ABOUT
THE EVENT

The Colchester’s Festival of Rice & Spice is a community focussed and volunteer led event that for more than a decade has been bringing different local community groups across Colchester together to celebrate and share the beauty and uniqueness of our diversity. We focus on bringing people together through sharing of cultural nuances, food, art and interactivity.

Every year, we come together to plan and deliver this unique one-day festival at Firstsite, Colchester—an event that would not exist without the grassroots effort and the community spirit.

Our vision is to create a platform where the diverse community groups of Colchester can come together and celebrate our uniqueness without the fear of judgement and discrimination.

What is happening on the day

The festival brings together varied activities, performances and opportunities for everyone to come together and celebrate each other’s culture.

  • Step into a live, interactive kitchen and learn to cook traditional dishes from across the globe! Led by community chefs, these sessions invite you to explore cultural stories through ingredients and flavours—whether it's mastering Indonesian satay or discovering the secrets of Sri Lankan curries. Come hungry to learn and leave inspired.

  • Get hands-on with creativity through guided craft sessions for all ages. From Nepali paper folding to African beadwork and Turkish tile painting, these workshops celebrate the artistic expressions of Colchester’s diverse communities. A perfect space for families to make, learn, and connect through culture.

  • Our performance stage is where rhythm meets storytelling. Enjoy vibrant music, dance, and spoken word performances from across continents—folk tunes, Afrobeat, classical Indian dance, and more. Every act is a celebration of identity, tradition, and the energy of multicultural Colchester.

  • Let the sounds of the world guide your journey through the festival. Discover drumming circles, traditional instruments, and live DJ sets blending global beats. These music zones are spaces of rhythm, joy, and spontaneous dancing—open to all who want to feel the pulse of our community.

  • Taste your way around the world with over 20 food stalls offering authentic dishes from different cultures. Whether it’s Mauritian street snacks, Bangladeshi biryani, or Polish pastries, every bite tells a story. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available.

  • Our kids’ zone is a creative playground for young explorers! Storytelling corners, global dress-up, clay modelling, and interactive games bring world cultures to life in a safe, welcoming environment. Every activity is designed to nurture curiosity, empathy, and joy in our youngest visitors.

  • Enjoy a blend of traditional and modern games from around the world. From African board games and carrom to community challenges and family relays, it’s all about shared laughter and healthy, inclusive fun.

  • Take a mindful moment in our wellbeing space. Explore practices like community yoga, traditional healing rituals, herbal teas, and guided relaxation inspired by global wellness traditions. A space to recharge, reconnect, and restore.