When Queen and the Rolling Stones played in Colchester

But apart from the occasional big summer show in Castle Park, we tend to see the smaller and more up-and-coming acts performing in the city now days.

This wasn't always the case, however.

In fact some of the world's biggest bands have actually performed in the town over the years, although you might not necessarily know about it.

For instance did you know Bob Marley and the Wailers once arrived in town? Or that Pink Floyd have actually played here - SIX times?

Here we have a look back at some of the big names who have taken to the stage in and around Colchester over the years.

Starting with our homegrown stars Blur who have played at plenty of venues in our area.

Blur played at Oscars, on Clacton Pier, in 1995

Damon Albarn and guitarist Graham Coxon first met at Stanway School and they played their first gig in the Goods Shed, Wakes Colne, in 1988.

They also played at university on more than one occasion and in 2010 they returned for a special homecoming gig at the East Anglian Railway Museum.

The stars also performed at Oscars, the former nightclub on Clacton Pier, back in 1995.

Essex University has also played host to a number of big name stars over the years.

Tom Jones on stage in Colchester Castle Park

Prog legends Pink Floyd played at the university on several occasions in their early days.

There were also shows from The Who in 1968 and Bob Marley and the Wailers in1973.

AC/DC, The Police, REM, Radiohead, Pulp and Faithless have also all performed.

Woods Leisure Centre, now better known as Highwoods Leisure Centre, has also hosted its fair share of big names.

Craig David performs in Colchester's Castle Park

The Smiths played there back in 1983 and Thin Lizzy in 1973.

And in 1974 the venue welcomed none other than Queen, and legendary frontman Freddie Mercury.

Going back further both The Kinks and the Rolling Stones performed at the Odeon Theatre.

And under the theatre's previous name The Regal Theatre, The Shadows performed in 1961.

Stars - The Weeley music festival in 1971

Ska legends The Specials performed at what is now Colchester Institute in the late 70s.

In their early days, Braintree band The Prodigy were regulars in Colchester and in particular at the Hippodrome in the High Street.

In more recent times plenty of big names have been drawn to perform in Colchester.

The JobServe Community Stadium has played host to a plethora of stars.

Elton John at Weston Homes Stadium, Colchester

Sir Elton John delighted 16,000 fans back in 2014.

And in 2018 Little Mix played at the stadium as part of their Summer Hits Tour.

In recent years Castle Park has been the play to enjoy concerts.

We have had shows from Sir Tom Jones, Craig David and Olly Murs.

Olly Murs performs in Colchester's Castle Park

This year there will also be performances from Westlife, Boe & Ball and Simply Red.

Essex has also welcomed big names with the former V Festival and In the Park Festival in Southend.

And in 1971 a reported 110,000 enjoyed big names at the Weeley Festival.

Rod Stewart and The Faces, Status Quo, T Rex, the Groundhogs and Barclay James Harvest all performed at the three day event.