It isn’t every day you’re encouraged to peek behind the curtains of a crematorium or explore the hidden history of a cemetery. As part of Dying Matters Awareness Week 2026, Colchester Cemetery and Crematorium is hosting its Bi-Annual Open Day, an event dedicated to celebrating life, history, and community by breaking the ultimate taboo.
This year, we are offering three distinct experiences to help visitors engage with this beautiful community asset in a supportive and open environment:
The "Behind the Scenes" crematorium tour
Ever wondered what actually happens behind the scenes? We are pulling back the curtain for an all-access, transparent look at the cremation process. Our team will be on hand to answer those "unaskable" questions in a calm, informative setting. This is a rare chance to understand the journey in a way that is more educational than emotional, demystifying a process that touches us all.
The "Heritage" guided walk
For history buffs and nature lovers, our guided walk explores our stunning, award-winning grounds. Opened in 1856, this 67-acre site is a landscaped parkland home to rare tree species, some of which are the only examples of their kind in Europe. Come and discover the peace and biodiversity of this local treasure.
"Heaven Can Wait" 5K charity run
We are co-hosting a unique 5km charity run with Coffin Club Colchester. This is a chance to get active in a beautiful setting while supporting local charities. There will be an entry fee of £25 each, and we are raising funds for:-
- YES Youth Enquiry Service supporting 11 – 25 year olds through signposting, counselling and support
- Ending Life’s Taboo supporting 18 – 45 year olds with a life-limiting or terminal diagnosis through counselling
Cllr Jocelyn Law, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Public Protection said: “This Open Day is a wonderful opportunity for residents to explore one of Colchester’s most beautiful community assets. We are inviting everyone to take a closer look at the history of our grounds through our guided walks and to see the care that goes into our crematorium services. It is a day for open conversation and connection, aimed at turning a difficult subject into a positive community experience.”
Event details:
Date: Saturday, 9 May 2026
Time: 10am to 3pm
Venue: Colchester Cemetery and Crematorium, Colchester, CO2 8RU
The Open Day is free to attend (except for the 5km Charity Run). To help us manage numbers and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone, we kindly ask that you register in advance: -