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.

On Saturday, there'll be an 80s takeover in Colchester's Lower Castle Park as The Human League, Bananarama, Level 42, The Farm, Hue & Cry, and The Christians play 80s Calling.

This retro event is guaranteed to feature some of the best-known tunes from the decade!

Gates open at 1pm. Tickets are £42.50 + booking fee.

From Raves to Rock stadiums, The Prodigy's Leeroy Thornhill has seen it all.

Smiles - The Prodigy's Leeroy Thornhill is bringing his sounds to Three Wise Monkeys Smiles - The Prodigy's Leeroy Thornhill is bringing his sounds to Three Wise Monkeys (Image: Public)

Now, he's bringing his sounds to Three Wise Monkeys on Saturday night at Groove Sanctuary.

Joining him are DJs Cyberdog, The Acid Brothers, De-Selecta, Baz Briggs, and Non-Regs, promising a night of breakbeat, electro, old school, house, UK Garage, and rave.

Starts at 7pm. Advance tickets are £12.99.

Henshaw has a good Colchester connection, having performed for the Nick Alexander Music Trust and toured alongside Pet Needs.

This Sunday, he returns to the city to play at the Victoria Inn, singing and thumping his guitar in the best way possible.

Starts at 5.30pm. Free Entry. Donations to artists are encouraged.

On Tuesday, Tymperleys will host an enchanting open-air performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Shakespeare's tale of love, mistaken identity, and magic has captivated audiences worldwide for centuries.

This production, praised for its inventive approach, has earned stellar reviews.

Binge Fringe hailed it as "a must-see for theatre enthusiasts and a masterclass in making Shakespeare relevant once more!"

Starts at 7pm. Tickets are £15

Colchester Arts Centre will host The Chinese Elvis's Diverse Elvis show on Friday.

Sing, dance, and laugh along with three Elvis acts.

They wear big belts and drink beers in the dressing room, but their music is unmistakably Elvis.

You'll be all shook up by this triple threat of diverse Elvii. This sold out last time, so get tickets while you can.

Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £19.50.