AS events have begun to return as normal this year, some big name acts have announced they are coming to Colchester. 

Venues across the town will welcome legendary bands, show-stopping singers and stand up comedians to their stages in the coming months.

We've put together a round-up of some of the famous faces set to perform in the town this year.

Westlife

Westlife is a legendary boy band comprised of singers Shane Filan, Markus Feehily, Kian Egan, and Nicky Byrne.

They've sold millions of records worldwide with hits such as Swear It Again, World Of Our Own, and Flying Without Wings.

The band will take to the stage at Castle Park on July 2 as part of their Wild Dreams tour.

To get tickets for the show visit colchester-events.co.uk/event/westlife.

Nish Kumar

Famous television comedian Nish Kumar is bringing his new show, Your Power, Your Control to Charter Hall next month.

He's best known as as the host of the Mash Report but he's also recognised from Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You and 8 of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

His event at the Colchester venue takes place on April 9 from 7.30pm.

Support act Keemah Bob from Houston Texas will also perform a set.

Tickets start at £22 and can be bought online at colchester-events.co.uk/event/nish-kumar.

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe

Singing sensations Michael Ball and Alfie Boe's debut album became the best selling album of 2016.

Since then they have sold more than 1.5 million records, received two Classic Brit Awards and sold out headline area tours.

The entertainers will take to the stage in Castle Park on July 3 to perform their biggest hits.

This includes songs from their three albums Together, Together Again and Back Together.

For more information and to buy tickets visit colchester-events.co.uk/ballandboe.

Simply Red

The award-winning soul and pop band Simply Red formed in Machester in 1985.

They have had chart toppers with singles Holding Back The Years and If You Don’t Know Me By Now and every Simply Red studio album has been a UK top ten.

As part of their UK tour Simply Red will play an open-air show in Castle Park this summer.

The gig on August 6 will see the famous band play “all the hits”.

Tickets start at £42.50 and can be bought at colchester-events.co.uk/event/simplyred.

Shalamar

As Shalamar, Howard Hewitt and Jeffrey Daniel sold more than 25 million records across the world and collected no less than 100 awards.

Together with Carolyn Griffey, the daughter of Solar Records founder Dick Griffey, they are set to perform at Charter Hall on June 10.

They will perform all of Shalamar's hits and best album tracks including I Can Make You Feel Good, A Night To Remember, The Second Time Around and many more.

Tickets for the event, which cost £37, can be bought here.