Upcoming
Events
-
Cafe Opening Time
Wednesday to Sunday
10am to 4pm
Essex Book Festival | Common Treasures : Ambitious Thinking About the Future of Rural Communities
Overview:
A credible and compelling vision of what life in a rural future might look like.
Giles Smith, Hana Loftus and Ken Worpole
Common Treasures
Giles Smith, founding partner of the architecture and design collective Assemble, Winner of the 2015 Turner Prize, will be discussing the Common Treasures project and accompanying books with writer, designer, and Essex-based planner Hana Loftus, and writer and social historian, Ken Worpole.
Common Treasures is an anthology that offers a credible and compelling vision of what life in a rural future might look like.
Tickets: £10 / £8 concessions (students, under 27s and unwaged)
For more information, please visit
https://essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/common-treasures/
West African Drumming with Hassan
Hassan of "Drumz Kool" has been playing and teaching West African Percussion for nearly 20 years. He has been taught by Famoudu Konaté, the top most master of this art form from Guinea, West Africa.
For a better understanding of exactly what Hassan does please see "Drumz Kool" on youtube.
Fee - £10 per person (cash only)
Midsummer Nights Dream Ball
As the summer solstice approaches and the veil between the human world and fairy realm is thinnest, Colchester Pride invites you to a Midsummer Night's Dream Ball!
A pride event, produced alongside ourselves at Common Ground Colchester & The Minories , supported by the East Anglian Folklore Centre, this ball will offer a glimpse behind the ethereal curtain and into a realm that celebrates nature, community and the magic of the world around us.
We'll have an opening ritual from the Folklore Centre, a craft market, our classic raffle and a best-dressed contest - there's lots to get involved with as we raise funds towards August's Pride Festival.
Come as you are or get stuck in with our dress code: fairies, flora and fauna! Outfits inspired by the natural OR supernatural world around us!
All tickets are £10, age restriction 16+
Cabaret line up to include: Aria Close, Atomic, Laura Wyatt, Shar Cooterie
Followed by chilled music and good vibes as we enjoy the sunset and dance the evening away.
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.
If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!
E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG
Essex Book Festival | Midsummer Madness Family Fun
A day of other worldly storytelling and creative mayhem in the enchanted setting of the garden of the Minories. This Midsummer Madness Family Day is the perfect place to get crafty and messy with our delectable range of free hands-on drop-in workshops, and more.
There will be a mix of free and ticketed activities. For more information, please visit
https://essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/midsummer-madness-family-fun/
Ladies Wot Lunch
Join us for this monthly lunch club at the Commons Café and community space at the Minories. This informal gathering takes place on the third Wednesday of the month and is an opportunity for casual networking and friendship. Bring friends, or come on your own as a way to meet new people – all welcome.
A variety of vegetarian food and drink will be available to buy at the café.
Drop in, no booking required.
"And Who's the Boss" - Screening & Q+A exploring Radical Cooperativism
The Commons Cafe Welcomes you to a screening of "And Who's the Boss"
| followed by a discussion on radical cooperativism
Join us on Wednesday 17th June for a free documentary film screening and wider discussion on the power of Coops.
"And Who's the Boss", produced by the Prefigurativa Research Collective and Obsurca Lab, explores the rise of radical cooperativism in Greece during and after the crisis.
Through stories of people and ventures working without bosses it reveals how solidarity, collectivity and self-management create alternative ways of organising work and life.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Dr Kostis Roussos (Lecturer at the University of Essex and member of the Prefigurativa Research Collective) and Marley Karazimba (Founding Member of The Commons, Filmmaker, and Multimedia Artist), to expand on the transformative power of coops and the benefits of fostering collectivity in our communities.
Food as well as drinks will be available to purchase from the Commons Café (menu TBD).
The screening is free for all | Booking Essential
Optional contribution donation towards the Commons Café on the booking form- optional
Doors at 6.30pm for 7pm start for film | The documentary is 70 minutes long.
Lace Art Social
Lace Making Meetup. Fortnightly at The Commons
Join this Lace Making Meetup on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Bring along your own lace projects, and let's make lace
together!
