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Colchester Castle Summer Series Presents

Undisputed kings of UK reggae, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell headline a huge day of reggae, sunshine and positive vibes at Roots East on Sunday 17th August 2025, as part of the Colchester Castle Summer Series. This new series of open-air concerts, set against the stunning backdrop of Lower Castle Park, will showcase some of the UK’s most celebrated artists and bands.

In this second wave announcement, a host of reggae royalty is revealed, including the R&B and soul influenced reggae group Aswad, legendary selector David Rodigan, musician, DJ and filmmaker Don Letts, lovers rock and reggae singer Bitty McLean, one of the original queens of reggae Dawn Penn, and an institution in British sound system culture. Trojan Sound System.

Fuelled by the voice that powered UB40 to 70 million record sales and over fifty UK chart hits, Ali Campbell is again bringing some much-needed reggae cheer into the world as he takes the latest incarnation of his extraordinary band to the world’s biggest stages, including Colchester Castle Summer Series this August. Building on a legacy that dates back 45 years to his formative years in inner-city Birmingham, singer and guitarist Ali’s touring ensemble remains the most authentic realisation of UB40’s original aim of advancing reggae in all its guises.

This is an over 18 event only

Accessibility & Disabled tickets can only be purchased via Ticketmaster

Doors 2pm / Approx finish 10:30pm