Colchester Castle Summer Series

Colchester Castle Summer Series 2026

From 13 to 22 August 2026, Colchester Castle Park in Essex hosts the Colchester Castle Summer Series, an open-air music festival set against the iconic medieval castle in Colchester. Enjoy ten nights of live music and summer fun in this historic open green space.

Music

The festival features an eclectic lineup with different genres each evening, including pop, indie, classic rock, and reggae. Expect performances from chart-topping stars and legendary artists, providing entertainment for all musical tastes.

Atmosphere

Set in the scenic Castle Park with the castle illuminated at night, the festival creates a special blend of history and modern vibes. Visitors can relax on the lawn or dance near the stage, surrounded by a friendly, inclusive crowd.

Food & Drink

A variety of food trucks and vendor stalls offer festival treats such as pizza, tacos, ice cream, and local craft beers, making it easy to enjoy refreshments between sets.

Community

The Summer Series is a highlight of Colchester’s summer, supporting local businesses and adding to the town's cultural scene. Nearby pubs and shops often extend hours to welcome festival-goers, enhancing the festive experience.

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.