Live Music in Colchester

From small shows in the back room of pubs, to large-scale concerts catering to thousands in Castle Park, Colchester has a great live music scene attracting nationally touring acts as well as promoting homegrown talent.

It's not all rock music either - you'll discover classical concerts, folk, jazz, experimental sounds and more. If you're not sure what to go for, we say it's always worth taking a risk on whatever's happening at Colchester Arts Centre - you never know who you'll see there! Previous performers have included world-famous comedians, jazz legends and local superstars like 'Blur'.

Alternatively, for a unique experience, you might enjoy a free open air concert at the Colchester Bandstand. Throughout the year, performers take to this historic metal structure to entertain the local community.

Discover what bands are coming to Colchester and the best venues to catch live music in by browsing our listings below. 

COS: Guys and Dolls (2026) Jan 29

Guys and Dolls follows Nathan Detroit, who runs an illegal dice game, his fiancée of 14 years, Adelaide, big time gambler Sky Masterson, and sweet Sarah Brown, leader of the Save-a-Soul Mission. Will Adelaide ever get her big white wedding? And why is Sarah mixing with…

Darkness and Light Colchester Chamber Choir Jan 31

It is good to have something to look forward to when all the festive fun is over, and we have just the thing to brighten a late January evening. Darkness and Light presents sacred music by candlelight from the court of the Sun King Louis XIV by Charpentier and De Lalande. Expect…

Fiona Ross Feb 01

Named among the 100 Alternative Power Music List, multi-award-winning jazz artist, journalist, Grammy Academy member and founder of the award-winning Women in Jazz Media organisation Fiona Ross is 'an artist at the top of her game' (Jazz Quarterly). Whether it is her full…

Taylormania 2026 Feb 01

An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time. Katy Ellis, a talented 'Swiftie' with an incredible live band and dancers promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will…

ELO Encounter: Face The Music Feb 06

Roll over Beethoven, because the greatest tribute to Jeff Lynne's Electric Light Orchestra is here! In an all live show featuring soaring strings, striking vocal harmonies and playing all the much loved songs from ELO's hit-filled library including Evil Woman, Telephone…

John Kirkpatrick: 200 Years of the Squeezebox Feb 06

John Kirkpatrick romps through two hundred years of popular tunes to showcase the range and versatility of these cheerful little instruments, with a programme that reaches way beyond his usual folk roots. You’ll hear themes from the classics, light music, well-loved songs…

The Dazzling Diamonds – Comedy Variety Drag Show Feb 12

Prepare to be dazzled as The Dazzling Diamonds proudly present their smash hit comedy variety drag show. From jaw-dropping dance numbers to hilarious lip-sync performances and not forgetting the sensational live vocals, the cast will have you rolling with laughter and dancing in…

Guns 2 Roses – Supported by Cobain't and AC/DC Reborn Feb 14

Guns 2 Roses are the closest looking and most internationally recognised Guns N Roses tribute act. Established in 2002, the band is the longest-running and only tribute act to perform with four original Guns N Roses band members internationally. Doors: 6:30pm Cobaint: 7pm AC/DC…

Shout Out To The 60s Feb 19

Prepare to step back into the fabulous music of the 1960s with this toe-tapping, twisting, head-shaking celebration of the decade's greatest idols, This show honours the Artistes who made the music unforgettable, from Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Cilla Black, Petula Clark, Aretha…

Stumpy Sanderson's 1970s Jamboree Bag Feb 20

Join storyteller and singer-songwriter Andrew Brammer for a hilarious and nostalgic evening about the exploits of a mischievous gang of working-class boys growing up in the 1970s. Quite unlike anything you will have heard before! "Haven't laughed like that in ages…

The Paul McCartney Project Feb 21

The Paul McCartney Project presents an evening of music, written by Sir Paul McCartney. The story of one of rock music's most successful and talented songwriters is told through live music, video and narrative and features songs from an enormous back catalogue including those…

The Olivia Rodrigo Experience Feb 22

After exploding onto the music scene in 2021,Olivia Rodrigo has produced a catalogue of anthems, which she perfectly showcased at her 2025 headline Glastonbury slot. The Olivia Rodrigo Experience is a tribute to the Pop Rock Sensation celebrating all her biggest hits from her…

Sing the Musicals Feb 28

The first national tour of the greatest musicals of all time performed by a sensational live band and character singers, giant screen with Sing along lyrics make this the must see show of 2025/26. MAMMA MIA, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, DIRTY DANCING, LES MIS, PHANTOM, ROCKY HORROR…

Drag Me To The 80's Mar 07

Meet the cast of our 80's Divas and join us on an unforgettable journey as this amazing production delivers a dazzling fusion of nostalgia, empowerment and a celebration of the extraordinary. Get ready to dance, sing and be captivated by the powerhouse vocals of the queens…

Radio GaGa – The Ultimate Tribute to Queen Mar 13

Be part of a night like no other as we bring you the concert you've been dreaming of! The ultimate celebration of one the biggest bands to have ever graced the stage – Queen. Break free with us and shake all over like a jellyfish as Radio GaGa recreates two magical hours live…

Rob Lamberti presents Perfectly George Mar 14

From Wham! all the way through to the diverse eras of George's hugely successful solo career, including timeless hits like 'Careless Whisper', 'Faith', 'I'm Your Man', 'Club Tropicana', and so many more, the show tells the story of George…

Daytime Silent Disco for Grown Ups Mar 21

The ULTIMATE SILENT Daytime DISCO experience is coming to Charter Hall, Colchester Saturday 21st March Put on your wireless headphones, choose your decade and let boogie!   Join us on the dance- floor for an unforgettable SILENT Day time Disco for Grown ups…

Amalgam at Patch Mar 27

Formed back in 2020, Amalgam started out as a collection of musicians rehearsing over the internet at the time of 'social distancing'. From this period emerged a collection of original material that went into the first album, called "Colours", released back in…

Boyband in the Buff: Starring Gareth Gates Mar 28

Get ready to scream like it's 1999! Boyband in the Buff is the ultimate throwback concert – starring pop heartthrob Gareth Gates and a cast of ripped and ridiculously talented performers. With nothing but harmonies, dance moves, and a whole lot of skin, the boys belt out the…

James B Partridge: Primary School Bangers Apr 03

What began as a few playful performances for his pupils has grown into a full-blown national phenomenon – from classroom singalongs to Glastonbury, BBC appearances and sell-out theatre shows across the country. Join James for a joy-filled, tongue-in-cheek trip back to the songs…

Nat King Cole: Unforgettable Apr 10

Singer Mark Anthony presents Unforgettable – A Tribute to Nat King Cole, exploring the music and legacy of one of the most distinctive voices in American music. Accompanied by a live quartet, this stunning show recreates the magic of the 1950s Cotton Club with timeless hits…

K-Pop Party Apr 12

The UK’s first touring K-POP show!   Get ready to sing, dance, and party like never before at K-POP PARTY – the ultimate live concert experience of Korea’s global music phenomenon! Full of the BIGGEST hits and fan-favourite tracks from the smash-hit…