Chris Mayne's World of Magic

Whats on and coming very soon?

Well, one of the finest, food and drink festivals is rapidly approaching;

28th August 17:00 - 23:00

- Friday night will be the Appitiser, with a host of things happening food, drink great music and entertainment.

This year, I am pleased to announce that we have one of the best Close up Magicians in East Anglian. The one and only Dean Allen Jones who will be there Conjuring up some magical delights.

Not only this but Grethe Mangala Jensen and I will be bringing Big Bubble Fun and Circus Skills workshops for all ages to join in the fun!

29th & 30th August Saturday 11:00 - 17:00

- The very best of everything food & Drink. As well as craft stalls.

Kids go Free so there's loads on offer for the children too.

Awesome Kids Entertainment includes:

Sandal Sticks Theatre - Puck the magic dream garden shows.

BIG BUBBLE FUN 🫧

Chris Mayne's World of Magic - The infamous Captain Long John - causing havoc and recruiting new crew along the way.

Magic Show

And a great activities area full of big games including:

Giant Jenga, Connect four, Cannon Ball Drop and more.

Brightlingsea Food & Drink Festival

https://www.facebook.com/share/19MFQrYAPw/

Captain Crackers is back causing havoc on the infamous Sea side event train!

26th August 2026

In association with the Essex & Suffolk Community Rail Partnership.

He will be entertaining his motley crew with his magic all the way from Colchester to Walton on the Naze.

Info link below:

https://esscrp.org.uk/events/seaside-special-iii/

RIP Juan,

You where a truly unique magician and very talented in the art of magic.

One of my favourite magicians.

In Memoriam — Juan Tamariz (1942–2026)

The world of magic has lost one of its true masters.

Juan Tamariz was far more than an extraordinary magician. He was a teacher, thinker, innovator and an inspiration to generations of magicians around the world. His unique personality, unmistakable laughter and profound understanding of our art made him one of the most influential figures in modern magic.

His legacy will live on through his performances, his teachings and in the countless magicians whose lives and magic he touched.
FISM International extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and the entire magic community.

Thank you for the magic, Maestro.
Your magic will live on.

Juan Tamariz — 1942–2026

It's First Thursday!

And there's loads of entertainment on offer in the City of Colchester.

Grethe Mangala Jensen aka Sandal Sticks Theatre will be bringing joy to all with some big bubble fun for all ages in St. Nicholas Square.

And I will be performing some tall magic in Lion Walk!

So do come along and say hello.

My dear friends Dean Allen Jones will be twisting up some fantastic balloon creations, and Nicola Goodchild aka Mary Poppins Tribute UK will also be performing today.

Arrrh! Its a pirate life for us.

Grethe Goulash the Great- aka Sandal Sticks Theatre and Captain Crackers - aka Chris Mayne's World of Magic are off on separate adventures today.

Divide and conquer!

Grethe Goulash is off to Brightlingsea Sailing Club and Captain Crackers off to Walton on the Naze on the event train.

Oh yes our trusted ships Dog staying at home to guard our treasure. . . .

But there has been some debate between us all.
On who is the true Captain on board.

Let us know in the comments, so we can settle the debate before we have Mutiny?

1) Captain Lenny
2) Captain Crackers
3) Grethe Goulash the Great.

You decide!

You've got to love a street PARTY!

It was an early start for the weekend on Friday morning and the car was packed full of wonder and joy, as Grethe Mangala Jensen and I embarked on a journey to Central London for a Street Party hosted by the fabulous The Peel Clerkenwell

We eventually arrived on time after a small detour across Tower Bridge (wrong turn with confusion and heavy traffic beeping horns at the driver who's not got a clue where he's going! 😂)

Greeted with much enthusiasm and people setting up gazebo along the street in preparation for the street party.

We found our spot and popped up our gazebo and prepared our stage with with back drops and photo boards already to get started with Storytelling - Sandal Sticks Theatre and Magic Show - Chris Mayne's World of Magic.

Then of course it was time to prepare the bubble trolley to delight the crowds, and of course grow some long legs to see above the street and perform tall magic.

The people came and the street soon filled up quickly with lots of families enjoying the wonderful vibrant colourful street with music playing, a wide range of activities for young and old, laughter and play all around and a very enjoyable atmosphere.

What a great day!

Joining in the Fun in London tomorrow for a street party, hosted by The Peel.
Big Bubbles, Tall Magic, Storytelling and more!

www.sandalstickstheatre.com

www.kidsmagicparties.co.uk

The Official Press Release from the Colchester Carnival!

