Upcoming
Events
Introduction to Cacao and Mayan Cosmologies with Hannah Stephenson
Introduction to Cacao and Mayan
Cosmologies with Hannah Stephenson
Discover the ancient wisdom of cacao, journeying from bean to bar through the ecosystem. Learn how to prepare cacao and incorporate this heart medicine into your daily rituals. Connect with cacao through the lens of the Mayan Cosmology and learn how these communities work alongside the elements; earth, water, fire, and air to guide deeper heart healing.
This workshop is open to anyone curious about the transformative benefits and energetic qualities of cacao, as well as those interested in mindfulness, intention-setting, and cultivating deeper connections with self and community.
Fee: £13.70
Folk Singaround with East Anglian Folklore Centre.
As we bid farewell to the Summertime and welcome the Autumn months, come together with our community to raise our voices and sing together!
We welcome you to join the first Singaround in The Commons Cafe, organised to raise funds for the East Anglian Folklore Centre to help keep them open and able to continue the beautiful community space they have created over the past year. Please do let us know you're coming and, if you can, include a donation, any amount is greatly appreciated!
Find out more about the East Anglian Folklore Centre and why they need to fundraise here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/east-anglian-folklore-centre
There will be drinks available to purchase from The Commons Cafe and some of the books from the East Anglian Folklore Centre's extensive library will be available to peruse. We're holding onto half a hope we might be able to sing in the beautiful Minories garden if the early Autumn weather is kind to us, but if not, we will can stay warm in the cosy comfort of The Commons.
Never been to a Singaround before?
Find out what to expect:
What is a Singaround? A Singaround is an event where folks get together to sing!Usually one person will lead a song and those who know it will join in particularly during choruses. Often the songs are from the "folk tradition", but we welcome any songs people may want to share.
Do I have to sing? No! No one will be obliged to sing but we will make sure that everyone who wants to is given the space to.You also don't need to be a "good" singer to join in or even lead a song.You are still welcome to join even if you don't want to sing and just enjoy the uplifting atmosphere and refreshments from The Commons.
What if I don't know any folk songs? There will be a song book with popular Singaround folk songs for those who don't know the songs or might want a reminder of some classics. You will also likely find you will pick up the chorus or hook of a song after hearing it once or twice and we able to join in.And we aren't strict on what a folk song is or isn't! You are welcome to share any song you think people may enjoy singing together.If you are singing an original song or one most people may not be familiar with we would encourage you to perhaps share the chorus with everyone first so they can join in.Please be conscious of remaining inclusive to everyone and avoid songs with offensive language.
Do I have to stay the whole time? We hope you can! But if you need to leave early or come late that's not a problem. If you come late it might be good to check the song you want to sing hasn't already been done
Boys & Men's Beats and Eats.
Join us for a FREE Community Event in Colchester.
Connect and Celebrate with live music, diverse food, and fashion showcases.
Open to all ages
What to expect
- Music by Manthiong'o
- Breakdance by Isaac
- Kids play and face painting
- DJ Live mixing
- Poetry
- Open Mic
Purchase food and drinks at the cafe and stalls:
- Nyama Choma ,Ugali / Mokimo / Kachumbari- Jolof Rice
- Seasonal vegetarian food
- Sourdough Sandwiches
- Cakes
- BBQ
Sushi Making Workshop with Eko
Learn the art of sushi rolling in a fun, hands on workshop with Eko!
Contact eikobattersby@hotmail.com direct for booking & enquiries.
Workshop taking place in The Girling Room at The Minories & the kitchen at The Commons.
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.
For a better understanding of exactly what Hassan does please see "Drumz Kool" on youtube.
Fee - £15 per person (cash only)
India Flatbread making workshop with Hetal
Chapatti Puri and Parartha Workshop
Learn the art of Indian Flatbread from scratch
Workshop by Hetal from Good Food Karma
Fee: £35
EMOM
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.
Sunset Sounds with Project Lando +Korena Kitchen Summer Pop-up Dinner
DJ Project Lando headlines this show with a liquid set played
under the folly in The Minories walled garden.
Drinks from The Commons Café.
£5 – £15
Colchester Digital
Hosted by Creative Coop
https://creativecolchester.org.uk/directory/creative-coop/
Art of the Roadz presents: Outdoor Festival and Market (Free)
A showcase of local rappers organised by Felc.
FREE ENTRY
Bantu Bowls
Bantu Bowls:
Local Farm Pop-up with Afro-Caribbean inspired food and music
Fee: £15
Basic Bread Making Workshop
Giovanni : Freelance Baking Teacher, Bread Baker, Pizza Chef. Ambassador The Real Bread CampaignHe offers a wide range of classes suitable for all abilities in different venues across Essex, Suffolk & London areas. Join to start your baking journey !
