Each summer, Colchester Castle Park transforms into a vibrant stage where music lovers gather under an open sky, immersed in unforgettable live performances.
The 2025 Colchester Castle Park Summer Series offers a diverse selection of acts, blending legendary names with contemporary energy, inviting audiences to create lasting memories amid the historic surroundings.
This year’s lineup captures a spectrum of genres and moods, from indie and pop to reggae and soul, making every evening a unique celebration of music and culture.
Colchester Castle Summer Series 2025: A Season of Iconic Events
The Smashing Pumpkins: Dreamy Alternate Rock Experience
Performing on 14th August 2025 – with special guests British rock legends Skunk Anansie, and post-punk indie band White Lies.
Opening the lineup, The Smashing Pumpkins bring their distinctive blend of alt-rock and expansive soundscapes.
Known for their immersive guitar work and poetic lyricism, they invite fans to traverse the emotional highs and lows in a captivating live journey. With a catalogue rich in iconic tracks, their performance promises nostalgic resonance as well as fresh interpretations of their deep catalogue.
Like a sonic tapestry woven with intensity and grace, this show feels like a vivid dream etched under an endless sky.
For further information and to book tickets CLICK HERE
Busted: Pop Punk Charm with a Nostalgic Twist
Performing on 15th August 2025 – with support from Scouting For Girls
Next, Busted returns to the stage carrying the torch of early 2000s pop-punk with infectious energy and catchy hooks.
Their sound, a seamless blend of youthful exuberance and melodic craftsmanship, rekindles memories while igniting new excitement among fans.
Their live shows are a spirited mix of playful anthems and heartfelt ballads, engaging crowds with a raw sincerity that cuts through polished production.
You might catch yourself singing along as if transported back to teenage years, yet reveling in the present thrill of shared musical moments.
For further information and to book tickets CLICK HERE
Craig David: The Renaissance of UK Garage and Smooth R&B
Performing on 16th August 2025 – with support from Wes Nelson, Big Narstie, Scott Garcia, 24hr Garage Girls and Patrick Nazemi.
Craig David’s appearance is a highlight that bridges eras, merging the smooth rhythms of UK garage with a modern R&B polish.
His silky vocals and infectious beats transport listeners to vibrant club nights while maintaining a mainstream appeal that has kept him relevant through decades.
His artistry combines storytelling with danceable grooves, evoking a sense of joyous movement and deep emotional connection.
Attendees can anticipate a night where nostalgia meets contemporary artistry, celebrating a career that has continually evolved yet stays true to heartfelt expression.
For further information and to book tickets CLICK HERE
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell Plus Special Guests: Reggae Legends Bring the Vibes
Performing on 17th August 2025 – including Aswad, David Rodigan, Don Letts, Bitty McLean, Dawn Penn, and Trojan Sound System.
A centerpiece of the summer series, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell accompanied by special guests, promises an enchanting evening filled with reggae beats and soulful melodies.
The band’s roots-heavy sound and politically conscious lyrics offer more than music; they provide a cultural experience echoing decades of musical history and social commentary.
Their performance at Colchester Castle Park will likely resonate with fans old and new, evoking the golden age of reggae while stirring vibrant energy suited for summer nights.
You will find yourself immersed in rhythmic waves that move both body and spirit.
For further information and to book tickets CLICK HERE
Tom Jones: The Timeless Voice That Defines Generations
Performing on 18th August 2025 – with Special Guests!
The legendary Tom Jones returns, bringing his unparalleled stage presence and iconic voice to the historic outdoor venue.
His dynamic range and passionate delivery have long made him a standout figure in music history. Watching him perform live is to witness the essence of classic pop and soul traditions, carried forward through decades of reinvention.
Accompanying this is a connection with the audience that feels intimate yet grand, a reminder of the power of music to cross generational divides.
It’s an opportunity to experience a living legend in an atmosphere charged with anticipation.
For further information and to book tickets CLICK HERE
Texas: The Scottish Band’s Melancholic Pop and Rock Blend
Performing on 21st August 2025 – alongside Natalie Imbruglia, and Rianne Downey.
Texas offers a unique flavor to the lineup, blending melancholic tones with stylish pop-rock sensibilities.
The band’s emotionally rich songs carry a timeless quality influenced by both their roots and the evolving musical landscape.
Their nuanced performances often balance reflective lyrics with compelling rhythms, inviting listeners to feel and move simultaneously.
Attending their set is to enter a space where moodiness meets melody, set against the natural backdrop of Colchester’s historic park, creating a resonant, almost cinematic musical experience.
For further information and to book tickets CLICK HERE
James: Indie Veterans Delivering a Festival-Ready Showcase
Performing on 22nd August 2025 – Plus special guests Happy Mondays, Lightning Seeds, and The WAEVE.
Representing the indie rock spirit, James brings a festival-ready performance filled with anthems that have defined alternative music for decades.
Their live shows encapsulate a genuine communal energy—part poetry, part rock opera—that invites the audience into a shared emotional space.
The band’s rich history and commitment to evolving sounds ensure a concert that feels both familiar and refreshingly current.
You might be drawn to the lyrics’ introspective nature, all while being swept up in a collective celebration of music’s connective power.
For further information and to book tickets CLICK HERE
Madness: Ska-Pop Icons Creating Bubble of Joy
Performing on 23rd August 2025 – Joining the iconic ska legends are The Zutons, The Skints and The Beat featuring Ranking Jnr.
Rounding out the season, Madness offers their iconic ska-pop grooves characterized by lively brass sections and catchy, upbeat rhythms.
Their music effortlessly conjures images of vibrant city streets and joyful gatherings, a perfect fit for the open-air setting of Colchester Castle Park.
The band’s playful energy and whimsical storytelling invite audiences to partake in a shared celebration of life’s lighter side.
This finale not only recalls a pivotal moment in British music history but also frames it in a jubilant context where everyone feels invited to dance and smile together.
For further information and to book tickets CLICK HERE
A Summer Series That Celebrates the Past and Embraces the Present
The 2025 Colchester Castle Park Summer Series unfolds as a carefully curated journey through sound and time.
Each performer adds their own slice of musical heritage and modern vitality, offering visitors an opportunity not just to hear music but to experience it deeply.
Whether drawn by legendary voices, iconic bands, or vibrant new energies, attendees will leave with the resonant joy that only live music under open skies can provide.
This series stands as a testament to the enduring power of performance amid the rich cultural tapestry of Colchester’s historic heart, do you have a favourite and who would you most like to see perform at Colchester Castle Summer Series?