Bread Making Workshop: Ancient Roman Breads
An Epic Hands on Baking workshop rediscovering the breads of ancient Rome through different doughs that we will make using spelt flour.
In the historic city of Colchester (called Camulodunum by the Romans : the first and largest Roman city and even, for a short time, the capital of Britain) Giovanni will run an Ancient Roman Breads Making workshop at The Commons Community Kitchen and Cafe in Colchester.
£65.50 per person, including hot drinks, refreshments, and recipes.
Spelt was the most used cereal in ancient Rome, until the appearance of wheat ( soft and hard wheat ) more productive and easily cultivated. Bread was the basis of the ancient Roman diet from the 2nd century BC, that is, from when the use of yeast became widespread, which allowed the processing of ground spelt not only to cook puls, that is, spelt soup, but also to knead loaves and focaccias of various types, and bake them in the oven.
During this hands on baking workshop we will take a virtual journey, going back in time and kneading from scratch 3 types of dough with different shapes :
Panis Picenus : made with Millet flour, Grapes juice , honey and Poppy seeds
Panis Farreus : the ancient bread, made with spelt flour, milk, honey, oil, candied fruit and black pepper.
Catone Libum : an ancient focaccia dough made with Spelt flour, yogurt, olive oil, mixed herbs, bay leaves and ricotta cheese.
Suitable for all abilities, hot drinks refreshments and recipes will be included..
Eventbrite link to book and find more information
The Culinary Adventures of a Travelling Baker
Born in Naples, Giovanni is the fourth-generation baker in his family, which owns a bakery in Pollena Trocchia in the Vesuvius National Park, near Naples. It was there where he was taught by his grandmother Maria from an early age. After graduating at 18 from the cookery academy of Pollena Trocchia, he started to work full time in his family bakery until he was 22 when he began traveling the world, baking along the way. Now living in England for almost 10 years, Giovanni works as a baking teacher and teaches various categories of courses in different venues across Essex, Suffolk and London.
STRAW CLUB // Midsummer
STRAW CLUB // Midsummer
With the East Anglian Folklore Centre
Join us in relaxed and fun seasonal sessions to learn how to make with straw! Suitable for curious minds of all ages. Hosted at the Commons by the East Anglian Folklore Centre, and led by Lucy Hook-Child of Corn Dolly Folklore.
£10.00
SOLD OUT
For more sessions and to book visit https://www.eastanglianfolklorecentre.co.uk/shop
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.
If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!
E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG
Nourish Co. Healthy Junk Supper Club
Doors - 6pm
Booking Times - 6:30pm // 7pm // 7:30pm // 8pm
Ticket Options - £30 (with soft drink) or £33 (with alcoholic drink)
MENU
BURGERS
Nourish Classic Burger
House-made patty, melty cheeze, homemade burger sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles and grilled onions in a brioche bun.
BBQ Cheezeburger
House-made patty, melty cheeze, BBQ sauce, lettuce, pickles & grilled onions in a brioche bun.
Falafel Burger (gluten free)
House-made falafel patty, homemade mayo, sweet chilli sauce, lettuce, tomato & pickles in a gluten free brioche bun.
SIDES
Mac and Cheeze
Melty house-made cashew cheeze sauce poured over macaroni, topped with homemade parmesan, toasted seeds and spring onions.
Southern Potato Salad (gluten free)
Southern style creamy potato salad with house-made mayo, pickles, red onions and celery.
DESSERTS
Oreo Brownie and Ice Cream
Fudgey gooey brownies made with melted dark chocolate, coconut sugar, raw cacao and flax seeds, topped with oreos. Served with swedish glace vanilla ice cream.
Blondie and Ice Cream (gluten free)
Fudgey triple chocolate blondies made with oat and buckwheat flour, peanut butter, coconut sugar, and flax seeds. Served with swedish glace vanilla ice cream.
The Ember Sessions
The Ember Sessions
curated folk sessions; intimate; live drawing.
session # 3
Tickets £12
Join the ember mailing list for a discounted ticket price
Access will be via the garden gate entrance at the rear of The Minories (Opposite Firstsite)
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.
If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!
E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG
EMOM: Electronic Music Open Mic
Clip and the Colchester Electronic Collective Presents
EMOM: Electronic Music Open Mic
Eight acts from across the spectrum of electronic music genres play short sets of original music. Food and drink will be available for purchase on the night.