Booking essential via
giothebakingteacher@gmail.com
Jazz in The Garden
Jazz Gig & Jam – Saturday 28th June, 5–9pm (Doors 4:30pm)
The Commons Community Kitchen and Café, The Minories, Colchester
Join us for a lively evening of jazz and good vibes in the beautiful gardens of the Commons Café, tucked behind the Minories in Colchester (we’ll move inside the café if it rains).
Our talented sextet will deliver a mix of danceable swing, funk, and Latin jazz grooves:
Frank Sebastian – saxophone
Ian Buzer – trumpet
Tony Gooderham – keys
Gareth George – guitar
Tony Sandeman – bass
Elmer Van Der Hoek – drums
This is a sociable event where you can mingle, chat, dance, or simply relax and enjoy the music. The café will be serving wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks throughout the evening.
Event schedule:
5–7pm: Two sets from the band
7–9pm: Open jam session – musicians and singers welcome!
Tickets:
£10 general admission
£7 for under 18s and students
Book online: good-show.co.uk/events/2405
Or buy at the café or on the door
Venue Info:
Entrance is via the back door in the wall behind the Minories, just opposite the Firstsite Art Centre.
Address: 74 High St, Colchester CO1 1UE
Doors open at 4:30pm – we hope you’ll join the party!
Whose got bars RAP CYPHER hosted by Art of the Roadz w/ CTC & Friends
Friday 27 June 2025
6 - 8pm
74 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UE
FREEPLAN YOUR VISIT
Art of the Roadz w/ CTC & Friends will be hosting a rap cypher in the Minories garden.
What is a rap cypher?
Rappers take it in turns to deliver their best lyrics to camera with a backing beat from a DJ. The focus is lyrical skill, sometimes pre-written, sometimes freestyle.
Performers and spectators are welcome.
This event is in conjunction with CTC & Friends, a group of artists who have performed and developed their careers at the Art of the Roadz events.
This event will be live-streamed to The Minories, Art of the Roadz and CTC socials.
The Art of the Roadz project is funded by Essex County Council via the Arts and Cultural Fund, Colchester City Council, The Tudwick Foundation and Grassroots Charity.
Flavours Without Borders
Radhika Howarth, Flavours Without Borders
A celebration of the power of food to connect people and cultures.
Embark on a culinary odyssey across the globe with Radikal Kitchen: Flavours without Borders. Radhika Howarth will take participants on an eye-opening journey of history, fusion, and flavour. Explore different cultures and traditions and experiment with exciting ingredients.
This event will take place at The Commons Community Kitchen & Cafe at The Minories and will include the opportunity to taste some of Radhika’s food.
Sunday 22nd June, 6.00 – 8.00pm
Venue: The Commons Community Kitchen & Café at The Minories, 74 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UE
Tickets: £15 / £14 concessions (Students, Under 27s and Unwaged), includes taster bowls
Box Office: eventbrite.co.uk
Windrush Celebration Event
A vibrant event organised by the Colchester Caribbean Group CIC held on the anniversary of the docking of the Empire Windrush ship in Tilbury in 1948.
The day seeks to inspire a shared vision of inclusivity, equality, and cultural understanding for generations to come. It will embody the spirit of remembrance, resilience, and renewal by bringing together diverse communities, fostering dialogue, and honouring the past.
Music
Attendees will be treated to the vibrant rhythms and melodies of traditional Caribbean music. Music serves as a universal language that transcends boundaries and brings people together, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean community.
Traditional Food
A tantalising array of traditional Caribbean cuisine will be available for attendees to savour and enjoy, offering a sensory journey that celebrates the flavours and culinary traditions of the Caribbean region. Food not only nourishes the body but also serves as a powerful symbol of cultural identity and heritage.
Craft stalls
Local artisans and vendors will showcase their talents and creations, offering a diverse selection of handcrafted goods and cultural artefacts that reflect the creativity and craftsmanship of the Caribbean diaspora. The craft stalls provide an opportunity for attendees to support local businesses while discovering unique treasures inspired by Caribbean culture.
Dance
The event will feature lively dance performances and entertainment, including cultural showcases and interactive activities that invite participation and engagement from attendees of all ages. Dance, as a form of expression and celebration, embodies the spirit of joy, resilience, and community that defines the Windrush legacy.
Rev Simpkins Album Launch Gig
REV SIMPKINS, Jim Simpkins & band launch their bold new album in the intimate and charming surroundings of The Commons Cafe at The Minories in Colchester.
Support comes from the brilliant JOHN CALLAGHAN ("Strange, silly, sincere and sensational")
Anglican priest and non-conformist musician, the Rev'd Matthew Simpkins has long been an evangelist for exuberant creativity in bands such as Sons of Joy, Pissabed Prophet (with Ben Brown), Dingus Khan, FuzzFace and as solo artist, Rev Simpkins. His psychedelic gospel epic, the album BIG SEA (9/10, Vive Le Rock) was followed by the tender close-harmony Banjo laments of SALTINGS ('a triumph', FATEA). His new album (title to be announced), written amid a period of severe illness and recorded with his son Jim, continues to explore the depths of human experience and the redemptive power of music.
