Upcoming
Events

  • Cafe Opening Time

    Wednesday to Sunday
    10am to 4pm

Bread and Butter Vegan Night Market
Oct
1

Bread and Butter Vegan Night Market

A free event, in the hidden garden of the Commons Cafe at The Minories

Crispy fried mushrooms from The Commons Cafe
Doodle Doughnuts
Organic Alex


Norwegian Bakers
Bolivian Pastries
Locally grown mushrooms from Mycotek Mushrooms Handmade small batch Pumpkin Seed Tofu
Fresh fruit & veg from Crapes Farm
Licensed bar with a range of local brews
& more!

And holding it all together on the decks — DJ Ritchie bringing the reggae and all the good vibes

Free entry. Everyone welcome!

Kid friendly, well behaved dogs welcome

View Event →

One Forty Cocktail + Street food
Sept
11

One Forty Cocktail + Street food

One Forty Cocktail Pop Up +
Common Ground Street Food

NEW EVENT!

One forty is part of a series of cocktail pop up events hosted by Ernest. Bringing a focused cocktail menu and professional cocktail service to the Commons Garden, located in the ground of the Minories

One Forty represents the approximate number of cocktails required to fund the first major equipment investment for Ernest’s future mobile cocktail business. Come and support a new local business!

You can expect a curated menu of hand shaken cocktails, served from the picturesque folly. Crispy fried mushroom wings & burgers from the Commons Cafe Street Food Pop Up (The Humble Mushroom) and great music to set the tone

Kick back, relax and enjoy the garden with a cocktail, or two!

FREE ENTRY

View Event →
The Ember Sessions # 4
Sept
5

The Ember Sessions # 4

The Ember Sessions

curated folk sessions; intimate; live drawing.

session #4

Tickets £12

Join the ember mailing list for a discounted ticket price

Access will be via the garden gate entrance at the rear of The Minories (Opposite Firstsite)

View Event →
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
Aug
30

Sunday Morning Chess Sesh

The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.

If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!

E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG

View Event →
EMOM: Electronic Music Open Mic!
Aug
23

EMOM: Electronic Music Open Mic!

EMOM: Electronic Music Open Mic

Eight acts from across the spectrum of electronic music genres play
short sets of original music. Food and drink will be available for purchase on the night.

All ages are welcome.

View Event →
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
Aug
23

Sunday Morning Chess Sesh

The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.

If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!

E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG

View Event →
Local Forage and Supper Club with Carl
Aug
22

Local Forage and Supper Club with Carl

Join us for a walk about and reconnect with your environment. Introduction to safe and sustainable foraging plant identification and folk law . Then relax in the beautiful surroundings and enjoy some freshly prepared locally sourced plant based cuisine

Forage begins at 4.30pm

Supper from 5.30pm

TICKETS : £30 per person, welcome drink on arrival

MENU

STARTERS

Toasted Sourdough, Roasted Garlic Hummus, Mixed Micro Greens


Foraged Leaf Salad | Mixed Leaved Salad, Fat hen & Toasted Seeds

MAINS

Crisp Wild Craft Beer Battered Cauliflower | Florets, House Pickles, Dipping Sauce

Wild Mushroom Risotto | Creamy Local White Wine Sauce

DESSERTS

Bay Leaf Ice Cream, with Berry Compote

Summer Fruit Crumble with Custard

To book on please email events@commongroundcolchester.co.uk

View Event →
Strictly Vinyl Collective 80's Night
Aug
21

Strictly Vinyl Collective 80's Night

The Strictly Vinyl Collective presents : IN TO THE 80s

Our 80s nights have always been a great success with a brilliant crowd, and this time we’re trying out a new venue at The Commons Café. Moving to a new spot always gives us a few nervous butterflies, but The Commons Café is a great space and we’re working hard to make sure it’s a good one.
If you’ve been to one of our 80s nights before, you know what to expect: multi-genre classics, forgotten gems, and plenty of musical madness—spun strictly on vinyl.


As always we’ve got a fantastic line-up of DJs playing for you:
DJs: Johnnie Fisher, Gary Waqairoba, Matt Love, Ritchie K and Kev Shock.


