oUR cOLCHESTER BID AWARD THE COVID-19 RECOVERY FUND

Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) opened the first Covid-19 Recovery Fund for applications in March 2021. The funding was adapted from the previously available Create Fund with the new aim of supporting events and projects which would help town centre recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The scheme received a large amount of interest from local businesses and charitable organisations. We are pleased to announce following a panel review, nine events and initiatives have received funding from the BIDs Covid-19 Recovery Fund. 

Long Wyre Street Community Hub - Community 360 and we are the Minories are collaborating to bring a vibrant community centre that will act as a hub for volunteering and creative activities. This location will also see 6 days of demonstrations and activities as a celebration of its opening and will later also host a Summer Fair Volunteer Celebration. 

Roman River Music - In collaboration with Dance East, live dance performances will be taking place in the town centre. Roman River will work with secondary schools and colleges in the area in an attempt to bring the joy of dance to more people. The event is scheduled to take place in July 2021. 

John Ball Day - Carrying on from its inaugural event in 2017 John Ball day aims to celebrate both the historical and cultural gems of Colchester. The day itself will involve performances from community groups and collaborations with the Human Rights Centre at The University of Essex. The event will run in the town centre in July.

Lion Walk Mural - Lion Walk is aiming to enhance the streetscape around Holy Trinity Church with a mural from a local artist. Working with Art East Festival, a platform to connect artists with local opportunities the new mural will centre around celebrating Colchester and improving the street dressing in the area. The mural is scheduled for completion in July 2021. 

Lion Walk Mural - Lion Walk is aiming to enhance the streetscape around Holy Trinity Church with a mural from a local artist. Working with Art East Festival, a platform to connect artists with local opportunities the new mural will centre around celebrating Colchester and improving the street dressing in the area. The mural is scheduled for completion in July 2021. 

Headgate Theatre Choir - Headgate theatre is planning on running a youth choir for 8- to 12-year-olds. The youth choir will act as a social and supportive place for children and allow them to build confidence and performance skills. The choir will perform in the town centre on selected days to provide entertainment for family and visitors. 

Funnelwick Limb - Funnelwick Limb is bringing walking poetry tours to Colchester. For families with children aged 5 and up guided poetry tours, installations, and interactive poetry posters will be in place throughout the town centre. The poetry will celebrate the history of Colchester and promote Colchester’s' hidden gems. 

Eco Festival 2021 - Originally scheduled for 2019 this free community event will bring together the community and local businesses to promote ways to achieve sustainable living. There will also be family activities, food, and live music. The festival is scheduled to take place in September and is volunteer led.  

Colchester Pride - The fourth annual Pride will be held in August 2021 with a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities, entertainment, markets, and food. Held at Lewis Gardens, Firstsite, this event has proven popular in the past and will bring footfall into the town centre. 

Anti Loo Roll brigade festival - A family festival held in Castle Park; this event will act as a celebration of how the community has supported each other through the last year of the pandemic. The day itself will see music, entertainment, food, and market stalls. The Anti Loo Roll Brigade is a Community Interest Company that was formed to support those in need through the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Our Colchester BID is proud to be supporting these initiatives and looks forward to working with them to produce events and projects to drive the town centres recovery. 

If you are a business with an initiative that would like to apply for funding, please keep an eye on our social media channels and email newsletters for announcements of when funding becomes available.