1 Goblins Peter and the Wolf, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, until December 31, various times. £5.95. 01206 500900.

The Colchester Arts Centre have once again pulled it out of the bag with their annual alternative to the glitz and glamour of a traditional show. This time it’s Goblin Theatre who have brought us their charming story of taking people at face value packed with lots of lovely music, puppets and fun.

2 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, until January 14, various times. £11.50 to £28 with discounts available. 01206 573948.

Not that there is anything wrong with a traditional Christmas show, especially when it’s as glitzy and glamorous as the Mercury’s panto this year. Tickets are now as rare as hen’s teeth but if you manage to get hold of some, do so, you won’t regret it.

3 Grayson Perry: The Life of Julie Cope, Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, Colchester, until February 18, 10am to 5pm. Free. 01206 713700.

It’s the festive treat that keeps on giving and with the gallery only closed for four days over the season (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day plus New Year’s Day) there’s plenty of opportunities to catch this beautiful exhibition by the county’s most famous living artist.

4 Goodiepal, The Dead Rat Orchestra, Lee Ashcroft, The Valhallans, Colchester Arts Centre, Church Street, Colchester, tonight, doors 7.30pm. £7, £6 concessions. 01206 500900.

A regular fixture in the arts centre’s end of year calendar, tonight sees the welcome return of Faroese musician along with some innovative, eclectic music-makers from closer to home, including another visit by The Dead Rat Orchestra, which is always a treat.

5 Imoni, Hattie Erawan, Ellie Cornell, Lauren Francis and Sophie Nash, Three Wise Monkeys, High Street, Colchester, tonight, 9pm. £3. 01206 543014.

Who says the local music scene is lacking good female singer/songwriters. This evening proves that definitely wrong.