A quick note on entry:
We always try to keep our events free where possible. This time around, there’s a small £3 charge at the door to help us cover costs. We’re making up for it by bringing in a quality sound system and full venue production to get the space feeling just right.

What we're about:
For us at The Strictly Vinyl Collective, these nights are simply about bringing people together over good music. It’s a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space for everyone to relax and have a dance. If you’ve been before, you know the warm, easy-going energy the crowd brings. If it’s your first time, you’ll fit right in.
Come down, catch up with friends, and enjoy some great tunes on wax.

Date: Friday 21st August 2026
Time: 7pm-12
Location: The Commons Café @ The Minories
Entry: £3 on the door

View Event →
Lace Art Social
Aug
20

Lace Art Social

Lace Making Meetup. Fortnightly at The Commons

Join this Lace Making Meetup on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Bring along your own lace projects, and let's make lace together!

View Event →
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
Aug
16

Sunday Morning Chess Sesh

The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.

If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!

E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG

View Event →
East Anglian Folklore Centre, Farewell for now Party
Aug
15

East Anglian Folklore Centre, Farewell for now Party

In October we will be off to Harwich for 6 Months… Before we go let’s have a lovely folkloric knees up!

Sat 15th August - 7pm

@ The Commons Cafe

Tickets £10 - Includes a little slice of cake and some nibbles.

Come and gather with us as we enjoy some wonderful musical acts, sensational storytelling and community celebration. We have been in our home at the Minories for the last two years… While we make way for the Banksy exhibition we will be off to Harwich for 6 Months… Before we go let’s have a lovely folkloric knees up!

Featuring

THE OWL SERVICE

& PANAMA CITY

With plenty more to be announced.

*We have dropped our prices slightly to help relieve things during the cost of living crisis. But if you are struggling to afford tickets and don’t want to miss this opportunity to gather in community then please do get in touch with us!

‍The Commons Cafe is a wheelchair accessible venue

Access will be via the garden gate entrance at the rear of The Minories (Opposite Firstsite)

View Event →
West African Drumming with Hassan
Aug
13

West African Drumming with Hassan

Hassan of "Drumz Kool" has been playing and teaching West African Percussion for nearly 20 years. He has been taught by Famoudu Konaté, the top most master of this art form from Guinea, West Africa

Come along to learn the art of West African Percussion. All welcome, beginner friendly

You can bring your own drum, or Hassan will have a range to choose from on the night

For a better understanding of exactly what Hassan does please see "Drumz Kool" on youtube.

Fee - £10 per person (cash only)

View Event →
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
Aug
9

Sunday Morning Chess Sesh

The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.

If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!

E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG

View Event →
Open Deck Vinyl Night
Aug
7

Open Deck Vinyl Night

Open Deck Vinyl Night

Bring Your Wax: Open Deck Night at The Commons Cafe.

Got a crate of records collecting dust, or itching to share your favourite vinyl spins with a welcoming crowd?

The Strictly Vinyl Collective is hosting a brand-new Vinyl Open Deck Night on Friday, 7th August at the wonderful Commons Café @ The Minories in Colchester

If you’ve been to a Strictly Vinyl Collective event before, you know the vibe: purely vinyl, quality sound and a deep appreciation for record culture.

This new open deck night is an exciting offshoot designed to give vinyl collectors, enthusiasts, and DJs of all experience levels a chance to step up to the decks. Whether you’re a seasoned selector or a bedroom DJ taking your very first spin in public, this is a supportive, pressure-free space to share the music you love.

We’ve got iconic Technics 1210s and a crisp, warm sound system ready to go.

The Vibe: Relaxed, friendly, and social

The Commons Café is a fantastic venue to kick back, listen to great music, meet fellow music lovers, and grab a drink

How to Play:
Want to secure a slot? Contact via the link below
Prefer to play it by ear? Feel free to drop in on the night—we’ll have open walk-up slots available on a first-come, first-served basis if time allows!


Come down, support local vinyl culture, meet the collective, and let’s keep the wax spinning. See you at the decks!

