It’s official – Britain’s oldest recorded town has become the UK’s newest city! This year, everyone can get together to enjoy a Year of Celebration with a fantastic programme of events taking place across Colchester.
What better way to party than with singing superstar and local hero, Olly Murs who brings his UK tour to Castle Park in August? With festivals, comedy shows, theatre and music all featuring in this year’s jam-packed summer programme – we’re confident there’ll be a reason for everyone to celebrate this summer.
COMING
We’ve selected a variety of shows coming to Colchester that showcase something for everyone. Head to page 19 for the full listings.
Join us at the ‘Nashville Witherspoons’ bar when the Nashville Bad Boys of Country host an evening of hoedown country music at Charter Hall. Expect feet stomping, singing and clapping when the 8-piece band perform songs by Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, John Denver and many more.
Racing through the High Street on Sunday 17 September is the Colchester Soapbox Rally. At this all new event, you can watch the race-day challenge unfold as nonmotorised, handmade and decorated vehicles go head-to-head along a 300m racetrack, dodging the ramps and obstacles on their way. More details incolchester.co.uk/ soapbox-rally
The Dreamboys are back and ready to give you a night of fun and fantasy with their brand new ‘No Strings
Attached’ UK tour! Join the party on Friday 2 June at Charter Hall with great tunes, off-the-charts dance routines and ripped torsos! This brand-new spectacular show delivers a night to remember.
Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman Price at Charter Hall in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show. When Norman tries to become the star of a visiting circus the adventure soon turns to danger. Can Fireman Sam come to the rescue and save the day?
Relive the authentic ABBA experience and enjoy all of ABBA’s greatest hits from Dancing Queen to Waterloo! Abba Sensation, widely considered to be one of the best ever Abba tribute acts, bring a stunning stage show to Charter Hall with costume changes, choreography, lighting effects and a faithful reproduction of the Abba sound.
Gyles Brandreth can’t stop talking. The jumper-loving This Morning and Just A Minute star, who pops up on Pointless, QI and Would I Lie To You? has been babbling since he was a baby. In his hilarious new one-man show, at Charter Hall, the award-winning raconteur is trying to work out why.
6 OCT
Olly Murs is “back with a fresh mind, fresh enthusiasm and fresh confidence” to bring his UK-wide, Marry Me tour to Colchester this summer.
In what promises to be a ‘bigger, better and louder’ gig for his hometown crowd, Essex-boy Olly is coming to Castle Park to entertain audiences with his biggest hits, including Heart Skips a Beat, Dear Darlin’ and Dance With Me, as well as tracks from his latest album, ‘Marry Me’.
Released on 2 December, ‘Marry Me’ is the seventh album of his career and is described as his most consistent, ambitious, punchiest, poppiest – and, in places, proudly soppiest –album yet.
Having been all over our screens recently as host of ITV’s Starstruck, as well as returning as a coach on The Voice, it seems fitting that Olly returns to Colchester in a year when we celebrate city status.
With four number one singles and four number one albums in a near-back-to-back run after bursting onto the scene from X Factor in 2009, Murs can’t wait to be back. Speaking about his return to Castle Park and his new record, Olly said: “I’m in the best place I’ve been in my life, meaning that I can give my fans the best version of me. And this album is the best version of that.”
Olly will be joined by very special guests Scouting For Girls who’ve been friends of Olly’s since they were all just five years old.
The band members Roy Stride, Pete Ellard and Greg Churchouse shot to fame with their 2007 selftitled debut album and have hit the big time with their generationbridging anthems such as ‘She’s So Lovely’, ‘Elvis Ain’t Dead’ and ‘Heartbeat’.
The band said: “We can’t wait to join Olly at Castle Park. Having been on tour with Ollie for 2023, playing a gig closer to home is always special. Throw in an August bank holiday in the sunshine and we can guarantee it’s going to be an amazing evening for all. We can’t wait to see you all there!”
DON’T MISS OUT – GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FROM WWW.COLCHESTER-EVENTS.CO.UK/OLLYMURS
WHY NOT TREAT YOURSELF TO OUR SPECIAL VIP PACKAGES?
Celebrate our city status with a fantastic programme of events taking place across the city during 2023.
From ‘Gladiators; A Day at the Roman Games’ at Colchester Castle to ‘Big Women’ at Firstsite; from incredible art, performance and live music to great outdoor events and seasonal celebrations, there is something for everyone. For the latest events scan the QR code and get involved in the celebrations.
