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.
Manage your business rates account, find out about our business waste collection service and obtain licensing.
Make a claim, manage your account and find helpful advice and support.
Apply for Building Control approval, check which supporting documents are required and how much it costs. You can also search for an application.
Apply for housing and manage your account.
Register to vote and find out about upcoming elections.
Report fly-tipping, find out about street cleaning or pay a fixed penalty notice.
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.
Discover at Colchester Museums
See Colchester’s first dinosaur skeleton alongside extraordinary fossils and hidden wonders at Hollytrees Museum's new exhibition Discover: Museum Wonders!
Fieldgate Quay fully restored after years of damage, securing permanent riverside route
26 June 2026
Phase 2 of the Fieldgate Quay restoration is now complete.
£1.6 million invested by Amphora in Colchester’s venues, digital infrastructure and vulnerable residents
25 June 2026
Over the last two years, Amphora Events has invested just over £250,000 in council‑owned venues and assets, including improvements at Castle Park and Charter Hall
Visit the Moon at Colchester Castle!
23 June 2026
Following the huge success of Jerram’s previous installations at the Castle – Gaia (Earth) and Mars – this latest exhibition offers audiences a rare and intimate encounter with our closest cosmic neighbour
Keep up to date
Get the latest news and information from Colchester City Council.