View Event →
Bread and Butter Vegan Night Market
Aug
6

Bread and Butter Vegan Night Market

A free event, in the hidden garden of the Commons Cafe at The Minories

Crispy fried mushrooms from The Commons Cafe
Doodle Doughnuts
Organic Alex


Norwegian Bakers
Bolivian Pastries
Locally grown mushrooms from Mycotek Mushrooms Handmade small batch Pumpkin Seed Tofu
Fresh fruit & veg from Crapes Farm
Licensed bar with a range of local brews
& more!

And holding it all together on the decks — DJ Ritchie bringing the reggae and all the good vibes

Free entry. Everyone welcome!

Kid friendly, well behaved dogs welcome

View Event →
Lace Art Social
Aug
6

Lace Art Social

Lace Making Meetup. Fortnightly at The Commons

Join this Lace Making Meetup on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Bring along your own lace projects, and let's make lace together!

View Event →
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
Aug
2

Sunday Morning Chess Sesh

The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.

If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!

E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG

View Event →
Colchester Digital
Jul
30

Colchester Digital

Join Colchester Digital for an evening of insight, inspiration, and connection. Tickets are free, but please sign up. The bar is open with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Colchester Digital is a Meetup group for individuals and businesses in and around the Colchester area. We welcome everyone working or interested in the creative or Tech industries.

Colchester Digital meets regularly, usually on the last Thursday of the month. We come together to share knowledge, experience, and information, and where possible, to collaborate on a wider scale.

6.30-7.00 Arrive, chat, grab a slice of pizza and drink
6.55-7.00
Welcome and quick intros
7.00-8.00
Talks and presentations by invited guest speakers
8.00-8.30
Final bit of networking before we wrap

View Event →
Colchester Digital
Jul
30

Colchester Digital

Join Colchester Digital for an evening of insight, inspiration, and connection. Tickets are free, but please sign up. The bar is open with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Colchester Digital is back on Thursday 30 July with AI That Works.

We will be joined by Haider Raza from Sensiwse AI on AI readiness, and Matt Chick from Chick Digital on rebuilding workflows in an AI first world.

Two practical talks on moving beyond the hype and making AI useful.

The Commons

Cafe, entrance via the back gate, opposite Firstsite


6:30 to 8:30pm

Free to attend


Book via the link below

View Event →
Three Wise Women
Jul
26

Three Wise Women

In 16th century Essex, hundreds of women were accused, condemned and executed for witchcraft. Three Wise Women resurrects the true stories of three of them: Agnes Waterhouse, Ursula Kemp and Elsa.
Through ritual, movement and spoken word, these women rise from history’s gallows to reclaim their names, their stories and their power. Their lives intertwine through evocative physical theatre and embodied storytelling, revealing three ordinary women shaped by extraordinary circumstances: a healer, a midwife, a barmaid. Women whose knowledge of the land, of birth, of illness and of survival was once essential to their communities, before it became feared.
Not condemned for evil, but for existing beyond control.
At its heart, Three Wise Women is a fierce feminist act of remembrance. Exploring sisterhood as resistance, community as protection and wisdom as inheritance, the work confronts the systems that criminalised female autonomy and silenced generations of women.
This is a story of persecution, survival and reclamation. Of women scapegoated in times of fear and social unrest. Of voices that refuse to be buried and legacies that refuse to burn.
In honouring Agnes, Ursula and Elsa, we honour the countless unnamed women whose wisdom was branded as witchcraft.
Three women. Three stories. One unbreakable voice.

View Event →
Colchester Fringe | Rocking the Folly
Jul
26

Colchester Fringe | Rocking the Folly

Join members of local Rock Choir groups for an uplifting summer performance in the beautiful surroundings in the Garden of the Commons & The Minories

Featuring specially arranged pop and rock favourites from the 1960s right through to today's charts, this feel-good concert showcases the power, energy and joy of contemporary community singing. Expect big harmonies, familiar tunes and plenty of opportunities to smile, sing along and celebrate the soundtrack of the last six decades, from choir members across the region.