COLCHESTER ZOO
60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
January – December
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
JUNE
CHRISTMAS IN COLCHESTER
December
November
COLCHESTER FRINGE FESTIVAL
SARAH LUCAS EXHIBITION AT FIRSTSITE:
11 February –
18 June
COLCHESTER MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL AND OYSTER FAYRE
3 - 4 June
COLCHESTER FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL
24 - 25 June
GLADIATORS: A DAY AT THE ROMAN GAMES Exhibition at Colchester Castle
15 July 2023 to 14 January 2024
COLCHESTER GARDEN FESTIVAL 21 July - 22 August
COLCHESTER ROMAN FESTIVAL 29 - 30 July
500TH ANNIVERSARY OF HENRY 1ST LORD MARNEY
14 -16 July
COLCHESTER SIEGE SPECTACULAR 19 - 20 August
WEST MERSEA TOWN REGATTA 19 August
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 8 - 17 September
LAYER MARNEY HISTORY FESTIVAL 23 - 24 September
OLLY MURS AT CASTLE PARK
27 August
Whether you’re a film lover, a theatre goer, or simply want to soak up some live music and great food and drink, we’ve rounded up the best of this summer’s alfresco events for your entertainment!
This May, Café in the Park presents the all-new, ‘Acoustic Saturdays’ showcasing local musicians on Castle Park’s revamped bandstand! The events take place on 13, 20 and 27 May and are free – just turn up, tune in and show your appreciation!
Relax in the wonderful atmosphere of this popular, music-filled festival in Castle Park featuring an abundance of locally produced goodies alongside international food and drink treats to delight all foodies.
Calling all sausage and cider lovers! You’re in for a treat this summer at the Sausage and Cider Festival!
The incredible Toploader will be headlining the festival, and tribute acts also performing include Queen’s Greatest Hits, Oasis 96 and Kings Of Indie Rock. Throughout the day sit back and enjoy a cool summer soundtrack. There’ll be an array of ciders and sizzling sausages from around the UK. Will you dare take the chilli eating challenge? It all takes place in Lower Castle Park - over 18s only.
The region’s No.1 tribute band festival is back at Old Heath Recreation Ground for 2023!
The family-friendly, two-day festival experience is an affordable alternative to the bigger touring festivals. This year’s event showcases the UK’s best touring tribute acts live on stage including Abba, Bob Marley and The Wailers, Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Madness, Oasis, The Specials and so many more!
There’s a ‘Kidzone’ with cool kids attractions and activities, a tasty and local ‘Street Food Market’ and a pub priced ‘Pub in the Park’!
Two days of fun for all ages, day or weekend tickets available and under 5s go free!
Don’t miss this fun packed, value for money, family music festival. This year the iconic main stage features headliners Lemar and Rick Parfitt Jnr, alongside Keith George, The Boy George Experience, The Vengaboys Tribute, the amazing Stereophonies and so many more. It’s the place to be for great music, dance, bands, children’s area with free circus workshops, inflatables
Come and join us for fun-filled experiences of years gone by at one of our many local heritage themed events.
What better location for this popular event than within the shadow of Colchester’s historic castle, the site of a Roman Temple?
World-famous Roman re-enactors ‘Britannia’ show Rome’s military might and pomp; ‘Vicus’ will create an encampment which includes authentic cooking and crafts and there will be
Sounds of musket and cannon-fire will be filling Colchester’s city centre when the English Civil War Society stages an epic re-enactment of the 73-day siege of Colchester that took place in 1648. Over 500 re-enactors will bring history to life for an entire, and free, weekend of pageantry and excitement as part of Colchester City Council’s Year of Celebration to commemorate its modern city status.
Come and revel in a wonderful array of ‘medieval’ stalls and entertainers, from mummers and mimers to beggars and rhymers. Soak up the music and atmosphere of the market. Explore the modern craft area, picnic area, food court with medieval and modern delicacies, and ‘The Pikestaff Inn’ selling real ale, mead, wines and lagers.
Re-enacting the epic Siege of Colchester in 1648, the English Civil War Society presents a wonderful free weekend of living history, pageantry and excitement across the city centre. Meet the protagonists, witness battles, explore the encampments, discover the truth behind the tall tales!
