FANS have travelled from all over the world to see Blur perform in Colchester as the band looks to kick off its European tour with a homecoming concert.

Members of the Blur Fan Club had flown in from Germany, the USA, and Mexico to be part of the event as iconic Brit Pop group performed the classics at Colchester Arts Centre.

Martina Vockerodt had travelled from near Hanover in Germany for Friday’s gig, and had previously watched Blur at the East Anglian Railway Museum, in Wakes Colne, in 2009.

“I like the emotions which the band give me – it’s comforting.

“Even when it’s a powerful song it’s the emotions I can relate with.

“We are all very friendly to each other and we are supporting each other – I’m sharing a room with another fan and when the next thing is happening we will just look for each other.”

One fan who travelled further than almost anyone else was Bonnie London, who flew in from California.

When the tickets went on sale at 10am last month, it was 2am in the USA – but that did not put her off from buying tickets.

Read more:

• Blur reveal details of first album in eight years on eve of historic Colchester show

• Here's how Colchester music teacher convinced Blur to perform homecoming show

• Colchester Blur gig sees fans queue up five hours before doors open

Mrs London said that the Zoom meetings which the Blur Fan Club set up during lockdown helped her through a difficult time whilst she and her husband worked as healthcare workers.

She said: “During Covid, there was a big community developed with the Blur fans – it meant a lot to me.

“Both my husband and I were healthcare providers – it was a dark period but this was the one light area.”

When asked about the city of Colchester, which was bathed in sunshine on Friday, Mrs London described it as ‘beautiful’ adding she was fascinated by the city’s Roman heritage.

“I love it – it’s beautiful.

“Being an American, I always imagined it was more of a suburban city in the way that we have suburban cities which are very sprawling and generic, but it’s really beautiful here.”

Mrs London added she found the experience of seeing Blur rather surreal.

“Today, I’m like, ‘is this real are you kidding me?’

“We’re talking with their music teacher?

“This is surreal – it’s amazing.”