Tickets £8 (including fee) from https://wegottickets.com/event/653232 or https://tinyurl.com/Return-of-the-Rev
Don't Fight The Land That Feeds You - Film Screening
Exclusive local film screening event at The Commons
EMOM - Electronic Music Open Mic
Colchester EMOM 2nd Brithday Party at The Commons Café.
Live music performance, DJs and Cakes..
Free entry, drinks & snacks available from the café.
Easter Jazz Groove Gig & Jam
Sat 19th April 8pm Easter Groove Jazz party with jam in the Commons cafe at the back of the Minories in Colchester. Our sextet will play danceable swing, funk and latin jazz grooves to which you can salsa, tango, swing, headbang or freestyle; This time we will ensure a dedicated dance floor! The band are Frank Sebastian on sax, Ian Buzer on trumpet, Tony Gooderham on keys, Gareth George on guitar, Tony Sandeman on bass and Elmer Van Der Hoek on drums.
This will be a sociable event where you can mingle, chat, dance or you just chill and enjoy the music.
The cafe is selling wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
The band will play two sets 8-10pm before opening the stage for other musicians, including singers, to take part in the jam until midnight. Doors open 7.30pm.
Book Here: https://good-show.co.uk/events/211
Sunset Sounds
Join us for the first in a new series of events hosted by The Commons in The Minories secret walled garden. Sunset Sounds will see musicians & DJ's performing under the iconic folly in the garden. Expect Live music, local bites, and late-night vibes...
For Session 1, Colchester based, internationally recognised DJ Just Craig will be bringing the soothing sounds of R&B and Hip Hop with splashes of Afrobeats & Amapiano... it's summer nights, reimagined! Bantu Bowls: local ingredient inspired streetfood will be served from 6:30pm. We've got soft drinks as well as wine, beer & cider, organic coffee & locally baked sweet treats. This is a family friendly event, all welcome in our safe space community venue.
There is a backup plan to ensure that this event takes place inside the venue if necesarry due to weather conditions.
Twilight in the garden
Extended opening hours as we stay open right through until 9pm. Local steel food bites served from 6pm. Chilled garden playlist and drinks.
Café Scientifique
Understanding Infant Crying, Sleeping, and Feeding:
Every parent experiences challenges with their baby’s crying, sleeping, and feeding. But what’s normal, and when should you be concerned?
Dr. Ayten Bilgin from the Department of Psychology at the University of Essex will explore how babies develop these essential skills, what happens when they struggle, and what it could mean for their future.
She will discuss common regulatory problems, why some infants have more difficulties than others, and how early challenges can impact later emotional and behavioural development. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, professional, or just wonder how babies work, this talk offers practical insights for everyone!
Doors open at 6:30pm until 9:00pm
Admission is Free by Ticket only
Sofar Sounds
Creating space where music and arts matter. Sofar brings artists and audiences together through unique live music experiences in surprising spaces.
Free Energy Advice
Join Martina & Chris from Community Energy Colchester CIC to discuss reducing your bills & saving energy.
The Commons & The Minories CLOSED
The Minors building, including The Commons Café will be closed for the winter break. Reopening on Thursday 9th January from 10am-4pm.
Xmas Jazz Party
Xmas Jazz party with jam in the Commons cafe at the back of the Minories in Colchester. The power septet 'Fuzz' will start off the evening playing danceable swing, funk and latin jazz grooves. The band consists of Frank Sebastian on sax, Cameron Scott on euphonium & trombone, Ian Buzer on trumpet, Tony Gooderham on keys, Gareth George on guitar, Joshua Graham on bass, Adrian Wiggins on percussion and Elmer Van Der Hoek on drums.
This will be a sociable event where you can mingle, show off on the dance floor or you just chill and enjoy the music with a festive drink. The cafe is selling wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
The band will play two sets 8-10pm before opening the stage for other musicians, including singers, to take part in the jam until midnight.
Tickets are £10; for <18y and students £7. These are available via the QR-code or this link https://good-show.co.uk/events/1611, at the café or on the door. Entrance is via the back door in the wall behind the Minories, just across the Firstsite Art Centre. Doors open 7.30pm.
The Commons Community Kitchen and Café at The Minories
74 High St, Colchester CO1 1UE
Christmas Bread Making with Giovanni
Join Giovanni for a special, festive bread making workshop. full details & contact: giothebakingteacher@gmail.com
Free 'Home Energy Assistance Advice' Every Thursday at The Commons
What to expect from the Home Energy Assistance sessions organised by Community Energy Colchester (a local non-profit social enterprise).
EVERY THURSDAY 1:30pm – 2:30pm
· Cold walls, single glazing, gaps in windows and doors
· Would you like to know how to make your house warmer
· We can offer you a practical DIY no cost or low-cost solution
· Home visits
Using our experience, we can check you are on the correct tariff and we can check your eligibility for Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2) or ECO4
Funded by UK Power Networks we can offer a free home energy survey using a thermal camera.