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, Colchester Arts Centre hosts the world premiere of Fractured Party People: A Movie by Ben West, showcasing the rise of Colchester band Pet Needs.

The documentary explores their journey from a small flat in the Hythe to global stages and their 2024 top 20 album, Intermittent Fast Living.

The evening includes a live interview and Q&A with the band, hosted by Total Rock's Diamond Dave, followed by an acoustic set.

All roads then lead to Twisters Bar for the after-party.

Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are £13.50. Twisters Bar is free entry.

On Sunday, catch the talented Simon Craze live at HMV, where he'll showcase tracks from his new album, Mosaic.

The album, written and performed by Simon and produced by Liam Hooker at Black Cactus, is excellent, so this performance promises to be a highlight.

Starts at 2.30pm. Free Entry.

Arts scene stalwart Ben Howard has teased five great events coming to Colchester this weekArts scene stalwart Ben Howard has teased five great events coming to Colchester this week (Image: Public)

This Sunday, Three Wise Monkeys will showcase some of the most exciting emerging artists making waves in Colchester right now.

Don’t miss performances by Gurn Victim, Honkus Rompus, Butterfly Handshake, and The Strays on the top floor for TWM Live.

Doors open at 6pm. Tickets are £7. Under 18s are welcome until 9pm.

Impious Spirit Productions, a leading name in alternative music events across the region, presents their latest Confession night at Coda on Wednesday.

The lineup includes Kaine (Metal), Kardinal X (Classic Metal), and Reverent Son (Hard Rock/Metal).

Doors open at 8pm. Pay What You Can.

On Thursday, The Mercury Young Company presents Buckets, a compelling exploration of time's impact on emotions and relationships through 33 interconnected scenes.

Follow a group of young people grappling with the inevitability of time running out as they navigate a kaleidoscopic world of happiness and sadness, kissing and crying, singing and dying.

Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are £12. The show runs at the Mercury Theatre until Saturday, August 17.