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13 August - 22 August 2026 Colchester Castle Park, Casttle Park , High Street, Colchester, CO11TJ
In mid-August 2026, Colchester Castle Park will come alive with music, laughter, and community spirit as it plays host to the Colchester Castle Summer Series. Running from August 13 through 22, this open-air concert festival transforms the historic park into a vibrant summer festival ground. Fans will enjoy multiple nights of live music under the stars, all with the backdrop of Colchester’s iconic castle. With a lineup to suit every taste, the Summer Series offers an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages.
In Castle Park’s verdant grounds and tree-lined walkways, the festival offers more than just music. Arrive early to enjoy the scenery of the park and the medieval castle overlooking the town. As the sun sets, gather on the lawn or dance close to the stage among friendly crowds. The park’s natural setting, with the castle bathed in lights, creates a magical atmosphere – a special combination of history and modern festival fun that can’t be found anywhere else.
Each evening brings a different genre and vibe. The series prides itself on an eclectic lineup: one night you might groove to catchy pop and indie tunes, the next you could be headbanging to classic rock anthems or swaying to reggae rhythms. In past years, fans have danced to Grammy-winning legends, chart-topping stars and beloved bands spanning multiple genres. Whatever your musical tastes, each performance is crafted to entertain and excite a crowd eager for summer fun.
The Summer Series has a friendly, inclusive vibe that welcomes everyone. Bring a picnic blanket to relax under the stars or join friends near the stage to dance the night away. Kids might be seen singing along or dancing to the tunes, while their parents enjoy local craft beers and festival treats. A wide range of food trucks and vendor stalls make it easy to grab pizza, tacos, ice cream and more between sets. All around you, people laugh, cheer and make new friends, creating lasting memories at every show.
Off-stage, there’s plenty more to enjoy. Look out for pop-up performances, artist meet-ups, or light installations filling the park between main acts. After the headliners finish for the night, some evenings continue the party with DJ sets or late-night jams in nearby venues. Whether you’re in the front row or chillin’ on the lawn farther back, the good vibes spill over until the very last encore.
For the town of Colchester, the Castle Summer Series is an unmissable highlight of the summer. The festival not only showcases top musical talent but also invites visitors to explore Colchester’s charming High Street lined with historic pubs, shops and cafes. Local businesses embrace the fun – you may find extra food stalls on the street or pubs extending hours for festival goers. This warm, community-focused event celebrates Colchester’s rich history and modern cultural scene, making it a true British summer tradition.
Whether you’re a die-hard music fan or just looking for a fun way to spend a summer night, the Colchester Castle Summer Series is not to be missed. Two magical weekends of music and camaraderie await under the summer sky at Castle Park. Join fellow music lovers and experience the blend of top-tier performances and historic charm that make this festival a truly memorable celebration of summertime.
Colchester Castle Park is very accessible by public transport. The town’s main railway station is about a 10-minute walk from the park, with frequent trains running from London Liverpool Street (about 50 minutes) and connections from Norwich, Cambridge and Ipswich. From the station, simply walk down the High Street toward the castle – the park’s entrance will soon come into view. Local buses also stop on the High Street near the castle gates, providing links from other parts of the city. National Express and other coach services serve the Colchester bus station in the town centre; from there it’s a short local bus or taxi ride to Castle Park.
If you plan to drive, Castle Park is easy to reach via the main roads. Take the A12 (from London or Ipswich) or the A120/M11 (from Stansted), following signs for Town Centre or Castle Park once you enter Colchester. The park itself does not have its own parking lot, but there are several paid car parks nearby. The closest options are the city-centre car parks on Nunn’s Road, Priory Street and Osborne Street — all just a short walk from the castle. On festival days, traffic can be heavier around the city centre, so allow extra time. For convenience, set your GPS or smartphone map to Castle Park, CO1 1TJ to find the best route.
The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, about 30 minutes by car. Stansted also offers a direct Greater Anglia train to Colchester station (with a quick change at Tottenham Hale or Liverpool Street). Other London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, City) are farther away; travelers from them will need a combination of tube, train or coach (typically 2–3 hours total journey). Colchester is well connected by long-distance coach services as well: National Express coaches run from London and other major cities to the Colchester bus station. Once you arrive, the city centre is just a short taxi or local bus ride from Castle Park.
Colchester offers plenty of places to stay, from city-center hotels and bed & breakfasts to countryside inns in nearby villages. Many visitors book accommodation within walking distance of Castle Park and the High Street, where they will find shops, pubs and restaurants. Summer weekends can fill up quickly, so it’s wise to reserve rooms early. If city-center hotels book out, consider charming B&Bs or guesthouses a short drive or train ride away in the Essex countryside. Even the University of Essex (Colchester Campus) offers budget-friendly summer housing. Wherever you stay, you’ll be a quick trip away from Castle Park.
Colchester Castle Park, Casttle Park , High Street, Colchester, CO11TJ
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