AND now for something completely different.

Whereas in previous weeks we've had snow, lights and some chubby bloke in a red suit putting himself about a bit this week's events are as far away from the normal festive fayre as you can imagine.

Of course there is a certain Winter Wonderland going in Clacton, which has seen the popular Summer Special format of show been given the festive make-over.

Taking place at the West Cliff theatre until Sunday by all acounts its a seasonal hit with the punters.

If you've just about had enough of all things Christmassy then why not pop along to the Colchester Arts Centre where on Thursday that Italian maestro of the quick costume change, Ennio Marchetto, shows just how much fun you can have with a ream of A4 and a pair of scissors.

Also at the arts centre, this time on Saturday night from midnight, there is a night of cabaret and pop classics with Miss High Leg Kick and Boogaloo Stu's Cabaret Extravaganza.

Billed as camper than a row of tents, this exotic night has to be seen to be believed.

Those who like the surreal should also checkout Amrit Sond, one of the performers at the last AcoustiCity meetings of the year at the Headgate theatre in Colchester on Saturday.

His unique mix of Asian and Middle Eastern music would be enough of a draw on its own if it wasn't for the way he plays his guitar - again another one to be seen.