With just one month to go, the Colchester Castle Summer Series 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest live music event in the city’s recent history – and over 80% of tickets are already sold.
Taking place from 14 to 23 August in the stunning surrounds of Lower Castle Park, this open-air concert series features a blockbuster lineup of world-renowned artists including The Smashing Pumpkins, Madness, Busted, Tom Jones, Craig David, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Texas, and many more.
Each show is expected to welcome up to 10,000 attendees, making this the biggest concert series Essex has seen to date. With just weeks to go, anticipation is reaching fever pitch as fans across the region prepare to descend on one of England’s most historic and scenic locations for eight unforgettable nights of live music.
Left-right: The Smashing Pumpkins, Texas
Rob Waller of Soundcrash says:
“We’re thrilled to see such an incredible response. With 80% of tickets gone and only a month left, it’s clear that Colchester is ready for something truly special this summer. The setting of Lower Castle Park, with the castle as a backdrop, is absolutely iconic – and we can’t wait to see it come alive with music and thousands of fans.”
Artists performing have also expressed their anticipation, with the legendary Tom Jones saying: “Performing live is what I love most, so it’s great to be playing at Colchester Castle as part of their excellent Summer Series. It’s been six years since I last performed at Colchester Castle so I’m really looking forward to coming back. Spending a beautiful summer evening in such a wonderful and uniquely historic setting with an amazing crowd, it’s going to be special.”
The series kicks off on 14 August with a high-energy rock bill featuring The Smashing Pumpkins, Skunk Anansie, and White Lies, and continues with a diverse mix of pop, R&B, indie, ska, and reggae across eight nights – including the Out of Time Festival, Roots East reggae day, and a huge finale with Madness on 23 August.
With demand surging and limited availability across multiple dates, fans are strongly encouraged to book now to avoid disappointment.
The team behind the event, promoters Soundcrash and Supermodified, are well-known in the UK for hosting popular events like the Margate Summer Series, London’s South Facing Festival, and Hitchin Priory Series.
Left-right: UB40 ft Ali Campbell, Craig David
COLCHESTER CASTLE SUMMER SERIES 2025:
THE SMASHING PUMPKINS 14 AUGUST
BUSTED 15 AUGUST
CRAIG DAVID PRESENTS TS5 16 AUGUST
UB40 ft Ali Campbell’s ‘ROOTS EAST’ 17 AUGUST
TOM JONES 18 AUGUST
TEXAS 21 AUGUST
OUT OF TIME – JAMES 22 AUGUST
MADNESS. 23 AUGUST
