REGGAE legends UB40 have been announced as headliners for a huge Colchester Castle Park gig. 

The band will take to the stage as part of the brand new Colchester Castle Summer Series. 

The festival will see some of the UK's best bands and names perform at open air concerts. 

UB40 is set to play as a part of the festival on August 17, 2025, with smash-hits such as Kingston Town, I Got You Babe and Red, Red Wine.

Special guests include Bitty McLean, Pato Banton and Trojan Sound System. 

Building on a legacy that dates back 45 years to his formative years in inner-city Birmingham, singer and guitarist Ali Campbell's is excited to be performing in Colchester.

Ali said: "I think I’ve got the best reggae band in the world, and you can quote me on that.

"They are all seasoned musicians, who have spent all their lives in professional bands, and I feel so confident with them.

"We can play in the UK, Africa or an island like Fiji, and people will be buzzing afterwards. The past few years have been tough for a lot of people.

"There’s a lot of darkness in the world. I’ve lost close friends long before their time. But life goes on, and this group seems to leave a good vibe wherever we play."

Over the years, they have received four Grammy Award nominations for Best Reggae Album and were nominated for the Brit Award for Best British Group in 1984.

With each show welcoming up to 10,000 attendees, the Colchester Castle Summer Series is set to be the largest music event the city has seen in years.

This unique celebration of live music promises to deliver unforgettable performances in the heart of one of England’s most historic and scenic locations.

The team behind the event, promoters Soundcrash and Supermodified, also host popular events like the Margate Summer Series, London’s South Facing Festival, Hitchin Priory Series, and Cardiff Bay Series. 

Craig David MBE will headline Lower Castle Park on August 16, 2025, for the opening date of the Colchester Castle Summer Series.

During his headline show, entitled Craig David Presents TS5, he will have special guests like Wes Nelson, 24hr Garage Girls, and Patrick Nazemi.

Further line-up announcements are to follow.