Colchester Castle Park grass ‘ruined again’ after house music event

Musik in the Park was staged in Lower Castle Park on Saturday - six months after the park's grass was churned up by heavy vehicles on the site for Oktoberfest. 

Event organisers at the time apologised for the damage and worked with Colchester Events and the city council arrange for repairs the land.

Prior to the huge house music extravaganza at the weekend, however, questions had been raised as to whether the ground would be in a fit state to host such events after images showed it still looking worse for wear.

Concerns have now been raised over the impact Musik in the Park may have had on the still-recovering turf.

Resident Rob Blackledge says he saw “tractors driving over the already damaged ground” ahead of the event on Saturday morning. 

Rob said: “This event will ruin the whole lower park surface meaning Colchester residents will not get the full use of this beautiful park."

Before - Castle Park the morning before Musik in the Park (Image: Rob Blackledge)

Another unhappy resident has since shared photos showing the aftermath of the festival which he took on Sunday morning.

They said: “Look at the ground. The event in Castle Park has left lower park ruined again”.

Damage - Castle Park after the Musik Festival (Image: Submitted)

Castle Park ward councillor Mark Goacher said he is now awaiting an official response from the organisers of the event after also being left unhappy with the condition in which the park has been left.

He said: “I am very annoyed the park has been left in a state like this again.

“The worst bits are relatively small so if they can look to cordon them off, they could let those bits rest.”

"I am not in favour of cancelling our main events, they are fantastic.

“You have to strike a balance, it’s just unfortunate one event last year caused all this trouble.”

Concerned - Sir Bob Russell (Image: Newsquest)

Sir Bob Russell, who previously said Oktoberfest had left the park in the “worst condition” he had ever known, also had his say.

“I can’t see how they can damage it any more than it has been damaged," he said.

“What is badly concerning is that it is only a matter of weeks before the 21-gun salute and other important events.”

Ruined - One resident said Castle Park was 'ruined' by the Musik Festival, seen here Sunday morning (Image: Submitted)

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: “We work closely with all event organisers to ensure every step is taken to preserve the grounds at the park.

“We want to assure residents we are actively working to address the situation and with drier and more seasonal conditions ahead, we expect the grounds to recover soon.

“We are committed to ensuring Lower Castle Park can be enjoyed by all and that it remains a vibrant venue for all scheduled events.”

The organisers of Musik In The Park declined to comment.