All ages are welcome.
Reb and Friends
Reb & Friends is an underground EDM/Rap fusion night, the next instalment in the CTC & Friends series of live music events
The night brings together a lineup of independent UK underground artists across melodic rap and EDM, headlined by Young Rebillionaire
General sale: £6 solo / £8 for 2
On the Door £8.50 each
Poster add-on + £3.50
@ctcmusicteam on Instagram
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.
If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!
E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG
Bread and Butter Vegan Night Market
Our monthly vegan night market, nestled in the secret garden
Farmers Market + Street Food + Bar
Kid friendly, well behaved dogs welcome
Lace Art Social
Lace Making Meetup. Fortnightly at The Commons
Join this Lace Making Meetup on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Bring along your own lace projects, and let's make lace
together!
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.
If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!
E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG
Late Night Opening + Art Showing
Food brings people together. So does art.
We opened up a call to local visual artists and asked them to explore food — the growing, the cooking, the meaning behind it all. This art is now all up in our community cafe for you all to see!
This is an evening to slow down, look closely, and celebrate the creativity living right in this community. Come and see the work, try items off our new menu and spend an evening in The Commons after dark.
Free to attend. A suggested donation of £3–5 on the door helps us keep this space open and thriving for everyone — but no one will ever be turned away
Colchester Digital
Join Colchester Digital for an evening of insight, inspiration, and connection. Tickets are free, but please sign up. The bar is open with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Colchester Digital is a Meetup group for individuals and businesses in and around the Colchester area. We welcome everyone working or interested in the creative or Tech industries.
Colchester Digital meets regularly, usually on the last Thursday of the month. We come together to share knowledge, experience, and information, and where possible, to collaborate on a wider scale.
6.30-7.00 Arrive, chat, grab a slice of pizza and drink
6.55-7.00 Welcome and quick intros
7.00-8.00 Talks and presentations by invited guest speakers
8.00-8.30 Final bit of networking before we wrap
Supper Club at the Commons
The Commons Cafe Supper Club with Jamie
Sunday 24 May
6.30pm - 9.30pm (dinner for 7pm)
Join us for an evening of beautiful food at the Commons Cafe. Chef Jamie will be taking over our kitchen to serve a beautiful three-course dinner, crafted from the finest local and seasonal ingredients. Think honest, soulful food made with real care - the kind of meal that brings people together.
Every ticket goes directly towards keeping the Commons open and thriving as a community space for everyone in Colchester.
£30 per person
To book, visit the link below. Please email events@commongroundcolchester.co.uk For allergen information
MENU
Starter:
Big Spring Sharing Salad Platter
Asparagus, Radish, Peas, Little Gem Lettuce, Cucumber
Green Goddess Whipped Tofu
Roast Beetroot and Garlic Dip
Focaccia
Main:
BBQ Oyster Mushroom Skewer
Potato Pave, Miso Roast Onion, Pomegranate, Parsley and Mint
Dessert:
Chocolate Mousse, Rhubarb, Honeycomb
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.
If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!
E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG
A Celebration of Queer Folk
A Celebration of Queer Folk
with the East Anglian Folklore Centre
The East Anglian Folklore Centre is a proudly Queer led project and dedicate the month of May to celebrating this each year! Come along to the Commons for another magical evening exploring how queer narratives in, and readings of, Folk Lore and Practice are being woven for contemporary audiences.
Featuring:
EAFC Storytelling |
Ben Paites |
Kizzy Barrow |
Anemia
A | Solidarity Sing-around
More to be Announced!
Tickets: £11.55
Bread Making Workshop: Buns and Rolls
Get ready to knead, shape, and bake your own delicious buns and rolls from scratch in this fun hands-on workshop!
Join Giovanni, the Travelling Baker and Bread Ambassador for Real Bread Campaign, an independent charity that researches and shares methods to produce better bread for communities (without additives and preservatives).
£61 per person, including hot drinks, refreshments, and recipes.
