A BELOVED early 2000s pop-punk group from Southend is coming to Colchester for an open-air concert next year.

Busted will headline Lower Castle Park on August 15, 2025, as part of the Colchester Castle Summer Series.

After more than two decades in the music industry, Busted have become known for UK charting hits like What I Go To School For, Crashed The Wedding, and Year 3000.

Busted, comprised of James Bourne, Matt Willis, and Charlie Simpson, have had three of their four studio albums reach the number two position in the UK album charts.

Aerial view - Colchester CastleAerial view - Colchester Castle (Image: Nathan Catantan) They’ve sold 4.5 million records, won two BRIT Awards for best pop act and best British breakthrough act, headlined multiple arenas across the UK, and sold more than two million concert tickets.

Recently, Busted performed five sold-out shows at The O2 in London alongside fellow group, McFly.

For the band’s first Essex performance in six years, Busted will be joined by pop group, Scouting For Girls as the supporting act.

The Colchester Castle Summer Series will include headline performances from Craig David on August 16, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell on August 17, Texas on August 21, and James on August 22.

Band - (left to right) James Bourne, Charlie Simpson and Matt Willis from Busted attending the inaugural Rolling Stone UK Awards at the Roundhouse, London, last yearBand - (left to right) James Bourne, Charlie Simpson and Matt Willis from Busted attending the inaugural Rolling Stone UK Awards at the Roundhouse, London, last year (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

Notable support acts include the likes of Happy Mondays, Lightning Seeds and Graham Coxon’s The Waeve, all of which are supporting the James concert.

A spokesman for the festival said: “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 Colchester Castle Summer Series is being put on by the promoters Soundcrash and Supermodified.

The companies are known for hosting popular UK events like the Margate Summer Series, London’s South Facing Festival, Hitchin Priory Series, and the Cardiff Bay Series.

Tickets go on sale at 10am for the Busted concert on November 22. Ticket prices have not been confirmed yet.

For more information, visit colchestercastlesummerseries.co.uk.

Further line-up announcements are to follow in the future.