Live Music in Colchester

From small shows in the back room of pubs, to large-scale concerts catering to thousands in Castle Park, Colchester has a great live music scene attracting nationally touring acts as well as promoting homegrown talent.

It's not all rock music either - you'll discover classical concerts, folk, jazz, experimental sounds and more. If you're not sure what to go for, we say it's always worth taking a risk on whatever's happening at Colchester Arts Centre - you never know who you'll see there! Previous performers have included world-famous comedians, jazz legends and local superstars like 'Blur'.

Alternatively, for a unique experience, you might enjoy a free open air concert at the Colchester Bandstand. Throughout the year, performers take to this historic metal structure to entertain the local community.

Discover what bands are coming to Colchester and the best venues to catch live music in by browsing our listings below. 

Abba Reunion - Christmas Show Dec 21

The ABBA REUNION tribute Show is the creation of an Award Winning West End Director, Producer and Choreographer Starring the original 'Frida' from the London West End cast! ABBA REUNION gives Abba fans, old and new, the opportunity to once again get together and re-live…

Charity Christmas Concert Dec 21

Join the Black Cactus Choir for a wonderful, uplifting start to your Christmas celebrations. Join us to hear artists Sophie Griffiths, Low Lying Sun, Daisy Jackaman, Doug Panton, Hyoie O'Grady and the Black Cactus Choir for a fantastic Christmas Concert. All proceeds from the…

Elf - The Musical Dec 21

ELF-THE MUSICAL tells the hilarious tale of Buddy, who, as a baby, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and grows up in the North Pole. Raised as an elf and never quite fitting in, when Santa tells him the truth of his birth father, Buddy sets out to New York for a…

Jumbo Christmas Carol Concerts Dec 22

We are excited to announce the hosting of two Colchester choirs at Jumbo for the first carol concerts in Colchester's beloved Victorian water tower! To get you into the festive spirit, the LGBTQ+ and inclusive choir Hic Sumus and the Minty…

Patch, Colchester: The Concert at Christmas Dec 22

The Concert at Christmas is back! Now in 8th year; expect merriment, mince pies and mulled wine.Join us at patch, on beautiful Trinity Street in Colchester for a festive programme of live music and readings including barbershop, classic carols and Christmas hits. The very local…

Grand Hootenanny Gala at Three Wise Monkeys Dec 31

Join Three Wise Monkeys for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration at the top floor of the city centre venue! Get ready to ring in the new year with the Grand Hootenanny Gala on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, from 7:00 PM until 1:00 AM. This exciting event will…

New Year's Eve Groovy 70s Party at The Vic! Dec 31

Dig out your flairs, iron those flowery shirts, jump back into that jumpsuit or go the whole hog and wear a great fancy dress costume!   This year New Years Eve, The Vic are going back to the 70s!   They will have something very special happening this year as well…

The George Hotel - New Years Eve Celebration 2024 Dec 31

Welcome to The George- New Years Eve Celebration 2024! Join us for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and fun at The George Hotel. Get ready to ring in the new year in style with friends and loved ones. Join us for an evening of fun, food, and festivity as we…

Carole King Tribute Band Jan 09

Carole King's songs and life story are interwoven in A Tribute to Carole King, unfolding themes of love, loss, and hope through her album Tapestry and a selection of her other hits, many of which were made famous by artists such as James Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Dusty…

Thank You For The Music Jan 17

Calling all Dancing Queens, this is your night to say, Thank you for the Music! This international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA's No1 hits to the stage. Now in its 20th year, with a brand-new show for 2024, it combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes…

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC - The Ultimate Tribute to ABBA Jan 17

This international smash-hit tribute show brings all ABBA's number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The hugely popular show, now in its 21st year, with a brand-new show for 2024, combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling…

SING THE MUSICALS THE LIVE BAND SING-ALONG SPECTACULAR Jan 18

DIRECT FROM LONDON'S WEST END The first national tour of the greatest musicals of all time performed by a sensational live band and character singers, giant screen with sing along lyrics make this the must see show of 2024/25. MAMMA MIA, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, DIRTY DANCING…

Taylormania: The Taylor Swift Eras Tribute Concert Jan 19

An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis, a talented 'Swiftie' with an incredible live band and dancers promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will…

Colchester Operatic Society – The Little Mermaid Jan 31

Let Colchester Operatic Society take you on an ‘under the sea’ musical adventure following the timeless tale of Ariel, a spirited young mermaid, who longs to be part of the human world. But transforming into a human will come at a price! Watch her adventure unfold as…

Forbidden Nights 2025 Jan 31

Were you excited by the show stopping performance on Britain's Got Talent? If you were left craving more, then get ready to experience their live stage show where YOU can be the ultimate judge! Get ready because Forbidden Nights is coming! "Truly Jaw-Dropping…

Cirque De Celine Feb 02

Step right up and prepare to be mesmerised by the spectacular world of Cirque De Celine! Immerse yourself in a dazzling symphony of acrobats and aerialists as they dance to the rhythm of Celine Dion’s biggest hits including The Power of Love, It’s All Coming Back To…

Queen of the Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston Feb 07

After selling 100,000 tickets last year, including a UK arena tour and sold-out shows at the Royal Albert Hall, The London Palladium and other UK venues, Queen Of The Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston returns to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025. Queen Of The Night…

Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons Feb 12

Jason Manford is back with his brand-new live show, A Manford All Seasons. Jason's been busy since his last smash-hit stand up show but fans of his Absolute Radio show will know this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn't changed a bit. A Manford All Seasons is Jason's…

A Tribute to Sting & The Police starring The Rozzers Feb 14

The Rozzers have been entertaining audiences as the No. 1 tribute to Sting and The Police for over a decade. Fronted by Sting look and sound-a-like Owen James, the band perform at festivals, on cruise ships and now they embark on a new UK theatre tour. The Police were arguably…

Ellis Live Presents 21st Century Tennessee Feb 22

The ultimate must-see modern day country show, combining all your favourite contemporary artists and hits into one phenomenal live show! Get ready to experience the passion of 21st-century country music as we pay homage to the genre's biggest stars. Join us for a night of…

The Olivia Rodrigo Experience Feb 23

After exploding onto the music scene in 2021, Olivia Rodrigo has produced a catalogue of anthems especially for the younger generations. The Olivia Rodrigo Experience is a tribute to the Pop Rock Sensation celebrating all her biggest hits from her Ground breaking albums…

UK Queen Feb 28

Expect a sensational 2 hr live show packed with all the hits and classics of Queen, for the first time at Charter Hall, a must for any fan! Doors: 6.30pm Show start: 7.30pm Approx. finish: 10.00 pm