TO COME A taste of what’s
Think you know what goes on in Colchester? There might be a few surprises here – head to page 19 for all the summer’s events.
AN EVENING WITH PROFESSOR ALICE ROBERTS
Join Professor Alice Roberts as she takes us on an investigative journey to establish who spread Christianity, how and why; the story of the fall of an Empire – and the rise of another.
Celebrating the publication of her new book, Domination, Professor Roberts tells a remarkable story about the relationship between the Roman Empire and Christianity. Lifting the veil on secrets that have been hidden in plain sight, this story is nothing short of astonishing.
16 OCT 14 JUNE
TRIBUTE TO COLDPLAY
Meet Coldplace - the world’s leading tribute to Coldplay! This outstanding band is the only tribute to have worked for Coldplay which explains how they faithfully recreate the magic of Coldplay’s record-breaking live tours. Get set to enjoy all your favourite Coldplay hits from the last 20+ years including Yellow, Paradise and A Sky full of Stars to Higher Power and My Universe.
JAMES BOND SPECTACULAR
Created by die-hard Bond fans, for Bond fans, this stunning show will delight audiences with iconic tunes, stirring performances, and superb musicianship for a night of the highest quality. Caroline Bliss, who played Moneypenny in The Living Daylights and Licence To Kill, comperes this critically acclaimed tribute to the music of Bond, sharing anecdotes about her time working in this legendary series.
20 SEPT
ALB FESTIVAL
Castle Park will be home to some of the biggest and best family-friendly festivals this summer. Amongst them is the unmissable ALB Festival where you can enjoy two days of sensational live music, entertainment and delicious food and drink!
This year’s incredible lineup features chart-topping stars Sophie EllisBextor, Pixie Lott, and Rick Parfitt Jnr, ensuring unforgettable performances for ALB’s popular celebration of music, togetherness and family fun.
BABATUNDE ALESHE
You’ve seen him on Taskmaster (C4), Live at the Apollo (BBC), Celebrity Gogglebox (C4), Would I Lie to You (BBC) and The Last Leg (C4).
Now Baba’s back on tour and heading to Charter Hall with High Expectations! Join the multi-award-winning comedian as he guides us through family life, his new found fame and the joys of Costco in this hilarious new stand up show.
BEATLEMANIA
13-14 SEPT 27 SEPT 3
Did you know 2025 is the 60th anniversary of The Beatles second film and fifth album Help!?
Well now you can get your ticket to ride back in time with the incredible Beatlemania!
Come and celebrate in style with this note-perfect musical love letter to the Fab Four featuring everyone’s favourite songs from ’65 and beyond.
FROM EXCLUSIVE POP-UPS TO CITY-LEADING RESTAURANTS, WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR TRIP TO FENWICK COLCHESTER ONE TO REMEMBER.
JOIN US FOR... Home Styling Appointments
Concierge
Personal Shopping
Beauty Treatments
Benefit Brow Bar
Food & Wine Market
Carluccio's Caffè Nero
SCAN FOR TICKETS
Castle Park will be the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable open air live music experience
We are thrilled to host a stellar season of open-air, live concerts in the city’s sensational Castle Park.
Our first ever Summer Series features an extraordinary lineup of world-class performers. Featuring one of music’s most famous voices, Sir Tom Jones, plus the iconic ska band Madness, British poppunk icons Busted, Craig David’s legendary TS5, reggae pioneers
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Scottish favourites Texas, and indie rockers James.
With rock, pop, R&B, and reggae all on the bill, Colchester Castle Summer Series has something for everyone. Why not make this summer truly special? Come and join us with family and friends to enjoy Essex’s biggest outdoor season of music in one of England’s most historic venues.
CRAIG DAVID
R&B superstar Craig David brings his electrifying TS5 show to Colchester, blending live vocals with DJing for a high-energy performance. With classics like ‘7 Days’ and ‘Fill Me In,’ Craig will have the crowd on their feet throughout. Supporting acts include Wes Nelson, 24hr Garage Girls, and Patrick Nazemi, making this an essential date for R&B and garage music lovers. THURS 14 AUG
THE SMASHING PUMPKINS
Legendary alternative rock pioneers, The Smashing Pumpkins, will take the stage for an electric performance. With Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin and James Iha at the helm, the band remains one of the most influential forces in alternative rock music. Joining them are British rock legends Skunk Anansie and post-punk indie favorites White Lies, ensuring a day of high energy and anthemic hits.
