Blur's gig at Colchester Arts Centre attracts fans hours before show

Preparations are well underway for the Britpop band’s set at Colchester Arts Centre tonight.

The band, which has firm roots in Colchester, will be returning to the city for a special warm up gig at the arts centre, in Church Street, ahead of a European tour in the summer which will see them perform two massive shows at London’s Wembley Stadium.

A large security presence is in operation outside the venue and police vans are parked up in close proximity.

Security - Police officers and security guards in Church Street, Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

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Preparing - Security outside Colchester Arts Centre (Image: Newsquest)

A Blur fan stood outside the venue shared their excitement ahead of “one of the biggest events to happen in Colchester”.

The entrance to Church Street from Balkerne Hill has been blocked off, as is the bottom end of Church Street coming from Head Street.

Blocked - The entrance to Church Street from Balkerne Hill (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking to BBC Essex's Sonia Watson this morning, DJ Steve Lamacq, who is going to the gig, said: “It really is [quite exciting]. I cannot believe they have never as Blur played Colchester Arts Centre before, even after all this time - they have played it in various other different bands.

“It is special, Blur coming back to Colchester. I was lucky enough to be at the Wakes Colne Chapel Railway Station gig.

"As much as anything, I think it is going to be incredibly emotional, not just for them but for everyone who is going. It will mean so much more.

"It is the gig they were saying off-air yesterday when I saw them that they are looking forward to and the one that means the most to them."

Things to know ahead of tonight's Blur gig at Colchester Arts Centre

Those attending tonight's highly anticipated gig should be advised the Colchester Arts Centre has no cloakroom facilities on offer.

For this reason, customers should not bring large bags or rucksacks with them to the venue.

Only one bag per person is allowed and any bag brought to the gig must be no larger than A4 in size (210x297mm).

Those travelling from further afield should have no problem reaching the venue.

Colchester Arts Centre is a short walk from the High Street and local bus stops.

Colchester's train station is also just a 25-minute walk away from the venue with trains going to and from London, Chelmsford, Ipswich and Norwich.

Colchester Town Station, meanwhile, is even closer.

The nearest car park is St Mary’s which is just a short walk away in Balkerne Hall.

Doors open at Colchester Arts Centre from 7.30pm.

To find out more information head to colchesterartscentre.com.