Colchester musican Annie Maguire saves Castle Park concert

Annie Maguire, 29, is a singer-songwriter who moved to Colchester three years ago with her family after growing up in east London.

On Sunday, music lovers turned up to Castle Park’s bandstand to watch jazz singer Ruby Robinson perform a free concert.

Unfortunately the headlining act had to cancel the show at the last minute, leaving an audience, who had brought their deckchairs, picnic baskets, and more, without any music.

Annie, who previously worked in London, has been singing for more than ten years, busking for two, and decided to go full-time eight months ago.

Passionate - Annie Maguire performing at a concert (Image: Annie Maguire)

She had been performing in Trinity Street from 11.30am that day and after speaking with a friend, decided to get some lunch and head to Castle Park to watch the concert.

The songwriter, who is inspired by the likes of Lianne La Havas, Norah Jones, Joss Stone and Jack Johnson, ate her lunch and was told there was no music.

Her friend then encouraged her to “rock up and play".

Annie said: “There were around 100 people.

Performing - Annie Maguire in Castle Park (Image: Annie Maguire)

“I felt so nervous when I realised what I was doing because it was all of a sudden.

“As soon as I plugged in my mic, I established that I wasn't Ruby but here I am."

Annie played a long set of covers and original material from 3.30pm until 6pm.

The singer-songwriter’s music veers towards “soul, blues, and a bit of country”.

She also performed covers from The Eagles, Van Morrison and others.

Following the show, Annie said she had had “tonnes of donations”, adding: “People were so lovely.”

She said: “I felt very grateful and appreciated, it was so unexpected.

"It brightened up my day so much. It is hard as an artist and busker, but when you have days like that, it all makes sense.”

Artist - Annie Maguire performing at another gig (Image: Annie Maguire)

Annie will be performing at a charity event at the Queen Street Brewhouse on September 7, from 1pm to 2pm.

Music lover Morna Clements was at Sunday's concert with friends, and praised Annie’s performance.

Morna said: “She was really talented.

“We were so impressed. A lot of people didn’t know the reason for the artist’s cancellation.

“It was such a wonderful experience - something unexpected. It is great to know Colchester has such talented musicians.”

To find out more about Annie, head to facebook.com/anniemaguiremusic.