Liston, in the northern area of the county near the border with Suffolk, is a historic spot that dates back centuries.

This transformation feels especially heartfelt thanks to the independent shops that have thrown themselves into the season with gusto.

Puddle Ducks swim school has kindly donated to Colchester Hospital as part of their pyjama week initiative.

Simon Collis, 44, has dedicated decades of his life to giving back to Colchester.

Just a year ago, Mimosa restaurant in Highwoods, Colchester, opened a gourmet deli and bakery experience.

The Meadowcroft German Christmas Market in Battlesbridge is open throughout December and is one of the best spots to visit this festive season.

Planning disputes have sadly become part and parcel of Colchester's politics. How different could the city have been if this one went through?

Lila Taylor, 28, regularly ignored the ban she received last year for drink driving, Colchester Magistrates' Court heard.

WE tried a meal from the new Grinch-mas menu at Colchester McDonald's to mark the beginning of the festive season.

Here are the latest cases heard at North Essex Magistrates Court.

The former Conservative councillor, who has now lived in the area for 45 years, has said Lexden is not how it is perceived by many in Colchester.

Darren O’Brien, from Colchester, founded the Rail to Refuge initiative which enables victims to access a free train ticket to safe havens.

Colchester’s largest hotel has celebrated its first anniversary after a multi-million pound rebrand.

A stunning family home with plenty of space is looking for new owners.

The incident took place near Roman Road, in an area of footpath near the Roman wall, on November 20 at around 3pm.

A cyclist suffered serious injuries in a crash which closed off Colchester's city centre.

Traffic in Colchester's city centre has come to a halt following a crash.

Ms Meredith said the cold and damp start on Saturday did not deter people from visiting the stalls.

The annual Essex Witchcraft and Pagan Yule Market took place at Marks Tey Parish Hall, in Old London Road, on Sunday from 10.30am until 4pm.

Manningtree artist David Downes visited Colchester's Jumbo tower to gather inspiration for his artwork.

Arts stalwart Ben Howard takes us through five great events to enjoy in Colchester in the coming week.

Melissa Murphy, formerly Melissa O’Brien, was charged with misconduct in a public office after the discovery of letters sent between herself and a prisoner. 

A busy road near Halsted has been shut this morning for emergency work.

The Wizard of Oz Musical is running for a string of 34 shows at Charter Hall, Colchester, next year.

The Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) has launched a Christmas road safety campaign warning of the dangers of drink driving.

From Christmas-themed events to looking at all those Christmas decorations, garden centres in Essex are amazing to visit during the festive season.

Peter Gore, 47, of Colchester, co-founded Boardroom Darts at 71 Crouch Street, alongside Chris Tate and Danny Lawrence, opening the business only two weeks ago.

Young girls who were “putting themselves in grave danger” have transformed their lives thanks to the Girls Inspired programme.

Owen Louis is “over the moon” to be taking free DJ and rap lessons to youth clubs in the area after receiving thousands of pounds worth of funding.

For Sarfraz Idrees, it was watching the Channel 5 series The Motorway which got him involved in the National Highways Regional Operations Centre.

Fred Smith Christmas Trees generously gave St Helena Hospice multiple fir trees, ready to be decorated for the festive season.

A man who used his grandmother’s bank card to spend thousands of pounds has been spared jail.

Essex hospitals and healthcare services are under pressure due to a steep rise in flu cases in England.

An Essex Police officer has been dismissed without notice after being found to have committed gross misconduct by a panel.

A man who was arrested after officers spotted him ditching Class A drugs out the window of his vehicle has been sentenced for supplying cocaine.

Essex Police is asking people not to turn to crime when “financial and social pressures can feel overwhelming” at Christmas.

Three new Deputy Lieutenants have been appointed in Essex to represent the Crown.

A man has been arrested after an incident in an Essex town centre involving an imitation firearm.

Matthew Parker, 43, was on his police motorbike and was under blue lights while heading to an incident when he lost control of his vehicle.

Dave Rowntree, the drummer for the legendary brit-pop band from the city, took part in a Q&A and meet and greet at Red Lion Books in High Street on Thursday night.

Rowan Hunter, 37, the founder of The Stour Store, announced that the shop’s final day of trading will be December 30.

MP for Harwich and north Essex, Sir Bernard Jenkin has led a House of Commons debate on the Ukraine war.

Three Colchester schools have been named as the top schools in East Anglia.

Greater Anglia staff took part in White Ribbon Day to raise awareness about violence against women and girls.

The A12 has been left partially blocked near Witham after a car fire.

A special Christmas Evening Market will bring food, crafts and cheer to the Mercury Theatre in Colchester.

Tendring and Braintree champions were among the winners at this year’s Essex Activity Awards 2025.

The Essex and Hertfordshire Film Offices have joined forces to create Screen Alliance East.

Repairs to a sinkhole which caused worry to residents in Frinton have now been scheduled.

The winning design has been chosen for the new Castle Park playground in Colchester following a public vote.