19-20 August 2023 www.visitcolchester.com/whats-on/year-of-celebration
Here’s your Pull-Out Guide to all events taking place at Charter Hall, Castle Park and Colchester Town Hall
1 May – 31 October 2023
6 May
10am - 5pm
Various
Charter Hall
The affordable way to update your wardrobe! Shop through tens of thousands of unique items and pay by weight, all just £20 per kilo!
25 May 7:30pm
From £26
Charter Hall
One of the UK’s most notable psychological therapists and crime commentators, Emma Kenny discusses what creates a serial killer.
THE COMEDY STORE
26 May
8pm
From £17
Charter Hall
As the premier name in comedy, The Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new comedy talent, and remains the place to see tomorrow’s stars today.
HOSPITA L RADIO
FUN DAY
29 May 11am - 4.30pm
TBC
Castle Park
Fun for all the family! Enjoy arena attractions, children’s rides, charity stalls, food and drink, Colchester Duck Race and lots more.
DREAMBOYS - N O STRINGS ATTACHED
2 June 6.30pm From £25
Charter Hall
Dreamboys are ready to give you a night of fun, fantasy and no holding back with their brand new UK tour! ‘No Strings Attached’ is the ultimate night of carefree fun.
MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL
3 - 4 June
10.30am - 5pm
Varied
Castle Park
This popular event brings medieval England to Castle Park. Be entertained by living history exhibitions, folk plays, archery, birds of prey, live music and more.
FIREMAN SAM SAVES THE CIRCUS
4 June
12pm - 1.15pm 3.30pm - 4.45pm
From £16.75
Charter Hall
Join Sam, Penny, Elvis, Station Officer Steele and Norman in an all singing, dancing, action-packed show. Become a firefighter cadet and watch the magic of the circus!
RICKY HATTON
9 June
7.30pm
From £25 Charter Hall
World Champion Ricky Hatton comes to Charter Hall to regale us with an evening of wit, boxing history and celebration of his achievements. VIP tickets available.
DARA Ó BRIAIN: SO… WHERE WERE WE?
16 June 8pm
From £25
Charter Hall
Dara Ó Briain is back on tour! Join him for the stories, one-liners, audience messing and tripping over his words by talking too quickly!
YOUNG CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
17 June 10.30am - 4pm
FREE Hollytree’s Meadow
A free activity-filled event for young families. Enjoy sport, art and theatre workshops, displays in the arena and lots more fun.
FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL
24 - 25 June
10:30am
Varied
Castle Park
Relax in the wonderful atmosphere of this muchloved festival. Have a picnic, listen to the music and stroll around the stalls trying some of the locally produced goodies.
THEATRE IN THE PARK
28 June - 6 August
Varied Varied
Castle Park
A new season of theatre features ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘a touring production of ‘Peter Pan’ a new musical version of ‘Treasure Island’; and a brand new ‘Colchester’ play called, ‘Get Her’.
30 June
8pm
From £27
Charter Hall
Join Dario G and special guests Rozalla and Kelly Llorenna on a nostalgic journey through the best pop music and culture of the 1990s!
1 July 7.30pm
Varied
Charter Hall
Join us for an incredible night of queen anthems, performed by a live cast of west end singers, accompanied by an incredible live rock band.
9 July 11am
Varied
Castle Park
This is not a race. This is a 5k like no other. This is thousands of people uniting with one purpose. To come together. To raise money. To beat cancer.
14 July 7.30pm
From £23
Charter Hall
Considered to be one of the best ever Abba tribute acts, this stunning stage show combines costume changes, lighting effects and a faithful reproduction of the Abba sound.
15 July 5.30pm
Varied
Castle Park
Join us to enjoy an amazing range of craft ciders from some of the UK’s best producers. Discover delicious sausages and relax with live music and festival favourites.
16 July 10am £8.95
Charter Hall
Aimed at landlords, firsttime buyers, investors and anyone interested in making their house a home will find out how best to decorate and renovate; plus enjoy the ultimate home shopping experience.
BIG GIRL S DON’T CRY
28 July
7.30pm
From £27
Charter Hall
The internationallyacclaimed tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons who skyrocketed to worldwide stardom 60 years ago with No1 hit ‘Sherry’ – so, come out tonight.
NEARLY FESTIVAL
29 - 30 July
From 12pm
Varied Old Heath Recreation Ground
Enjoy the UK’s best touring tribute acts live on stage, plus a ‘Kidzone’, tasty ‘Street Food Market’ and ‘Pub in the Park’ - it’s an affordable alternative to bigger touring festivals.