Rock Choir brings together thousands of singers across hundreds of local communities. Founded by award-winning musician Caroline Redman Lusher, it has helped pioneer the contemporary choir movement and inspired people of all musical backgrounds to discover the enjoyment and wellbeing benefits of singing together

Ticket £8, book via the link below

View Event →
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
Jul
26

Sunday Morning Chess Sesh

The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.

If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!

E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG

View Event →
Three Wise Women
Jul
25

Three Wise Women

In 16th century Essex, hundreds of women were accused, condemned and executed for witchcraft. Three Wise Women resurrects the true stories of three of them: Agnes Waterhouse, Ursula Kemp and Elsa.
Through ritual, movement and spoken word, these women rise from history’s gallows to reclaim their names, their stories and their power. Their lives intertwine through evocative physical theatre and embodied storytelling, revealing three ordinary women shaped by extraordinary circumstances: a healer, a midwife, a barmaid. Women whose knowledge of the land, of birth, of illness and of survival was once essential to their communities, before it became feared.
Not condemned for evil, but for existing beyond control.
At its heart, Three Wise Women is a fierce feminist act of remembrance. Exploring sisterhood as resistance, community as protection and wisdom as inheritance, the work confronts the systems that criminalised female autonomy and silenced generations of women.
This is a story of persecution, survival and reclamation. Of women scapegoated in times of fear and social unrest. Of voices that refuse to be buried and legacies that refuse to burn.
In honouring Agnes, Ursula and Elsa, we honour the countless unnamed women whose wisdom was branded as witchcraft.
Three women. Three stories. One unbreakable voice.

View Event →
Commons Members Celebration
Jul
24

Commons Members Celebration

Commons Membership Party - POSTPONED

We decided to postpone until more of our members are available, please check back soon for the new date!

An invitation to our members to celebrate our progress and future as a community

Since our tender application we've not had the chance to thank you in person for all the support to get us thus far.  Next Friday is an opportunity for us all to gather as an extended family of stakeholders in the Commons

Please come along for vegan bites and cold drinks, chat and ideas from 5-7pm. We would love for you to bring along your ideas for how you see the future of our cafe as a co-operative we all have an equal say in shaping the future of our little hub

Please RSVP so fresh veg crudites, cucumber gimlets and local strawberries don’t go to waste!  See you there and so look forward to getting together to celebrate

View Event →
Three Wise Women
Jul
23

Three Wise Women

In 16th century Essex, hundreds of women were accused, condemned and executed for witchcraft. Three Wise Women resurrects the true stories of three of them: Agnes Waterhouse, Ursula Kemp and Elsa.
Through ritual, movement and spoken word, these women rise from history’s gallows to reclaim their names, their stories and their power. Their lives intertwine through evocative physical theatre and embodied storytelling, revealing three ordinary women shaped by extraordinary circumstances: a healer, a midwife, a barmaid. Women whose knowledge of the land, of birth, of illness and of survival was once essential to their communities, before it became feared.
Not condemned for evil, but for existing beyond control.
At its heart, Three Wise Women is a fierce feminist act of remembrance. Exploring sisterhood as resistance, community as protection and wisdom as inheritance, the work confronts the systems that criminalised female autonomy and silenced generations of women.
This is a story of persecution, survival and reclamation. Of women scapegoated in times of fear and social unrest. Of voices that refuse to be buried and legacies that refuse to burn.
In honouring Agnes, Ursula and Elsa, we honour the countless unnamed women whose wisdom was branded as witchcraft.
Three women. Three stories. One unbreakable voice.

View Event →
EMOM: Electronic Music Open Mic
Jul
23

EMOM: Electronic Music Open Mic

Clip and the Colchester Electronic Collective Presents

EMOM: Electronic Music Open Mic

Eight acts from across the spectrum of electronic music genres play short sets of original music. Food and drink will be available for purchase on the night.

All ages are welcome.

View Event →
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
Jul
19

Sunday Morning Chess Sesh

The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.

If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!

