Black Cactus Presents

Live Shows

We don’t just record bands, we put them on stage. From our birthday bashes at TWM Colchester to new music showcases and every MEFF-FEST, here’s what we’ve been putting on.

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Tickets

Upcoming Shows

More Coming Soon

New dates being announced

Upcoming Shows

Tickets for our next shows will be on sale right here. Keep an eye on this page, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook to hear first.

New music nights

Showcases at TWM & Pöpinä

The Involved poster: Zak Shrieves, Oney, Charlie Sanderson, K.O.V and David Smiddy at Three Wise Monkeys Colchester

Black Cactus Presents: The Involved

Sun 6 Sep 2026
Live at TWM Colchester
UK x USA RnB and pop. With Zak Shrieves, Oney, Charlie Sanderson, K.O.V and David Smiddy

Colchester’s New Music

Thu 2 Jul 2026
Pöpinä, Lion Walk Courtyard, Colchester
Butterfly Handshake, Syncopate, The Enquiries and Black Cactus Choir

Rockin’ Around the Lazy Susan

Thu 4 Dec 2025
TWM Colchester
Live songwriting showcase with Jake Cheek & Friends

With The Meffs

MEFF-FEST

MEFF-FEST 3

Sat 2 May 2026
Charter Hall, Colchester

MEFF-FEST 2

Sat 31 May 2025
University of Essex, Colchester

Young bands, big stage

Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands 2026: Heats

26 to 28 Jan 2026
TWM Colchester, Independent Venue Week
Guest bands Ghost Week, PULSE and GREEBO

Battle of the Bands Grand Final poster: Heartlake, Violet, Disjunction, Bloom, No Idea, Syncopate, guest band Pet Needs

Battle of the Bands 2026: Grand Final

Thu 9 Apr 2026
TWM Colchester, sold out
Winners No Idea, hosted by Pet Needs

For the city

Community Festivals

A Peaceful Noise

Sat 22 Nov 2025
Ten venues across Colchester
With the Nick Alexander Memorial Trust

Where it all started

Birthday Bashes

Black Cactus Studio 4th Birthday Party at Three Wise Monkeys

Black Cactus 4th Birthday Bash

Fri 30 Aug 2024
TWM Colchester