COLCHESTER has a thriving arts and music scene - and next week residents and visitors will be able to explore it, thanks to a plethora of events happening in the city.

First Thursdays celebrates the city’s vibrant cultural scene on the first Thursday of every month. 

Members of the public can hop from event to event at different venues and the majority of events are free of charge, enabling affordable access to quality cultural experiences.

Cameron Abbott-Betts, producer of First Thursdays, said: “Last month’s audiences and creative participants evidently had a great time, with so many people heading to an experience or a local venue they’d never tried before.

"It’s doing what we’d hoped it would achieve; commissioning and showcasing Colchester and Tendring’s impressive range of cultural talent, whilst increasing footfall in the city centre and boosting our night-time economy.

"We’re really happy with the way First Thursdays has been received by everyone and we’ll be back in May too.”

Here are all the events happening on Thursday, April 4:

Metal 2 The Masses Heat 3

This event will bring four Essex-based metal bands to Coda in a battle to win a spot on the main stage of the UK's biggest metal festival, Bloodstock. 

Bands will be battling it out from 7pm until 11pm. 

Entry is £4 and the event is for over-18s only. 

Makerspace Social

A social event encouraging people to join in with the Makerspace will be happening from 6.30pm until 8.30pm. 

Non-members and members are asked to gather and socialise at Colchester Makerspace. 

There will also be a show-and-tell from the Maker of the Month.

The Spontaneity Space

A free improv jam night will be taking place at the Headgate Theatre. 

People are invited to draw, sing, dance, talk, paint or do anything from 7pm until 9pm.

The space is for everyone to enjoy however they like.

Collaborative Drawing

A therapeutic event full of collaborative drawings will take place at Firstsite Cafe.

People of all ages are invited to participate from 6pm until 8 pm.

Folk Singing Workshop

A folk music foursome, Wise Woman, will be hosting a singing workshop and performance at Firstsite. 

The workshop and concert will be one hour each from 7pm until 9.30pm.

With original music about hidden women of history, there will also be a guest slot from Colchester drag royalty Shar Cooterie.

Music and Mending

A creative practitioner and local band will provide a unique, feel-good evening of entertainment and mindfulness through mending at Patch, Colchester. 

Learn how to restore your torn clothing with darning and sashiko to a soundtrack of songs from 7pm until 10 pm.

Other paid events on the same day include: 

Saddle Sore

This show follows the story of two men raising money on a sponsored bike ride to raise money for their friend Dave who died from prostate cancer at the Headgate Theatre.

The show sold out the Colchester Fringe 2022 and will take place from 7.45pm until 10.15pm. 

Tickets from £10.

Mercurial Takeover: Mercurial Scratch Night

An evening of rehearsed readings and works-in-progress will be taking place at the Mercury Theatre. 

Showcases of the best homegrown artists will be sharing their works and journeys from 7pm until 10 pm.

Tickets can be purchased for £8.50.

An Evening With Aggers: Beyond the Boundary

Jonathan Agnew, the long-standing BBC cricket correspondent, will be hosting a solo show at the Mercury Theatre

He will be reminiscing and sharing his stories of his time entertaining on the field and in the commentary box from 7.30pm until 9.20pm.

Tickets are from £34.