Arts stalwart Ben Howard has listed another five great events to enjoy in Colchester this week.

It's a family disco like no other at Colchester Charter Hall this Saturday. The Colchester Anti Loo Roll Brigade hosts an afternoon packed with fun. DJs Dutchie, Darryl Wright, and myself will be spinning tunes while Santa swaps his sleigh for the dance floor. Expect dazzling light shows, smoke machines, lasers, stars from Elf, and free Pic' n' Mix!

3pm-6pm. Tickets £10 adults / £5 children.

Enjoy a warm and lively Sunday evening at The Foresters Arms with their Traditional Irish Folk Jam. A perfect way to round off the weekend, the jam features an array of talented musicians delivering authentic Irish folk tunes. Whether dancing or simply soaking up the atmosphere, it's always a crowd-pleaser.

Starts at 7pm. Free entry.

Guitar virtuoso Philip Sayce brings his electric energy to Colchester Arts Centre on Tuesday. A protégé of Jeff Healey and collaborator with Melissa Etheridge, Sayce has captivated audiences worldwide with his fiery guitar solos and raw emotional performances, and his live shows are a passion and masterclass in technical brilliance. Troy Redfern opens the show.

Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are £25.

On Thursday, Essex metal band Beneath The Embers return to Three Wise Monkeys with their Counterattack tour. Joined by Italian power metal group Coevo (featuring members of Temperance) and local heavyweights Hoof! and Osmium Guillotine, it's set to be a night of epic proportions.

Doors open at 7pm. Tickets: £10 advance / £15 on the door.

Head to the Mercury Theatre Studio on Wednesday for a show that's running each day until Christmas Eve. Perfect for families, The Ho Ho Ho Christmas Show features Ivy the Elf and friends on a magical journey to prepare for Santa's big night. Expect puppetry, magic, and festive fun. Show times vary. Tickets are £9.50.