There’s a whole host of original live music to be had in Colchester this New Year.

And perhaps the highlight of it all will be a cracking end of year knees-up at the Colchester Arts Centre courtesy of two of the biggest bands in the town.

Having conquered national radio airwaves, and several of the country’s most prestigious music festivals, Superglu will be seeing out the year in style with their infectious indie punk rock numbers. Loosely based in Manningtree and its picturesque surrounding areas, the band consists of brothers Ben and Alex Brown alongside bass player Krista Lynch and drummer Ben Ward.

Headlining the night will be Colchester’s mighty Animal Noise, who in recent years have gone stratospheric, getting Radio 1 airplay, bagging a week on their Official playlist, and performing at such events as Hyde Park in London, T in the Park and Bestival.

Rounding off the night will be a DJ Set from Miss Scarlet, with dancing going on until the early hours.

Doors open at 9pm and all tickets are £15, available from 01206 500900 or on-line at colchesterartscentre.com

Over at the Queen Street Brewhouse, the venue will see the triumphant return of everyone’s favourite country punksters the Family Dickens.

Having teased the local music scene with a return gig earlier this year, they’re rounding off 2018 with a set at the bar no doubt playing some tracks from their recently released EP, The Shape of Country to Come.

It’s been seven years since the group lit up Twisters Bar on North Hill but since then they’ve been musing, writing and practicing their boots off to produce a debut album.

Fronted by the charismatic Buddy Lee Dickens, alongside Jebediah Dickens on bass and backing vocals and Dick Dickens on drums, keep in touch with all things Dickens via thefamilydickens.com

Before all of that there’s another new release to look forward to as original six-piece acoustic band, Spacecake launch their debut album at the Three Wise Monkeys tonight, December 28.

Backed by acoustic instruments, their deeply personal and soulful songs, combines many musical genres from folk, rock and soul.

2 Truths is a local project from the recording at a rural studio in Suffolk to the CD and Vinyl artwork based on a current painting from famous local artist Paul Duficey known for his creative projects with filmmaker Ken Russell.

Tickets, priced £5, are available on the door.