During this workshop we will make the following products :
Mixed Grain Onion Rolls
Ricotta & Oregano Knots
Coconut Milk Sugar Buns
You’ll be guided through choosing the right ingredients, flour, kneading and shaping the dough, and how to get the right results in the oven. Suitable for all abilities. Hot drinks refreshments and recipes included.
Eventbrite link to book and find more information
The Culinary Adventures of a Travelling Baker
Born in Naples, Giovanni is the fourth-generation baker in his family, which owns a bakery in Pollena Trocchia in the Vesuvius National Park, near Naples. It was there where he was taught by his grandmother Maria from an early age. After graduating at 18 from the cookery academy of Pollena Trocchia, he started to work full time in his family bakery until he was 22 when he began traveling the world, baking along the way. Now living in England for almost 10 years, Giovanni works as a baking teacher and teaches various categories of courses in different venues across Essex, Suffolk and London.
Lace Art Social
Lace Making Meetup. Fortnightly at The Commons
Join this Lace Making Meetup on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Bring along your own lace projects, and let's make lace
together!
Ladies Wot Lunch
Join us for this monthly lunch club at the Commons Café and community space at the Minories. This informal gathering takes place on the third Wednesday of the month and is an opportunity for casual networking and friendship. Bring friends, or come on your own as a way to meet new people – all welcome.
A variety of vegetarian food and drink will be available to buy at the café.
Drop in, no booking required.
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.
If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!
E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG
West African Drumming with Hassan
Hassan of "Drumz Kool" has been playing and teaching West African Percussion for nearly 20 years. He has been taught by Famoudu Konaté, the top most master of this art form from Guinea, West Africa.
For a better understanding of exactly what Hassan does please see "Drumz Kool" on youtube.
Fee - £10 per person (cash only)
Colchester Café Scientifique: Understanding Society | The UK Household Longitudinal Study
Professor Michaela Benzeval CBE, Director, Understanding Society, Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, outlines how using data gathered annually from all members sampled of families over many years, creates unique research opportunities for studying family dynamics.
The study follows families as they form, expand and when family members move on. It enables interrelations and changing caring roles between couples, siblings and generations within and across households to be explored.
Michaela outlines these research opportunities and discusses the challenges they create for the survey and the ways they have addressed them.
Admission is free by ticket only. They are issued on a first come first served basis from
Access will be via the garden gate entrance at the rear. For directions, see:- https://what3words.com/formed.handle.sits
For details of previous meetings, visit cafescientifique.org
Visit the Facebook Page:- www.facebook.com/cafescientifiquecolchester
Jane's Walk 2026: End of Festival Drinks
Join us at the Commons as we celebrate the end of the Jane’s Walk Festival!
Jane’s Walk is an international festival of local walks taking place in towns and cities worldwide, celebrating the urbanist, writer and activist Jane Jacobs (1916-2006).
Taking place every year in May, this year’s festival comprises 32 free walks and accompanying events, hosted by local people.
Read the full programme for Jane's Walk Colchester at
https://www.walkcolchester.org.uk/janes-walk
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.
If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!
E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG
Pub Quiz at the Commons
Join Quizmaster Shaz and her glamorous assistant BP for our Pub Quiz at the Commons!
Put your trivia skills to the test with a night of fun and tomfoolery. Whether you’re a quiz whiz or just in it for laughs, it’s the perfect way to unwind, enjoy some friendly competition, and maybe even win bragging rights. Come and grab a drink, and let’s see who knows their stuff!
This is a fundraising event by Common Ground Colchester, the community co-operative which runs the Commons Community Café. All donations raised will go towards keeping the cafe open, keeping our events free for all, and supporting our volunteers.
Quiz takes place 7-9 pm
(doors open from 6 pm)
Entry: £6 per person
Maximum 4 people in a team
Food and drink will be available to purchase on the night. There will be a pub hamper prize for the winning team!
TO BOOK
Reserve your place at https://commons-pub-quiz-may.eventbrite.com/
Pay at The Commons Cafe to secure your place by 6.40pm on the night.
Please note that your ticket may be offered to someone else if you've not paid/secured your place by 6.40pm
Lace Art Social
Lace Making Meetup. Fortnightly at The Commons
Join this Lace Making Meetup on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Bring along your own lace projects, and let's make lace together!