"Celebrating Diversity in Unity: CDCN Leads a Triumphant 2026 Colchester Carnival and Funfair by Major Udaibahadur Gurung MBE, Director, Colchester City Carnival and Funfair 2026"

The sun smiled on Colchester. Neither too hot nor too cold, with a gentle breeze and just enough cloud to keep the sky company, the weather could not have been kinder to us.

Against this glorious backdrop, the Colchester City Carnival and Funfair 2026 unfolded into a dazzling celebration of diversity, unity, and community pride, surpassing even our boldest expectations. Held on Saturday, 18 July, and led by the Colchester Diverse Communities Network (CDCN), this year's event showed what is possible when people of all backgrounds come together with shared purpose and joy.

To every community, family, volunteer, and visitor who made this day theirs: thank you. This Carnival belongs to all of Colchester, and it shone because all of Colchester showed up for it.

Planning a Carnival with Purpose

Planning for the 2026 event began in October 2025, building on the momentum of three successful prior years. Early sponsor commitments of £6,000 grew to nearly £10,000 through generous local support. Over several months, our team held strategic meetings, trustee sessions, and public briefings to prepare every detail, from early applications to Amphora Ltd, to noise mitigation plans for residents around Lower Castle Park.

At the heart of all this preparation was CDCN's mission: to bring communities together, honour cultural richness, and promote social cohesion through inclusive celebration.

A Day to Remember: Carnival Highlights

On Friday afternoon, I, the Director, Buddhi Bahadur Tulachan and Captain Umesh Kumar Pun MVO marked out the ground for 62 communities and food providers, joined by Trustee Thanuja Gunaratna from the Sri Lankan community.

Saturday morning saw community groups arrive early to put the finishing touches on their preparations, and by midday the energy across Colchester was electric. Led by me and a vibrant ensemble that included our Carnival dancers, the Town Crier, Town Watch, our Carnival Queen, Prince and Princesses (organised by Pam Waller), and spectacular performances by the Dhaulagiri Naumati Baja (Nepali band), Efue Say Cultural Academy with fire-eating acts, the procession swept through the historic town centre, delighting onlookers along High Street before making its way into Lower Castle Park.

The glorious weather held throughout the procession as crowds lined both sides of the road, captivated by the Nepali band. In front of the Town Hall, the procession paused for two minutes, so I could salute the Deputy Mayor, MP Pam Cox, and our sponsors, without whose generosity this Carnival and Funfair would not have been possible. With the VIPs saluted, the procession continued to Lower Castle Park.

From 1:45 pm to 7:30 pm, the park came alive with:
• 29 on-stage community performances in traditional dress and cultural expression
• 17 international food stalls, serving flavours from around the globe
• Funfair rides and ice cream vans, bringing joy to families and children
• Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club, England Chapter 4
• The Anti Loo Brigade Festival, with one Luton van
• Essex Blood Runners volunteers
• Dhaulaguri Naumati Baja, our Nepali band
• Limbu Traditional Drums with its members
• Chris Mayne's World of Magic and Stilt Walker
• Merchandise and outreach stalls, including key local services such as Essex Search and Rescue, the NHS Cancer Awareness campaign, Colchester Unite Against Racism (CUAR), and Linda Whyte of Colchester Stand Up to Racism

Thanks to our incredible MC team, Rodney, Liz, Sami, Navami, and DJ Ross, the stage stayed vibrant and flowing all day long. Their professionalism ensured every act had its moment in the spotlight, creating an unforgettable celebration of multicultural expression.

As the sun began to set on Lower Castle Park, the day drew to a close with our raffle draw, met with cheers and laughter from the crowd still gathered. I then had the honour of closing the 2026 Carnival and Funfair myself, thanking every community, volunteer, performer, stallholder, sponsor, and visitor who had made the day so special. It was the perfect note to end on: a whole town, still smiling, still together, as the lights came down on another unforgettable Carnival.

The People Behind the Magic

This success was possible only through the unwavering dedication of many people. Special thanks go to Captain Umesh Kumar Pun MVO, Mr Buddhi Bahadur Tulachan, Mr Mukti Limbu, Mr Khagendra Hamal (Trustee/Treasurer), Mr Thanuja Gunaratna and his family members, the Vice Chair of Colchester Nepalese Society, Mrs Kamala Khatri, Mr Kul Prasad Limbu, Mr Rubin Gurung, Mitra Gurung and Mr Kiran Gurung, who worked tirelessly by my side throughout the day. Thanks also to our volunteers, performers, stallholders, and funfair providers, whose contributions brought life, sound, and colour to every corner of the event.

