Whether you’re local or visiting, there’s always something to see and do in Colchester. Explore events, activities and ideas to help you plan your trip.
Council services
Find helpful support and advice for keeping on top of rising living expenses.
View your recycling calendar, order new containers and find out what to put out each week.
Search for planning applications, submit an application and find guidance and resources for navigating the planning process.
Register for Council tax, pay your Council tax bill and apply for a discount or exemption.
Make a claim, manage your account and find helpful advice and support.
Information about adaptations, repairs and support available for your home including disabled facilities grant.
Manage your business rates account, find out about our business waste collection service and obtain licensing.
Apply for housing, manage your account and find useful information about private sector housing.
Apply for Building Control approval, check which supporting documents are required and how much it costs. You can also search for an application.
Report fly-tipping, find out about street cleaning or pay a fixed penalty notice.
Register to vote and find out about upcoming elections.
Book a pest control appointment, report a lost dog or report a noise nuisance.
Buy a parking permit, find car parks and information about road closures.
See and apply for our available positions, find out about apprenticeship opportunities and work experience.
Colchester Leisure World, Aqua Springs spa, Colchester Events, Colchester and Ipswich museums.
Apply for licences (including premises licences, taxi driver licences, temporary event notices), and access our licensing register.
Find information on what you will need to complete a local land charge search if you remortgage or buying property or land.
Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
See the latest information and updates relating to Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation in Greater Essex.
Have Your Say on Colchester's New Local Plan
Review the proposed plan that will guide housing, jobs, transport, infrastructure and green spaces across Colchester until 2043.
Consultation open until 13 October 2026 (4pm).
Work begins at Queensland Drive as city-wide playground improvement programme gets under way
11 September 2026
Following the completion of the playground at Wheatfield Road over the summer, work has now started on a major programme to improve playgrounds across Colchester, with Queensland Drive and Elizabeth Close the first sites to get under way.
Colchester honours heroes of the Battle of Arnhem
11 September 2026
Colchester will commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem with a special service, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of airborne soldiers and celebrating the city's enduring friendship with Renkum in the Netherlands.
Record Heritage Open Days programme brings 55 free events to Colchester
10 September 2026
A record 55 events will take place across 43 locations during Colchester Heritage Open Days, running from Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September 2026.
Keep up to date
Get the latest news and information from Colchester City Council.