UB40
Reggae legends UB40, fronted by Ali Campbell, headline the huge reggae festival Roots East where audiences can expect performances by icons of the genre including Aswad, David Rodigan, Don Letts, and Bitty McLean, promising a soulful day of reggae.
BUSTED
British pop-rock favourites Busted return to Essex for the first time in six years. With chart-toppers like ‘Year 3000’ and ‘Crashed the Wedding’ in their catalogue, they’re set to deliver a nostalgia-filled performance. Joining them are Scouting For Girls, known for catchy tunes such as ‘She’s So Lovely’.
OUT OF TIME FESTIVAL
Get set for a celebration of legendary British music headlined by Manchester alt-pop giants, James, while Happy Mondays bring their signature Madchester grooves. The bill also features Lightning Seeds, known for ‘Three Lions’ and ‘Pure,’ as well as The WAEVE, a cinematic folk-rock duo featuring Graham Coxon (Blur) and Rose Elinor Dougall.
TEXAS
Scottish pop-rock heroes Texas take the stage on Thursday 21 August, led by the charismatic Sharleen Spiteri, known for huge indie pop hits like ‘Say What You Want’ and ‘Summer Son.’
Special guest Natalie Imbruglia, best known for her global hit ‘Torn,’ will also perform,
MADNESS
Ska-pop legends Madness will turn Lower Castle Park into a giant party with their timeless hits as they take to the stage for an unforgettable show.
The Zutons, the band behind ‘Valerie,’ will support, alongside The Skints and The Beat featuring Ranking Jnr.
We’re shaping the soundtrack to Summer ’25 - book now to secure your spot!
SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER TH
What’s on in Colchester
Here’s your pull-out guide to all events taking place at Charter Hall, Castle Park and Old Heath Recreation Ground
1 May to 31 October 2025
SCAN TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS
EMO FESTIVAL
3 May
7.00pm
From £23.28
Charter Hall
12:00pm
From £35.00
CHILDREN’S WORLD FUN PARK
3-5 May 12:00pm
Free Entry
The Emo Festival hits Colchester! A tribute night with a live band, DJs, performers, confetti & more. Rock out to nostalgic emo anthems! 14+ event.
BOBBY DAVROEVERYTHING IS FUNNY IF YOU CAN LAUGH AT IT
9 May
7.30pm
From £27.50
Charter Hall
Comedy legend Bobby Davro hits the road after sell-out Edinburgh Fringe shows! His first tour in a decade, delivering classic stand-up with expert showmanship.
Old Heath Recreation Ground
Musik in the Park returns bigger with two new arenas! Saturday brings house, old skool, jungle & underground beats. Sunday is a family day showcasing live music, DJs & more.
ROLLERWORLD: MAY WE ROLL TOGETHER
10 May 11:00am
From £12.50
Charter Hall
Rollerworld is back! Join us for an epic day and night of skating fun. Spectators welcome, coaches available—let’s roll together and bring skating back with a bang!
Lower Castle Park
A great range of fun rides for children aged 2-10 years.
PAUL SMITH: PABLO
14 May 7.30pm SOLD OUT
Charter Hall
Comedy fans, Paul Smith is hosting his biggest tour yet! Pablo, delivers nonstop laughs with trademark audience interaction and hilarious true stories. Get ready for jaw-aching comedy!
TINA: WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?
16 May
7.30pm
From £22.00
Charter Hall
Tina Turner fans, rejoice! What’s Love Got To Do With It? returns, celebrating her 60-year legacy with an electrifying live show featuring all the hits.
RHOD GILBERT & THE GIANT GRAPEFRUIT
24 May
8:00pm SOLD OUT
Charter Hall
Hilariously dark and brutally honest, Rhod Gilbert squeezes every drop from life’s latest curveballs.
Zesty, passionate, and unmissable - don’t miss this classic comeback.
MAN IN THE MIRROR
17 May 7:30pm
From £19.58
Charter Hall
Join us for an electrifying Michael Jackson tribute starring CJ. Experience iconic hits, dazzling choreography, and stunning visuals in a must-see celebration of the King of Pop!
HOSPITAL RADIO COLCHESTER FUN DAY
26 May 11am
£5 AdultFree for Children
Lower Castle Park
A fun-filled day for the whole family with arena events, music, magic, bouncy castles, duck race, face painting, charity stalls, funfair rides, and more!
