CASTLE park is set to be transformed into a concert hub this summer which will "delight" spectators with everything from jazz to swing music. 

Colchester Council has revealed its summer programme of Castle Park bandstand concerts, which is sponsored by Café In The Park.

The free, live concerts, taking place over several weekends until August 18, will kick-off this Saturday with a performance from Bhakti Marga UK Kirtan at 3pm, followed by a show by the Colne Endeavour Band on Sunday.

The series will boast a range of interesting genres and styles in order to cater to everyone's tastes.

The Electro Jazz Orchestra, for example, will be performing on the historic and refurbished Victoria bandstand on June 8, while Ruby Robinson, the Jazz Diva of Our Era, show on August 18.

Many other performances will take place over the summer months, including from the Sweeting Swing Band, which will play modern rock and pop favourites on July 27.

On other occasions, Lower Castle Park will be sound-tracked by spiritual music and big band tracks. 

Leader of Colchester Council, councillor David King, said: "The council was proud to invest in the refurbishment of the bandstand as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

“My thanks to Café In The Park for making this possible, with their generous sponsorship, which has allowed us to have such a great and diverse summer programme of music."

Café In The Park is located in the Upper Park – next to the bandstand and play park – and offers eat-in and takeaway refreshments.

The bandstand, meanwhile, was originally built in the 1890s and designed to hold a full military band from Colchester Garrison.

Mr King added: “It is wonderful that such a much-loved and historic structure is still delighting city visitors to this day."

The concerts are free to the public and do not require pre-booking.

A spokesman for Colchester Council said: "Simply turn up, enjoy picnics or refreshments at Café In The Park and listen to some wonderful music."

For more information, visit colchester-events.co.uk/event/castle-park-bandstand-concerts-2024.