ROMAN FESTIVAL
29 - 30 July
10.30am - 5pm
Varied
Castle Park
World famous Roman reenactors ‘Britannia’ show Rome’s military might and pomp.
‘Vicus’ will create an encampment which includes authentic cooking and crafts.
SUMMER SOCIAL
10 - 13 August
Start 7.30pm
From £8.99
Castle Park
Colchester Events and Pop Up Pictures proudly present Summer Social in Castle Park 2023. As well as great outdoor movies, including Elvis and Grease, there’s live music, movies, fun for kids, street food and bar.
OL LY MURS
‘MARRY ME’
27 August 4pm
From £39.50 plus booking fee Castle Park
In what is going to be a ‘bigger, better and louder’ gig for his hometown show, Olly Murs is “back with a fresh mind, fresh enthusiasm and fresh confidence.”
MUSIC O F
JAMES BOND BY CANDLELIGHT
1 September 7.30pm
Varied
Charter Hall
Featuring a cast of West End singers accompanied by an incredible live band, experience the music of James Bond as you have never heard it before.
2 September 11am - 5.30pm
Free Castle Park
A free festival organised by local volunteers for the local community to be entertained, get involved and discover new ways of doing things more sustainably!
3 September 11am - 3pm
Free Town Hall
Planning your perfect wedding? Discover all that Colchester Weddings can offer at our three venues - Colchester Town Hall, Colchester Castle and Charter Hall.
8 - 9 September
12.30pm - 9pm
Varied
Castle Park
Get set for this amazing, fun and value for money family festival in Colchester! The iconic main stage will feature a whole host of live entertainment including headliners Lemar and Rick Parfitt Jnr Band.
Varied Charter Hall
Witness the new age of mechanised combat as your favourite robots from Robot Wars, Battlebots and the newest Robotic creations from Extreme Robots battle it out to take home the Heavyweight Championship!
ROB LAMBERTI – CELEBRATING
THE SONGS AND MUSIC OF GEORGE
MICHAEL
22 September 7.30pm
From £29 Charter Hall
No other tribute artist captures George’s musical talent, charisma and passion as closely as Rob Lamberti.
PAUL SMITHJOKER
23 September 7.30pm
£27
Charter Hall
‘Joker’ is Paul’s biggest and funniest tour show to date in which the scouse funny man mixes his trade mark audience interaction with hilarious true stories from his everyday life.
23 September
11am - 4pm
Free Castle Park
Discover lots of brilliant, free things for all the family to enjoy including bouncy castles, face painting, games and activities.
24 September
10.30am
Varied
Castle Park
Over 250 classic vehicles from across the decades on display with a combined vehicle history of over 7,000 years. Plus crafts, gifts, food stalls and entertainment for the whole family.
29 September
8pm
From £17
Charter Hall
The Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new comedy talent, and remains the place to see tomorrow’s stars today.
THE D IANA ROSS STORY
30 September
7.30pm
From £24.50
Charter Hall
The world’s premier show in celebration of Diana Ross and The Supremes. You’ll enjoy a spellbinding journey through one of the greatest musical stories ever told.
FORBIDDEN NIGHTS
5 October
7.30pm
Varied
Charter Hall
The ultimate ‘Forbidden’ night out with two hours of breath-taking action, seductive choreography and our comedian compere for your entertainment.
GYLES B RANDRETH - CAN’T STOP
TALKING
6 October 7.30pm
From £26.50
Charter Hall
The jumper-loving star has been babbling since he was a baby and in his hilarious new one-man show the award-winning raconteur is trying to work out why.
8 October
10am - 5pm Various Charter Hall
The affordable way to update your wardrobe! Shop through tens of thousands of unique items and pay by weight.
MOST HAUNTED
11 October
7.30pm From £29.50
Charter Hall
The acclaimed world no.1 paranormal show with Yvette Fielding, the first lady of the paranormal. In this show no one is safe and “seeing is believing”.
12th October
7.30pm
Tickets from £28.00
Charter Hall
A musical evening of West End and Broadway classics featuring stars from the hit production Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. All your favourite musicals in one epic show.