THE COMEDY STORE
23 May 8:00pm
From £20
Charter Hall
With 40 years of comedy excellence, The Comedy Store showcases the brightest stars and future legends.
JUICY NIGHTS PRESENTS SAN ANTONIO SESSION S
31 May 8:00pm
From £16.45
Charter Hall
Ibiza is coming to Colchester! Judge Jules headlines a night of epic club anthems, with DJ Jake Carrington, DJ Enzy, and live sax from Heather Hoyle.
MILTON JONES: HA!MILTON
6 June
7:30pm
£34.50
Charter Hall
Milton Jones presents a new show of absurd humor, with giraffes, tomatoes, and more! Expect fast, silly jokes from the Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo comedian.
THE MUSIC OF ADELE BY CANDLELIGHT
13 June
7:30pm
From £28.50
Charter Hall
Join J’Adele and her live band to enjoy hits like Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You, and more. Unforgettable, uplifting, and sing-along fun!
THE COLCHESTER ROMAN AND MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL
7-8 June
10:00am
Adults £10.00, under 16s free
Lower Castle Park
Join the fun at Colchester Castle Park for a packed event with Viking, Roman, and Medieval re-enactments, longbow competitions, food, archery, and axe throwing.
COLDPLACE: THE WORLD’S LEADING COLDPLAY TRIBUTE
14 June
7:30pm
From £26
Charter Hall
The world’s leading Coldplay tribute band performs hits from Yellow to Higher Power. Experience Coldplay’s magic with a world-class, interactive concert.
CASTLE PARK
THEATRESHAKESPEARE’S TWELFTH NIGHT
10-21 June
7.30pm
Varied
Lower Bowls Green, Castle Park
Shakespeare in the Park returns to Colchester’s Castle Park with classic comedy Twelfth Night.
TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN
14 June 10:00am
From £5
Old Heath Recreation Ground
Join the Taste of the Caribbean Festival for vibrant street food, desserts, cultural crafts, live music, cooking demos, eating contests, and funfair rides.
PIPES IN THE PARK 2025
15 June
09:00am
Free
Lower Castle Park
Experience a mini Highland gathering with pipes, drums, Scottish dancers, and colourful kilts. Enjoy a day of Scottish tunes, performances, and family-friendly entertainment for all.
SOS
WRESTLING
29 June
3:00pm From £17.00
Charter Hall
Wrestling returns to Charter Hall! From big personalities to unforgettable showdowns, it’s pro wrestling at its best!
THE G-DFATHER RETURNS: THE ULTIMATE JAMES BROWN TRIBUTE
20 June
7:30pm From £27
Charter Hall
The G-dfather Returns is a thrilling tribute to James Brown, celebrating his legendary music and electrifying stage presence.
FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL 2025
28-29 June
11:00am
Adults from £8, under 16s free
Lower Castle Park
Relax in the wonderful atmosphere of this much-loved festival. You can have a picnic, listen to the music and stroll around the stalls trying some of the artisan produced local goodies.
HEAVEN CAN WAIT - A TRIBUTE TO MEATLOAF
21 June 7:30pm From £29
Charter Hall
Heaven Can Wait brings Meatloaf’s greatest hits live in 2025! After a sold-out 2024 Spain tour, enjoy hits like Bat Out of Hell with incredible vocals and top musicians.
THE IBIZA ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE
11 July 5:30pm Varied
Lower Castle Park
Enjoy a 26-piece orchestra, live acts, DJs, vocalists, bars, festival production, and a silent disco along with unforgettable Ibiza hits!
SAUSAGE AND CIDER FESTIVAL
12 July
2:00pm
Varied
Lower Castle Park
Experience an amazing line up including The Hoosiers and Kevin & Perry! Join us for a day of festival fun plus 30+ cider flavours and 20+ sausage flavours, axe throwing, circus workshop and trader village.
DANCING IN THE DAYLIGHT
19 July
2:00pm
Varied
Charter Hall
Relive the best of the ‘80s, ‘90s, and ‘00s with top hits, a lively DJ, and nostalgic vibes. 25+ only — grab your tickets and dance the day away!
SUMMER IN NASHVILLE
13 July
12:00pm
Varied
Lower Castle Park
Summer in Nashville comes to Colchester with country music, line dancing, BBQ, rodeo bull rides, and axe throwing. Enjoy tributes, games, and 500 free cowboy hats for a true country experience!
