Colchester City Council is delighted to announce the return of the Cultural and Creative Events Fund for 2026/27, supported by Colchester Events, with a total of £30,000 available to support vibrant cultural and creative events across the city.
Applications are now open for micro grants ranging from £200 to £2,000, enabling local organisations to deliver arts and performance related events and activity between 1 May 2026 and 30 April 2027. The Fund aims to showcase the arts, foster creativity, celebrate Colchester’s rich heritage and bring communities together. Previous years have seen support for everything from open-air stand-up comedy at St Botolph’s Priory to public art trails and city-wide festivals.
Applications are welcomed from voluntary and professional organisations active within the City of Colchester. Events must be open to all, take place within the city boundary and will usually be free to attend. Projects should deliver at least three of these objectives: provide high-quality cultural or creative experiences, showcase local creative talent, support the local economy, celebrate Colchester’s history or natural landscapes, bring together diverse communities, and contribute to health and wellbeing through participation in arts and culture.
Applications must be submitted online through the Colchester City Council website at colchester.gov.uk/cultural-creative-events-fund by 5pm Monday 9 February 2026, and successful applicants will be notified within six weeks of the deadline.
Cllr Lee Scordis, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Environment, said: “Colchester’s creative sector is one of our city’s greatest strengths. The Cultural and Creative Events Fund, supported by Colchester Events, is a fantastic opportunity for local organisations to bring new ideas to life, celebrate our heritage, and help our communities thrive. I encourage eligible groups and organisations with a passion for arts and culture to apply and help make Colchester an even more vibrant place to live, work and visit.”
For further information, please contact the Colchester City Council Communications Team at culture@colchester.gov.uk.