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.
Moon, Magick and Mystery at Colchester Castle!
Step into the shadows on 9 and 10 October for a unique event exploring the strange, supernatural and spellbinding – expert talks, workshops, after-hours investigations, stalls and much more!
Dino-mite sleepover adventure at Colchester Castle
30 September 2026
This latest Knightzzz event includes an exciting dinosaur theme!
A new chapter for Painters Yard: Consultation launched as first images revealed for Colchester Bus Station Interchange
29 September 2026
Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to help shape plans for a new Bus Station Interchange in Colchester, with a major public consultation
Next phase of wheeled bin rollout to reach another 19,000 Colchester households
29 September 2026
The new service makes recycling easier at home by allowing residents to put paper, cardboard, plastics, tins and cans together in one place, with no need to sort most recyclable materials before collection
Keep up to date
Get the latest news and information from Colchester City Council.