There are a whole host of big names and familiar faces coming to Colchester next year.

From comedians to singing sensations there is something for everyone to enjoy.

But who can you expect to see in the town this month?

Here are some of the shows coming to Colchester in January. 

Arabella Weir is bringing her show Does My Mum Loom Big In This? to Colchester Arts Centre. 

The bestselling author and star of The Fast Show and Two Doors Down will be offering up hilarious true stories. 

Stephen K Amos is bringing his Before and Laughter show to the Colchester Arts Centre on January 18. The show had to be rescheduled form January last year.

Katherine Ryan will be at Charter Hall on January 20 with her show Missus. The star of Netflix show The Duchess will be making a return to the stage with this tour.

Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp is bringing his Back to the 80s party to Charter Hall On January 28.

Ivo Graham is bringing his show The Game of Life to Colchester Arts Centre on January 28. 

The stand-up has appeared on shows such as Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week, Live from the BBC and Cats Does Countdown. 

And there are more big names heading to town in February. 

Shazia Mirza will bring her show Coconut to the Colchester Arts Centre on February 12. The event has been rescheduled from April last year.

Comedian Jack Dee’s I’m Sorry I Haven't a Clue tour will be coming to Charter Hall on February 24.

Jason Manford will bring his show Like Me to Charter Hall on February 26.

Upcoming events

To find out more about upcoming events you can use the Gazette's new service. 

Global events platform Evvnt allows anyone to advertise their event on our websites and in our newspapers, as well as in hundreds of other locations across the web. 

Whether you want to advertise a gig, festival, sports session or even a jumble sale, you can do it on our new What’s On Events Calendar - and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.  

You can submit your event for free and it will sit on your local website along with a listing.  

Visit www.gazette-news.co.uk/leisure to find out more.