Colchester residents who have lost loved ones during the Covid pandemic will be able to remember and celebrate them as a part of special evening being produced by the Mercury Theatre in partnership with Colchester Borough Council.
The free event, entitled Commemoration – Remembering and Celebrating the Loves, Lives and Losses of the Last Two Years, is being held at the Mercury Theatre on Saturday, 26 March 2022.
Designed to give people the opportunity to remember those who passed away during the pandemic and thank those who helped support those suffering from Covid and the families of those who have lost loved ones, the event will also be live streamed to ensure as many people as possible are able to take part.
The hope is that people unable to attend the event in person will be able to take part in special events organised by groups across the borough to coincide with the evening at the Mercury. Between January 2020 and October 2021, there were 433 Covid related deaths in Colchester – making up around 14 per cent of all deaths during that period
The special civic event aims to bring the community together through a range of music, readings, and other performances. People can register an interest in acquiring tickets via the Mercury website or by visiting the Theatre’s box office.
Special events throughout the day are also being planned around the Mercury Theatre to support the evening which is being developed together with the High Steward of Colchester, Sir Bob Russell, The Bishop of Colchester Roger Morris, Hunnaball Funeral Directors, and the Colchester Garrison.
Further information on these events and the running order of the special evening at the Mercury Theatre will be announced in the new year.
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Robert Davidson, said: “This evening of commemoration will be a very special date in Colchester’s diary next year. We all know how hard the last few years have been and the immense pain and difficulties many people have faced grieving the passing of their loved ones due to the national restrictions to tackle the pandemic.
“This event will give all of us the chance to come together to remember and celebrate their lives, and even though Covid has not gone away to look forward to the future.
“It will also give us the chance to thank the people and organisations who supported those who sadly passed but also helped so many people to fight back against this awful disease.
“Covid has impacted on all of our lives, and through the livestream of the event on the night we hope as many people as possible are able to join in the commemorations and enjoy the amazing evening being planned.”
Steve Mannix, Executive Director of the Mercury, said: “The last 18 months have been traumatic for everyone. We are honoured to be able to produce this event in partnership with the Borough and community partners to mark this important moment in our town’s history.”
It is planned to also broadcast the event on You Tube where people unable to attend in person can watch live or at a later time.
Page last reviewed: 6 December 2021