End July - Sep 2025

DISPLAY EXTENDED!!!! 1ST - 12TH OCT

THE MUSEUM IS ON DISPLAY DOWNSTAIRS AT THE MINORIES (in the central atrium) FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS!

Come and wonder at this beautiful mini museum, artfully curated by Lucy of @corndollyfolklore and packed with treasures celebrating this heritage craft!

About The Events!

Join us at Colchester Castle and Hollytrees Museum on Friday 10 October for after-hours investigations in Hollytrees Museum and Saturday 11 October, for a unique festival of the strange and supernatural with Myth, Magick and Mystery – a spellbinding event, presented with Seventh Sanctum.

Over the course of this two-day event, you’ll explore the mystical, magical and mysterious through a rich programme of experiences. Uncover chilling tales, meet mysterious creatures, and delve into the folklore that continues to haunt our imaginations. Whether you’re a curious sceptic or a seasoned seeker of the arcane, this event promises something truly unforgettable.

This is the first event of its kind at Colchester Castle, where you can create your own bespoke experience by pre-booking online talks, workshops and activities that appeal to your interests. Details of pre-bookable sessions can be found below.

Alternatively, our limited VIP tickets offer exclusive benefits and access to all areas on the Saturday!

This event is suitable for adults and older teens, although some content may be intense for younger visitors.

Our Talks!

11:30 AM: Gemma Garwood, Spirits of Place and the Future of Folklore

3 PM: Bethan Briggs-Miller, Urban Legends and Cryptids

Free to experience!

Sat 18th & Sun 19th October 10am - 4pm

Interest in magic and the occult reached its peak in Renaissance Europe. This free exhibition features rare books of magic and prints by old masters to show how this fascination shaped art and society during that time. Featured works include original images by Rembrandt, Durer, Cort and others. 

These exhibits are on loan from James and James of Byrga Geniht.

The exhibition celebrates and supports the re-Opening of the East Anglian Folklore Centre, after its brief Hiatus. As we approach what is being called a "Folklore Renaissance" it is an exciting time to revisit this historic exploration of enchantment! 

Thursday 30th October

Join us… if you dare

As we transform the city's oldest art gallery into a spooky scene straight out of a gothic nightmare, you will have the chance to explore rarely seen places in the building.

A spooky host of fun is on offer, including:

opening and closing rituals

live music in the Ballroom

From Panama City & Suzy Cramer

AND the Gothic Folly

From

The Witchcraft and Vagrancy Act

“Folklore” Book Launch with Dr Ceri Houlbrook

Ghost hunts

Pumpkin carving

Storytelling

And more

Experience The Minories as never before.

This event is a fundraiser for The Minories Galleries. Your Ticket includes a welcome drink and Pumpkin to carve!

Friday November 7th, From 6pm.

Join us as we uncover the strange rituals connected to hidden folklores within the walls of Tate Britain, After Hours. Expect image, song, procession and small but mighty acts of creation and letting go…

The whole gallery will be filled with folkloric fun, delivered by a host of exciting creative minds.

Sunday 25th Jan

Hold the date as we bring our own very special folk soaked version of Burns Night celebration to our wonderful local pub, Queen St Brewhouse.

Email us to be added to the wait list and be the first to find out when tickets go live!

Friday 6th Feb 2026

Being held in a very special location that is dear to our hearts!

We will be curating a slightly longer gig with some very exciting special guests.

Expect our usual mix of Talks, stories , rituals and song/music… Just a bit more of it!

Live EAFC Podcast recording

Music from:

Oli Steadman (Stornoway) and his 365 days of Folk Project

Armoured Man

MUCH MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Email us to be added to the wait list and be the first to find out when tickets go live!