll now show England v Spain in the final of Euros 2024 on the big screen immediately after the gig.
Gates open at 12pm. Tickets are £49.50 plus booking fees.
On Tuesday head to the Art Exchange for the Brutal but Beautiful - A University in the Making exhibition.
It explores the ideas and ambitions behind the founding of the University of Essex 60 years ago through architectural models, film footage, and archival photography.
It will run 11.30am to 5pm, it is free entry and the exhibition runs until September 20.
Our Lovely Mess opens on Wednesday, a group of young artists from Colchester and the local area are hosting their first-ever exhibition at the Benham Gallery, Cuckoo Farm Studios.
It will feature work from the Sixth Form College Graduates Group, it's worth a visit.
It is 2pm-6pm, free entry and the exhibition runs until July 30.
Earlier, I wrote about an all-star line-up of bands most people know about playing in Colchester.
On Friday, there's a night of bands that ideally everyone should know about—all local and all good. Check out Hot Tramp, The Lamplight Club, Charcoal, and Mink at Three Wise Monkeys.
The doors open at 7.30pm and tickets are £10.
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