Theatre and music buffs can catch a performance at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester's leading performing arts venue.
Available :
Daily
One might think that time stopped still a few centuries ago when walking into the 15th-century house that is the Tymperleys Clock Museum in Colchester. It contains one of the largest collections of clocks in Britain.
Available :
Apr - Oct 2013; not Mon or Sun (annual)
In true festive spirit, Colchester Castle opens its doors to the public for free for one evening. Alongside the castle's usual attractions, an on-site Christmas market ensures plenty of Christmas cheer for all ages, complete with snow and Santa Claus.
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Dec 2013 (annual)
A sombre, but special, occasion, Light Up a Life at Colchester Castle supports St Helena Hospice. Following a procession, a tree will be lit in the castle grounds, with each light representing an individual cared for in the home.
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Dec 2013 (annual)
Once capital of Roman Britain, Colchester boasts an impressive castle built on the foundations of the Roman temple of Claudius, parts of which can still be seen today. The castle has the largest keep ever built by the Normans and since the 16th century it's been a ruin, a library and a gaol for witches. Today the castle is a popular family attraction housing an award-winning museum complete with hands-on exhibitions documenting Colchester's history from the Stone Age to the Civil war.
Available :
Daily
Colchester's intriguing Natural History Museum explores the elements and wildlife in the region with its displays of natural habitats, fish, birds and marine animals. Situated in the former All Saints Church, the hands-on displays, live animals and nature reserve make for a fun-filled family day out.
Available :
Daily
The Roman River Music Festival, first held in 2000, fills intimate and atmospheric medieval churches in idyllic villages (Dedham, Stoke by Nayland, Fordham, Lawford, Fingringhoe, East Mersea, Copford, Layer Marney and Abberton churches) as well as venues in Colchester, with world-class folk, jazz, soul and classical music.
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Sep - Oct 2013 (annual)
At Carter's Vineyards, visitors can follow a nature trail through the vine trellises and wildflower meadows before tasting some of the award-winning crisp English whites, fruity reds and delicate sparkling wines.
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Apr - Oct 2013 (annual)
Families gather at Jimmy's Farm in Suffolk every September for a weekend of great music, food cooked by celebrity chefs and loads of activities for children. The festival attracts big names and its focus is on both great food and music.
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Sep 2013 (annual)
The Friends Life T20 begins with a group format in June, before quarter finals in July and Finals Day at Southampton's Rose Bowl in August. Essex Eagles play their home games at the Ford County Ground in Chelmsford.
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Jun - Aug 2013 (annual)
Hylands House is a magnificent Grade II listed property set in an expanse of Essex parkland. Once a red brick Queen Anne style mansion, the house dates back to 1730 and has undergone stages of vast transformation over the years.
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Mon and Sun only
Summer festival fever hits the country once again as the dual-site V Festival comes to Chelmsford's Hylands Park and Weston Park in Staffordshire. Ensuring nobody need miss out, again this year many of the acts play both locations on alternate days.
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Aug 2013 (annual)
Ipswich bursts into life each summer with the return of the annual Ipswich Art Festival. A fusion of music, arts and family entertainment it draws tens of thousands of good-humored punters, and a fair few celebrity headliners, to locations throughout the city.
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Jun - Jul 2013 (annual)
The Jerwood DanceHouse is a major international centre for dance on Ipswich's waterfront. Developed by DanceEast, the venue includes four custom-built dance studios, therapy suites and a café and public courtyard, with views over the waterfront.
Available :
Daily
Housed in a 1937 trolleybus depot, Ipswich Transport Museum has an extensive collection of local transport - either built in the area or used to transport its populace around. Visitors can discover old buses, cars, bicycles, fire engines and trams.
Available :
Mar - Nov 2013; Sun only (annual)
The biggest custom car show in Europe, the Street Rod Nationals at Trinity Park attracts customised 1950s-style cars, high-tech Street Rods, Hot Rods and high-performance Street Machines. The weekend includes live music, children's events, competitions and more.
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Aug 2013 (annual)
The Suffolk Show is held on its own showground outside Ipswich, Trinity Park. It features farm livestock and equine classes, agricultural trade stands, flower shows, horticultural exhibits and grand ring displays, including international showjumpers.
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Jun 2013 (annual)
The open-air Museum of East Anglian Life explores aspects of domestic, agricultural and industrial life in East Anglia over the last ten centuries. Objects of interest include a number of beautifully preserved and restored agricultural steam engines.
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Mar - Oct 2013 (annual)
Part of Southend's Central Museum, the Southend Discovery Centre promotes a hands-on approach to delving into all aspects of the area's local history. This makes it as fascinating for adults as it is for school children.
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Daily; not Mon or Sun
The Focal Point Gallery in Southend-on-Sea specialises in media arts and photography, hosting a programme of cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions. The gallery is located on the second floor of the town's Central Library.
Available :
Daily; not Sun
Screams of delight ring out from Southend-on-Sea's Adventure Island, where children run between rides like Jumping Jolly Roger's, Pharoah's Fury and Dragon's Claw. The rides and entry fee are categorised by height and divided into Mini, Junior and Big Adventures.
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Daily
The Southend Festival of the Air is one of Europe's largest free air shows. Aerial demonstrations and wing walkers fly high over Southend's seafront. On the ground there are exhibitions by the RAF, Royal Navy and Army, giant inflatables and more.
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May 2013 (annual)
There are at least some benefits to the nights getting darker earlier in winter. On Saturdays from October to November Southend's Seafront is illuminated by a free and fabulous fireworks display. Local bands entertain spectators at ground level.
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Oct - Nov 2013; Sat only (annual)
Southend's seafront is always a good place for a party and one of the biggest is the Ganesh Hindu Festival. Attracting thousands annually, it celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. Events are concentrated on Shoebury East Beach.
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Sep 2013 (annual)
Southend's pride and joy is undoubtedly its pier, the longest pleasure pier in the world at 1.33 miles. Dating back to 1830, it has amazingly survived countless fires and boat collisions, the area's economic hardship as well as two world wars.
Available :
Daily
Southend-on-Sea's Kursaal Complex retains some of its original grandeur and is affectionately used as a point of reference by both locals and visitors. These days it contains a bowling alley, casino, amusement arcade and a popular fast-food restaurant.
Available :
Daily
Whoever scoffs at the idea of sharks and piranhas residing off England's coastline will have to eat their words at Southend's Sealife Adventure. Children and adults alike spend hours getting close to and admiring unknown underwater life.
Available :
Daily
The carnival is a highlight of Southend-on-Sea's summer festivities. A week of fun is capped by an illuminated procession on the last day, when the seafront lights are switched on and a spectacular fireworks display takes place.
Available :
Aug 2013 (annual)
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