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Blow Up returns to Colchester at Three Wise Monkeys for our second event in the city in 2025. Colchester was the first town to hold a Blow Up event outside of the weekly London events in the nineties.
Blow Up, a bona-fide legendary club night at the centre of the mid-Nineties Brit Pop explosion, cited as the catalyst and birth place of the BritPop scene, influencing the style and sound of a generation. Blow Up was voted No.4 in Time Out?s Top Ten Clubs of the 90s, described as one of ?5 Classic Clubs of Our Time? by Vox Magazine (alongside The Blitz Club, Shoom, The Roxy) and as ?The club that changed the world? by Melody Maker. Describing Blow Up in Time Out?s London Calling book as ?the breeding ground of the Brit Pop sound? and in NME?s Original?s Blow Up was listed as a Top Ten Britpop Moment. In July 2022 Time Out once again listed Blow Up as one of the greatest London clubs of the past 40 years.
Blow Up has also hosted events around the UK and internationally over the years, including across Europe, USA, Russia and Japan. Whilst the Blow Up club compilations (?Blow Up A-Go-Go!? and ?Blow Up presents Exclusive Blend?) have increased the reach of Blow Up around the world..
Blow Up was founded and launched by Paul Tunkin 16th October 1993 at the upstairs function room of a Camden Town pub the Laurel Tree. After just a few months Blow Up had become the epicentre of a seismic musical and stylistic change in what was later called the Britpop scene. From its origins at the Laurel Tree, Camden Town (1993-1996) to Soho venues the Wag Club (1996-2001), the Metro Club (2002-2009, the Metro which Paul Tunkin co-ran with former Wag Club manager Alan Campbell) Blow Up maintained a weekly club event interspersed with various one-off events. Post the Metro Club?s closure Blow Up took up weekly and monthly residences in various venues including Bar Rumba, 4 Denmark St and Peckham's Bussey Building followed by a weekly five year Friday night residency at the St Moritz Club, Wardour St Soho (2015-2020) once again interspersed with occasional monthly events including the Troubadour London. Blow Up ran continuous weekly events until the nightlife lockdown in 2020 and finally returned for a three night residency at Vout O Reenee?s London (Oct - December 2022). November 2023 saw the first part of the Blow Up 30 year celebrations with a sold out club and live event at Jamboree Kings Cross. Whilst in May 2024 saw Blow Up take to the roof terrace of members club the Century in Soho as part 2 of our 30th celebrations.
Hope that you can join us for what promises to be another special night.
Three Wise Monkeys stands as a significant fixture within Colchester's High Street, evolving over a decade into a multi-level destination that contributes substantially to the city's cultural and social fabric. It operates not merely as a commercial enterprise but as a dynamic hub, consistently drawing diverse crowds and enriching the local events landscape.
Across its four distinct floors, the venue cultivates varied atmospheres. The ground-floor tap house hums with conversation, while the aroma of slow-cooked barbecue meats often drifts from the restaurant level. Descending to the basement reveals a more intimate, speakeasy-inspired space, its low lighting and curated spirits offering a sophisticated retreat. Higher up, a section adorned with verdant plants creates a bright, almost garden-room feel when sunlight streams through the windows.
Practical considerations are addressed across the establishment. An outdoor seating area provides a pleasant space for patrons, particularly during warmer months. While the ground floor offers partial wheelchair accessibility, it is important to note that the top-floor event space is accessed via several flights of stairs, without lift access. The bars are well-stocked, presenting an extensive selection of craft beers, real ales, artisan spirits, and thoughtfully mixed cocktails, alongside quality coffee.
The venue maintains a robust calendar of activities, hosting a broad spectrum of events. These range from regular live music performances and vibrant club nights to engaging comedy showcases, open mic sessions, and informal jam sessions. It also accommodates themed disco evenings and serves as a versatile space for private functions, ensuring a continuous flow of entertainment and community engagement.
60 High Street,
Colchester,
Essex,
England,
CO1 1DN.
Sorry, This Event is in the past!
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