E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG

View Event →
Jazz Jam and Groove
Jul
18

Jazz Jam and Groove

Groove Jazz in the Garden

Hosted by Common Café Ground, in the beautiful gardens of the Minories in Colchester. Entry is through the back door in the wall behind the Minories, opposite the Firstsite gallery. Doors open 5:30pm.

From 6pm the band Fuzz will play two sets of groovy swing, funk and Latin jazz.

The band features these fine musicians:

Carl Sterling – saxophone, Ian Buzer – trumpet, Tony Gooderham – keys, Felix Serrano - guitar, Geof Harris – bass, Elmer Van Der Hoek – drums

From 8pm the stage will be open for a jam session — all jazz / funk/ latin musicians and singers welcome to join in.

Expect a relaxed, social evening where you can dance, chat, mingle, or just enjoy great live music

The café is fully licensed with a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks. There will be snacks available including Jamaican jerk mushroom patties.

In case of bad weather we will move inside the café.

Come and join the party!

Tickets: £10 general / £7 for under-18s and students.

View Event →
Reb and Friends
Jul
17

Reb and Friends

Reb & Friends is an underground EDM/Rap fusion night, the next instalment in the CTC & Friends series of live music events

The night brings together a lineup of independent UK underground artists across melodic rap and EDM, headlined by Young Rebillionaire

General sale: £6 solo / £8 for 2

On the Door £8.50 each 

Poster add-on + £3.50

@ctcmusicteam on Instagram

View Event →
Bread Making Workshop: German Bread
Jul
16

Bread Making Workshop: German Bread

Bread Making Workshop with Giovanni
Baking teacher and Ambassador for Real Bread Campaign

This class, Giovanni will be teaching you how to bake a range of German Breads

Germany boasts over 3,000 varieties of bread, but some less popular types include regional variations and specialty breads. Less widely distributed than bretzels, these are often artisan breads made from pure rye flour with fruit.

During the workshop we will make the following products :

Haferflocken : Made with oat flour, rye flour, quark cheese, mix seedes and grated carrots. It is a popular bread in southern Germany. It's a very healthy bread, not only because the oat flour and carrots are rich in valuable vitamins and minerals, but also because they contain a lot of fiber, which aids digestion and has a positive effect on cholesterol levels.

Bretzels : traditional, knot-shaped, lye-dipped baked pastries. Known for their chewy texture, dark brown crust, and coarse salt topping.

Strawberries, walnuts and ricotta Rye Bread

Suitable for all abilities. At the end of the workshop, all the partecipants will take home all the products made.

£70.50 per person, a 10% discount will be applied upon booking before the 16th of July

The Culinary Adventures of a Travelling Baker

Born in Naples, Giovanni is the fourth-generation baker in his family, which owns a bakery in Pollena Trocchia in the Vesuvius National Park, near Naples. It was there where he was taught by his grandmother Maria from an early age. After graduating at 18 from the cookery academy of Pollena Trocchia, he started to work full time in his family bakery until he was 22 when he began traveling the world, baking along the way. Now living in England for almost 10 years, Giovanni works as a baking teacher and teaches various categories of courses in different venues across Essex, Suffolk and London.

View Event →
CUAR Summer Anti-Racism Festival
Jul
12

CUAR Summer Anti-Racism Festival

CUAR Summer Antiracism Festival 
4pm-9pm

Entrance via the back gate opposite Firstsite or enter through the Minories Cafe

After the success of last year, join us for our second year of Colchester Unite Against Racism's Summer Anti-Racism festival in the garden of the Commons Cafe and The Minories


Arrive between 4-5pm to explore our community stalls and food (stalls will continue throughout event)

From 5-7pm we'll have local anti-racist facilitators delivering a series of workshops, which are all free to join and open to all

7-9pm, stay on for live music including a set from local artist, Project Lando. 

Families welcome

Tickets on a sliding scale including access to free tickets for those that need them.

View Event →

As a community organisation and café, we’re putting together a Manifesto for Common Ground Colchester, and we want to hear your views. Pop into the cafe to contribute to the SolidariTREE, or drop in on the morning of Friday 13 Feb for a relaxed collage session and creatively respond to our mission and values using images, words, and materials. Alternatively let us know your views on this online form.