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, join the Colchester Anti Loo Roll Festival for a full day of entertainment in Castle Park.

Enjoy performances by 90s pop icons Five and other acts like Take This, Samantha Harvey, Moochers, Stereophonies, and Rick Parfitt Junior.

Beyond the music, the family-friendly festival features so much more including circus performers, magicians, and even dinosaurs throughout the day.

Gates open at 1pm. Ticket prices vary. Kids under 12 go free.

Later on Saturday night, head to the Victoria Inn for Groove On Up, an evening of soul, disco, and funk.

DJs Dave Mansfield and I will be spinning timeless tunes, from classic soul hits to golden-era disco and funk anthems.

Starts at 8pm. Free Entry.

(Image: Public)

Experience the iconic Tokyo-based band Melt Banana at Colchester Arts Centre on Sunday.

They’re praised as one of the most exciting and original bands to grace the Arts Centre stage, and having seen them previously, I think that’s an accurate claim.

Support on the nights comes from Taupe and The Domestics.

Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are £19.50

My Mother’s Funeral: The Show is a powerful new play by local playwright Kelly Jones, exploring the harsh realities of death’s costs.

Faced with a £4,000 funeral bill and added expenses for flowers and sausage rolls, Abigail turns her grief into art to cover the costs.

The play, fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe, uses power and wit to explore the inequalities around death and the personal cost of turning loved ones into art. It’s on at the Mercury from Tuesday until Saturday.

Door times vary. Tickets from £4 to £16.50.

On Friday at Three Wise Monkeys, the Nick Alexander Music Trust Benefit Gig features performances from Slugworth, The Audacity, Gasoline Green, and The Rezidents.

It’s an excellent line-up for a very worthy cause.

Doors open at 7.30pm. Donations encouraged.