THE PRINCESS PROMS
20 July
2:15pm and 4:30pm From £15.83
Charter Hall
Calling all Princesses & Princes! Enjoy an enchanting concert featuring magical themes from Frozen, Cinderella, Little Mermaid, Moana, Beauty & the Beast, and more.
THAT NIGHT IN MANCHESTER
18 July
7:30pm From £29
Charter Hall
Experience a live musical journey through the ‘Madchester’ era, spanning the ’70s to ’90s, as a father shares his life’s highs and lows with his son.
RACE FOR LIFE
20 July
11am
£15.99 to enter Lower Castle Park
Race for Life is Cancer Research UK’s biggest series of fundraising events designed to get people moving – and raising money for vital cancer research – all around the UK.
RAPTURE GAMING FESTIVAL
2-3 August
10:00am
From £16.00
Charter Hall
Rapture Gaming Festival returns to Colchester in August 2025, doubling in size with gaming, tournaments, cosplay, wrestling, robots, music, indie games, merch, D&D experiences, and moreone ticket for all areas!
CRAIG DAVID TS5
16 August
2:00pm
From £47.50
Lower Castle Park
Craig David brings his TS5 set to Colchester, with Wes Nelson, 24hr Garage Girls and more. Expect a set celebrating 23 years of hits.
T HE SMASHING PUMPKINS
14 August
4:00pm From £55
Lower Castle Park
Legendary alt-rock icons
The Smashing Pumpkins will be joined by British rock legends Skunk Anansie and post-punk indie band White Lies for an unforgettable night of music.
UB40 FT ALI CAMPBELL LEADS ‘ROOTS EAST’
17 August
2:00pm
From £47.50
Lower Castle Park
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell headlines Roots East, joined by Aswad, David Rodigan, Don Letts, Bitty McLean, Dawn Penn, and Trojan Sound System.
BUSTED
15 August
4:00pm
From £49.00
Lower Castle Park
The much-loved British band Busted will take the stage in Castle Park, their first Essex performance in six years. Supported by the amazing Scouting for Girls.
TOM JONES
18 August
4pm
From £66.64
Lower Castle Park
Tom Jones, with a legendary six-decade career, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Performing timeless hits, he returns to Colchester, excited to share a special summer evening with fans.
TEXAS
21 August
4:00pm
From £55
Lower Castle Park
Texas, joined by Natalie Imbruglia and Rianne Downey, will bring their crowd-loving live show to Colchester, showcasing five decades of hits from I Don’t Want A Lover to Mr Haze.
SWEET & SOUR: THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO SABRINA CARPENTER AND OLIVIA RODRIGO
30 August
7:30pm
From £25
Charter Hall
Sweet and Sour is an electrifying Olivia Rodrigo vs. Sabrina Carpenter tribute show, featuring pop anthems, heartbreak hits, powerful vocals and self-discovery.
JAMES
22 August
4:00pm
From £55
Lower Castle Park
James, with special guests Happy Mondays, Lightning Seeds, and The WAEVE, will perform classics like Sit Down and Laid, following their number-one album Yummy, at Colchester Castle Summer Series 2025.
WICKED SINGALONG
31 August
7.30pm 3pm & 7:30pm
Charter Hall
Join the ultimate Wicked Sing-Along at Charter Hall, Colchester! Sing with friends, enjoy a magical screening, and celebrate Oz’s untold story with stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and more!
MADNESS
23 August
2pm
From £55
Lower Castle Park
Madness bring their legendary ska and pop energy to Colchester supported by The Zutons, The Skints, and The Beat for an unforgettable night of hits.
WHITNEY - THE CANDLELIGHT CONCERT
7 September 7:30pm
From £27
Charter Hall
Xperience Live presents Whitney – The Candlelight Concert, a tribute to Whitney Houston with a live band and UK’s top tribute artist, featuring all the iconic hits.
ALB FESTIVAL 2025
13-14 September
1:00pm From £49.32
Lower Castle Park
A Colchester family festival featuring worldfamous acts, including Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Pixie Lott, a 40-piece orchestra, local artists, food and drink village, fun zones, and surprise guests!
FREE FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL
20 September 11:00am
Free
Lower Castle Park
Discover lots of brilliant free things to do for all the family including bouncy castles, face painting, games and activities.
EXTREME ROBOTS
2025
13-14 September
12:00pm – 4:00pm From £22
Charter Hall
Extreme Robots brings thrilling mechanised combat, featuring over 30 heavyweight robots from Robot Wars and Battlebots, battling in the Extreme Arena with 25KG blades and explosive action.