Pattern Up: Art iz Art
Pattern up Episode 4 returns to the Commons Cafe with Bank Holiday Dance Music Extravaganza.
Pattern Up Dance explodes back onto Colchester's Arts and Culture scene with a Bank Holiday special showcasing dance music in all it' s forms.
Just like the raves of the 90's. People from all walks of life are welcome to come, enjoy and keep dance music events alive and kicking.
We have a fun upbeat atmosphere showcasing young emerging DJ's and MC's, who are finding their feet in the world of public performance. This is why it is so important we as a community support our future dance music artists, proud in the knowledge they are from our city or very near by.
This event will platform female DJ's and MC's who are often overlooked for headline spots. We have another female DJ stepping up to give our audience another energy filled, vibe enhanced set that will keep everyone on the dance floor.
Proudly supporting CUAR: Colchester Unite Against Racism.
More info - https://linktr.ee/projectlando
Tickets £8 / £10
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.
If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!
E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG
Jane's Walk 2026 Launch & Film
Jane's Walk 2026 Launch & Film: The Essex Ways (Dir. Thomas Winward)
Join us for the opening of the 2026 Jane's Walk Festival with a screening of this newly released film, following the journeying of 'Man About Country', James Lawrence, on a 400km wander around the county of his birth, recounting the experiences and stories gathered along the way.
The film is also supported by a short, pre-recorded Q&A with James, filmed when we managed to track him down remotely on his continuing travels around the UK in support of this film. With this evening in mind, various local Jane’s Walkers put their questions directly to him...
The evening includes an annual toast to Jane’s Jacobs, the festival namesake, this year given by guest speakers, Dorian and Sheila Kelly.
There is wonderful food (veggie chilli) from The Commons kitchen and a pay bar.
And finally a raffle (to be drawn at the conclusion if the festival) with great top prizes!
Tickets £10
Book your ticket at https://JW2026-Festival-Launch.eventbrite.co.uk
Read the full programme for Jane's Walks at
https://www.walkcolchester.org.uk/janes-walk
STRAW CLUB // Beltane
STRAW CLUB // Beltane
With the East Anglian Folklore Centre
Join us in relaxed and fun seasonal sessions to learn how to make with straw! Suitable for curious minds of all ages. Hosted at the Commons by the East Anglian Folklore Centre, and led by Lucy Hook-Child of Corn Dolly Folklore.
£10.00
SOLD OUT
For more sessions and to book visit https://www.eastanglianfolklorecentre.co.uk/shop
Folk Sing-Around
Colchester Unite Against Racism
Folk Sing-Around
A really enjoyable and lovely evening of singing folk & other music together, building friendships & solidarity through song. Individuals lead songs and we all join in. The Commons is an intimate venue where you'll feel at home and ready to throw yourself into the sing-around. This is a collaboration between Colchester Unite Against Racism, North Essex Transformed & East Anglian Folklore Centre.
Colchester Unite Against Racism, North Essex Transformed, and the East Anglian Folklore Centre join forces to celebrate May Day, a long held festival which has marked the beginning of summer since ancient times and in more recent years also become known as International Worker’s Day.
Join us as we gather in The Commons Cafe to sing folk songs which celebrate solidarity between workers from all parts of the world.
The evening will raise funds to support the vital work of CUAR and NET. Tickets are £5, or £10 solidarity ticket with an additional donation. If the ticket price will be a struggle please get in touch.
A range of drinks will be available throughout the night from The Commons Cafe.
Never been to a Singaround before?
Find out what to expect:
What is a Singaround?
A Singaround is an event where folks get together to sing! Usually one person will lead a song and those who know it will join in particularly during choruses. Often the songs are from the "folk tradition", but we welcome any songs people may want to share.
Do I have to sing? No! No one will be obliged to sing but we will make sure that everyone who wants to is given the space to.You also don't need to be a "good" singer to join in or even lead a song. You are still welcome to join even if you don't want to sing and just enjoy the uplifting atmosphere and refreshments from The Commons.
What if I don't know any folk songs?