Our security and safety teams deserve special recognition:
• Gordon Evans and his staff at Zed Security Ltd
• Essex Police
• The Rotary Clubs of Colchester, including Colchester Forum and Colchester Camulos, who provided 20 safety stewards, along with other supporting organisations

Your behind-the-scenes efforts ensured a safe, seamless, and joyous celebration for everyone.

Heartfelt Thanks to Our Sponsors and Supporters

To our sponsors: thank you for believing in this vision. Your financial support enabled us to create a celebration of culture and unity that reached thousands of people. With your continued support, alongside that of the Mayor and Pam Cox MP, Colchester City Council, we hope to build on this legacy year after year.

Community Voices

Feedback from across the community was profoundly moving. Here are just a few highlights from attendees:

"Thank you, Udai and carnival team, Dynamite School for Dance enjoyed every moment of this year's Carnival. We look forward to next year's Carnival." - Sarah Louise Reed.

"Thank you, Udai and team, for an absolutely fantastic carnival parade and festival. What a lovely day filled with amazing people." - Kim Barneston, Kidical Mass, eCargo Bikes and Bikes.

"Thank you, Major Udai, for organising such a great event. I look forward to future events." - Richard Wykes.

"Our team at Planet Katy had a wonderful time again, and we cannot wait for next year's Carnival. Thank you so much for your hard work, Mr Udai, carnival team, and everyone involved." - Katy Ermel

"Thank you, Maj Udai, and all the organisers and people behind the scenes, for a fantastic event today. A big thanks to the gentleman on sound for being so resourceful and patient with us, and to the compères who were so encouraging. It was a fantastic event, to say the least. Sharing Misha's recording." - Priya

"Thank you, Udai, for organising such a wonderful carnival. Everything was beautifully arranged, and it was my pleasure being part of the Carnival again this year!" - Huma Fida.

"Thanks a lot to you and everyone involved in organising such an amazing event. Absolutely brilliant. I can only imagine the mammoth effort behind this wonderful, well-organised event—hats off to you and the entire team for making it such a massive success. Beyond a lovely event, I'm sure it's one of the memorable moments for many of us. You were so humble and approachable, always ready to support. Really appreciate your effort and support." - Gayatri.

Good morning Gurung . Thank you so much for an amazing festival yesterday; I was delighted to be able to make a small contribution. We all had a wonderful time, and the atmosphere was amazing. Long live multicultural events like this. Our diversity is what makes us strong and great! – Andy, Buddhist Organisation

These testimonials capture what the Carnival has come to mean for Colchester: not just a one-day event, but a living celebration of connection and belonging.

Looking Ahead

As we begin preparations for next year's Carnival on Saturday, 17 July 2027, we carry forward not only the lessons of this year but the energy, pride, and unity that made it so special.

CDCN remains committed to fostering inclusion, promoting cultural awareness, and building bridges within the community, not just through our Carnival but throughout the year. Whatever your background, whatever community you call home, there is a place for you in what we build together.

About CDCN

The Colchester Diverse Communities Network (CDCN) is a grassroots, community-led initiative dedicated to championing inclusivity, cultural heritage, and civic participation. Through events, outreach, and collaboration with local institutions, CDCN empowers communities to celebrate their differences and work together for a stronger, more cohesive Colchester.
For photos, upcoming events, or to get involved, please visit www.cdcn.org.uk. For enquiries or sponsorship opportunities, contact [email protected].

Major Udaibahadur Gurung MBE, Director, Colchester City Carnival and Funfair 2026 Chair/Trustee, Colchester Diverse Communities Network (CDCN)

Wow - what an AMAZING day!



When I was asked by Major Udaibahadur Grurung (MBE) last year if I would join the Colchester Carnival for 2026, I was so very pleased to say yes to his request.

What a absolutely fantastic day!

Being part of this event was more than I could have expected and to see the diverse community we live within Colchester come together to celebrate our town makes me immensely proud.

I was blown away especially by the crowds response to my Character Professor Bo Bubbles and his rare bubble plant that produces thousands of glorious Bubbles. I was grinning from ear to ear and buzzing from the atmosphere made from all the people who took part and attended the event.

Thank you to everyone who supported the Carnival!

It has been a very specail privilege to be part of this awesome event.
I can't thank Udia enough for inviting me along to join the very hard working team which is Colchester Carnival.

Looking forward to doing it all again next year.

First picture taken from unknown person.

The rest of the amazing pictures shown taken by my beautiful partner Grethe Mangala Jensen