ESSEX CLASSIC VEHICLE SHOW
21 September
10:30am
£6 Adult and £3
Child/Concession
Lower Castle Park
Over 250 classic vehicles from across the decades on display; plus crafts, gifts, food stalls and family entertainment.
Q THE MUSIC’S JAMES BOND CONCERT SPECTACULAR
20 September 7:30pm From £31.50
Charter Hall
The original pioneering Bond concert delivers stunning performances of iconic themes, hosted by Caroline Bliss. It’s an unforgettable night of nostalgia.
THE COMEDY STORE
26 September 8:00pm From £20
Charter Hall
With 40 years of comedy excellence, The Comedy Store showcases the brightest stars and future legends.
BABATUNDE
ALESHE: HIGH EXPECTATIONS TOUR
27 September 8:00pm
From £21.50
Charter Hall
Baba’s Back on Tour!
The multi-award-winning comedian hilariously explores family life, fame, and Costco. As seen on Taskmaster, Live at the Apollo, and more.
FAST LOVE: THE TRIBUTE TO GEORGE MICHAEL
4 October
7:30pm
£33.50
Charter Hall
Direct from London’s West End, Fastlove returns in 2025, celebrating George Michael with a stunning production, full video and light show, and all the hits from Wham! to his iconic solo career.
OKTOBERFEST
3-4 October
Varied From £15
Lower Castle Park
For one weekend, Colchester becomes a Bavarian bash! Grab an authentic Oktoberfest stein, step into the huge Bier tent, and enjoy lively Bavarian entertainment.
AN EVENING WITH PROFESSOR ALICE ROBERTS
16 October 7.30pm
From £35.00
Charter Hall
Celebrating her new book Domination, Professor Roberts traces Christianity’s rise, uncovering hidden truths through archaeology and history.
BEATLEMANIA: THE CAST OF MAGIC OF THE BEATLES
3 October
7.30pm
From £25
Charter Hall
The Ticket to Ride in ‘25 tour celebrates The Beatles’ biggest hits, from Help to Hey Jude, with stunning vocals, authentic instruments, and note-perfect performances.
CHRIS MCCAUSLANDYONKS!
18 October
8:00pm
From £32
Charter Hall
Chris McCausland returns with another masterclass in stand-up comedy - years in the making! After a sell-out tour, don’t miss your chance to see him live on stage.
LUKE COMBS UK
19 October
7.30pm From £25.50
Charter Hall
Experience the heart of country music with Luke Combs UK, delivering authentic Southern vibes, a live five-piece band, and incredible performances of Luke’s biggest hits and fan favourites across all his albums.
LOST IN MUSIC
24 October
7.30pm From £30
Charter Hall
Step into the 70s and relive disco’s greatest hits with a sensational live band, stunning vocals, and classics from Donna Summer, Chic, and more—get ready to dance the night away!
SARA PASCOE: I AM A STRANGE GLOOP
25 October
7.30pm From £24
Charter Hall
Sara Pascoe’s latest show is like a late-night genius thought—brilliant, weird, and slightly unhinged. As seen on Taskmaster, QI, and more, she’s back with sharp, hilarious stand-up.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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.
Refunds or exchanges
We are unable to offer refunds and exchanges once tickets are purchased.
Booking Fees
Some events charge a booking fee which will be indicated when purchasing tickets. colchestersevents 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.
CHARTER HALL, COWDRAY AVE, COLCHESTER CO1 1YH
Save time on the day and pre pay for parking when purchasing tickets through our website; 400 onsite spaces
For accessible seating and carer ticket options, please email info@ colchester-events.co.uk
Visitors can enjoy a selection of beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks and light snacks. ID required and card payments only.
COLCHESTER CASTLE PARK, HIGH ST, COLCHESTER CO1 1UG
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.
TOWN HALL – HIGH STREET, COLCHESTER CO1 1PJ
The closest car parks are located at Priory Street and St Mary’s.
The venue is fully accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
OLD HEATH RECREATION GROUND, OLD HEATH RD, COLCHESTER CO1 2ER
A car park is located 400m from the entrance
The venue is fully accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
12 minutes to the town centre
Did you know?
Using Park and Ride can help congestion in cities and is a sustainable travel option and a stress free way for commuting, shopping or visiting
There are dedicated stops at Colchester General Hospital and Station