There will be a song book with popular Singaround folk songs for those who don't know the songs or might want a reminder of some classics. You will also likely find you will pick up the chorus or hook of a song after hearing it once or twice and be able to join in. We also aren't strict on what a folk song is or isn't! You are welcome to share any song you think people may enjoy singing together. If you’re singing an original song or one most people may not be familiar with we would encourage you to perhaps share the chorus with everyone first so they can join in. Please be conscious of remaining inclusive to everyone and avoid songs with offensive language.
Do I have to stay the whole time?
We hope you can! But if you need to leave early or come late that's not a problem. If you come late it might be good to check the song you want to sing hasn't already been done.
Ancient Grains Making Workshop
Get ready to dive into the world of ancient grains and discover the secrets behind their nutritious and delicious properties!
Hi there
This is Giovanni : Baking Teacher and Bread Ambassador for Real Bread Campaign.
The Ancient Grains Workshop gives us a chance to experience the breads our ancestors were eating, this workshop pulls the heritage flours from the past and gives them a long overdue revival.
During the workshop you will learn how to make the following workshops :
Emmer, Mixed Herbs and feta Loaf ;
Einkorn, chilli & honey loaf ;
Khorasan, lavender and toasted nuts loaf.
Focusing on emmer, khorasan and einkorn flour we explore how these flours give us back all the health benefits sadly missing from their over produced cousins.
£61 per person
The Culinary Adventures of a Travelling Baker
Born in Naples, Giovanni is the fourth-generation baker in his family, which owns a bakery in Pollena Trocchia in the Vesuvius National Park, near Naples. It was there where he was taught by his grandmother Maria from an early age. After graduating at 18 from the cookery academy of Pollena Trocchia, he started to work full time in his family bakery until he was 22 when he began traveling the world, baking along the way. Now living in England for almost 10 years, Giovanni works as a baking teacher and teaches various categories of courses in different venues across Essex, Suffolk and London.
The People’s Emergency Briefing
An eye-opening film featuring nine leading UK scientists and experts updating us on the latest in the climate and nature crisis and how it impacts on our everyday life.
Extreme weather
Food security
Health
Cost of living
Based on the National Emergency Briefing in Westminster, as covered by ITV, C4 and The Times. Followed by a short open discussion about what it means locally and what we can do
Featuring Chris Packham, Deborah Meaden, surprise guests and a wide range of Brits.
See nebriefing.org for more information on the film screening
Please email to reserve a seat
mcneilj27@outlook.com | limited spaces available, pre booking required
EMOM: Electronic Music Open Mic!
Clip and the Colchester Electronic Collective Presents
EMOM: Electronic Music Open Mic
Eight acts from across the spectrum of electronic music genres play
short sets of original music. Food and drink will be available for purchase on the night.
All ages are welcome.
Sunday Morning Chess Sesh
The E2-E4 Chess Club invite you to the Commons Café for a casual play session every Sunday. We welcome all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters! Free, drop-in, no booking required.
If you’re busy on Sundays or just want to practice, there are chess sets available at The Commons, so anyone can play, anytime!
E2-E4 Chess Club’s official club night takes place on Tuesdays: 4.30-9.00 pm at the Colchester Spiritualist Centre, Fennings Chase (off Priory Street) CO1 2QG
The Ember Sessions
The Ember Sessions
curated folk sessions; intimate; live drawing.
session # 2
Tickets £12
Join the ember mailing list for a discounted ticket price
Access will be via the garden gate entrance at the rear of The Minories (Opposite Firstsite)
Clay Club with Liz Croucher
An informal, accessible & community-minded space for pottery beginners. this session will be a trial for monthly sessions during the summer!
Get hands-on with clay, learn different pottery techniques, meet other creative folks & work on projects with guidance from ceramic artist & teacher lizzie croucher.
For this tryout session we'll be getting to grips with the very basics of clay & having a go at pinch pottery, surface decoration & adding 3d elements to our work. there'll also be some time to discuss what you'd like to see from 'clay club' - your feedback will play a crucial part in shaping the monthly meetups.
The pieces made in this initial session will be glazed & fired for you - you will be able to choose from a range of glaze colours for your creation!
£30 per person- including one free drink from the Commons Cafe
Beginner Friendly
Any queries please email hello@croucherli.co.uk
To book, please follow the link below
Access will be via the garden gate entrance at the rear of The Minories (Opposite Firstsite)