Sofar Sounds Colchester set to return with gig in November

Sofar Sounds Colchester will return on November 29 with it’s first event in four years.

The volunteer-led group help put on live experiences, the premise is that after you purchase tickets, you don’t know who will be performing and the location won’t be disclosed until near the concert.

It’s connected to the wider Sofar Sounds music event company which has different franchises across the UK and the globe.

Gig - OUTLYA performing at a Sofar Sounds Colchester at Best Days Vintage (Image: Sofar Sounds Colchester) Sofar Sounds, founded in 2009, has featured huge musical artists like Bastille, Billie Eilish, Hozier, and Ed Sheeran all before they rose to prominence.

Stephen Dekker, 34, of Colchester, started Sofar Sounds Colchester back in 2017 after attending a lecture from the company’s founder, Rafe Offer at Westminster University.

After Colchester’s first show in 2017 in the basement of Three Wise Monkeys, the group has hosted shows with Sam Ryder, Superglu, Sam Eagle, China Bears, Polly Haynes, and many more.

Mr Dekker has explained why they had to go on hiatus and why he wanted to bring it back.

Boss - Stephen Dekker of Sofar Sounds Colchester (Image: Stephen Dekker) He said: “As with many other live events around the world, Sofar Sounds had to go on hiatus through the Covid pandemic.

“Most of the cities involved with Sofar managed to come back full strength when the time was right, but my wife, Gemma, and I had two kids in that time and between that and having a full-time job, I found it hard to get the ball rolling again.

“I was really missing organising live music and the connection you get from the local scene, so I set some time aside to make sure I could bring back.”

There are six core members who help bring Sofar Sounds Colchester to life, everyone does it for the love of music.

Happy - a crowd attending a previous secret Sofar Sounds Colchester gig (Image: Sofar Sounds Colchester) For Mr Dekker, he is excited to have Sofar Sounds Colchester rejoin the city’s music community.

He said: “Colchester has some cool independent music venues such as Coda, Three Wise Monkeys and the Arts Centre, hosting great local and touring acts.

“There are lots of talented people around here involved in the scene, Sofar brings another dimension with a unique and intimate experience to live music.

“This allows music lovers to connect on a more personal level with acts, other guests, and acts to connect with an attentive audience.

“It’s satisfying to know you’re part of a team that can make that happen in your local city.”

Sofar Sounds Colchester is hoping to run a show ever last Friday of the month, excluding December.

To find out more about Sofar Sounds Colchester and to purchase tickets for the event on November 29, visit sofarsounds.com/cities/colchester.