COLCHESTER’S bid to be named UK City of Culture in 2017 still lacks a single “big idea” to give it the edge over rivals.

The bid is being organised by the community group, Destination Colchester.

Yesterday it revealed some of the events which might take place during the year if the town won the accolade – and appealed for more suggestions.

Destination Colchester’s Dorian Kelly said ideas being considered include a series of plays, telling the story of Colchester, to be acted out on the town’s streets, and an Albion-style fair. Others were refurbishing and reopening the old Odeon cinema, and a Roman Week, with exhibitions, gladiatorial combat and talks.

Many of Mr Kelly’s ideas expand on what the town already has to offer, such as the new Colchester Carnival. He said: “The document is a First attempt at a wishlist which might form part of our cultural programme for the bid.

“This represents ideas and initiatives, some completely new, others extensions of existing activity.

“It’s very much blue-sky thinking – some it probably a bit far-fetched – and we need more ideas from the people.

“We are still looking for that big idea – one so original, yet so practical, it’ll make the assessors rock back on their heels with the sheer scale of ambition and imagination and immediately shortlist Colchester without further ado.”

The Government has yet to announce what applicants would have to do to be considered.

However, Destination Colchester has started working with organisations, including Colchester Arts Centre , Firstsite and Slackspace, ahead of the official bid launch, expected later this year.

Secretary Simon Taylor said: “If the previous competition is anything to go by, any area hoping to be shortlisted will need to demonstrate true vision and ambition in what it wants to achieve.

“The year-long programme of cultural events is going to be fundamental to grab the headlines and fire the imagination.

“Dorian’s work on this has set the bar very high indeed. “That’s exactly what we need and what Colchester deserves, and we are hoping it will encourage plenty of other people to come forward with their own ideas. At this stage it’s a case of the more ambitious, the better.”

To find out more about the bid and suggest ideas, go to colchestercityofculture.co.uk