SONGBOOK
14 October 7.30pm
From £24.50
Charter Hall
A celebration of the Carpenters’ music and the spirit of Karen Carpenter. Starring Toni Lee it’s simply the best celebration of the band’s music to be heard anywhere in the world.
SARAH MILLICAN –LATE BLOOMER
15 October
8pm From £34
Charter Hall
When Sarah was a bairn, she wouldn’t say boo to a goose. Now she is loud! In Late Bloomer, Sarah hilariously explores how one became the other!
JIMMY CARR:
TERRIBLY FUNNY 2.0
18 October
8pm From £34
Charter Hall
Star of the UK’s most streamed Netflix comedy special of 2021, Jimmy is back on the road with brand new material for 2023.
23 October
6pm
From £15 Charter Hall
Celebrate the music of our modern day pop superstars. Sing-a-long to your favourite little mix songs, dance to Doja Cats and party to the music of pop stars!
27 October
7.30pm
From £24.50 Charter Hall
The very best Country and Western show touring the UK in 2023. Performing songs by Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers and more.
Ticket Information
E-tickets are sent out following booking.
Discounts
Some events offer family tickets or other discounts. Visit our website or social media channels for details.
ColchestersEvents
27 & 28 October
Varied
Varied Castle Park
Inside one of Europe’s largest beer tents for a Bavarian style festival enjoy oompah bands from around the world, German bratwurst and those all important steins!
We are unable to offer refunds and exchanges once tickets are purchased.
Some events charge a booking fee which will be indicated when purchasing tickets.
colchestersevents
When you buy your tickets from Colchester Events, you’re helping to generate income to support local council services. All listings and prices are correct at the time of going to print. Colchester Events reserves the right to make alterations where necessary.
Colchester Events is part of Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd (CATL) a company established and wholly owned by Colchester City Council. All profits are reinvested to support the delivery of council services to the city’s residents.
There are 400 car parking spaces available at Charter Hall. Tickets can be purchased on the day via the MiPermit app (no cash payments available on site).
For accessible seating and carer ticket options, please see individual event listings.
Visitors can enjoy a selection of beer, wine, spirits, hot drinks and light snacks. ID required and card payments only.
The closest car parks are located at Priory Street and Leisure World
Blue badge and disabled car parking is available in the High Street and Castle Street. Most areas of the Park are fully accessible on tarmac paths.
The closest car parks are located at Priory Street and St Mary’s.
The venue is fully accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Our city centre venues offer many opportunities to leave the car at home and walk, cycle or take public transport to our events. To help you find your way around visit: https:// incolchester.co.uk/getting-here
For city centre car parks information: www.colchester.gov.uk/parking Contactless payments can be made with the MiPermit app.
Mischievous fairies, starry-eyed lovers, and a weaver that turns into a donkey – all are heading to Castle Park to enact the tale of Shakespeare’s ultimate rom-com, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.
This will be Castle Park Theatre’s biggest show yet following the company’s first season in their new home at the Lower Bowls Green in 2022.
A real crowd pleaser and a firm favourite with open air theatre companies all over the world, Colchester’s looks set to be no different with a unique, dark magical twist on the Bard’s comedy. The show runs for 12 performances between 28 June to 22 July.
‘Get Her’, a new play, from the team who brought us The Gift and The Haywain, explores the experiences of the women held in Colchester Castle accused of being witches.
Look out too for visiting shows including a touring production of ‘Peter Pan’ by Chameleon’s Web on Sunday 2 July, and a new musical version of Treasure Island on 18 July.
Castle Park Theatre takes place in the Lower Bowls Green in Lower Castle Park. Audiences may bring picnics and a bar will be available for light refreshments and drinks before the show and during the interval. Ice creams will also be on sale. Remember to bring along outdoor chairs, a warm coat and blankets.
For more information and to buy tickets: castleparktheatre.co.uk
3 November 2023
7.30pm
JURASSIC EARTH
5 November 2023
12 noon
SHOWADDYWADDY –50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
24 November 2023
7.30pm
LUTHER
25 November 2023
6.30pm
ART OF BELIEVING –FLAMENCO
26 November 2023
7.30pm
THE LAST DAYS OF DISCO
15 December 2023
6.30pm
THE GEORGE HARRISON PROJECT
2 February 2024
7.30pm
DANIEL O REILLY –OUT OF CHARACTER
23 February 2024
8pm
SIR GEOFF HURST –LIVE ON STAGE
29 February 2024
7.30pm
