THE re-launch of the Colchester Free Festival is expected to attract 30,000 revellers to Castle Park over its new two-day programme.

The popular event took a break last year to plan for a “bigger and better” festival this year.

It is set to be re-launched with a bang on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30.

A statement released exclusively to the Gazette by the organisers said: “After four successful festivals and off the back of a huge volume of local ambition, creativity and support from artists, performers, businesses and volunteers, we think it’s time to think big – Colchester deserves big.

“We are a festival for the community, by the community with an expected attendance of 30,000 people across two days.”

Andy Winmill, festival coorganiser, said: “This year you can expect the same high-quality, genuine festival experience – still totally free and still with something for everyone of all ages and backgrounds.

“It’ll have live music, DJs, theatre, comedy, spoken word, trade stalls and much more.”

Fellow organiser Marc De’ath said: “As well as extending the event across two days, we’ve got a couple of surprises up our sleeves we hope will make people in the town smile.

“I am genuinely excited about the prospect of the Free Festival returning and building on the hard work everyone has put in to date.“ The festival’s line up is still being finalised.

Summer's second festival 

MUSIC fans will have a new festival to enjoy this summer.

The Sound of Colchester will be held on Sunday, June 14, a site off the Avenue of Remembrance, the day after popular dance music event, Freqklash, is held there.

The new festival has ska band the Newtown Kings as headliners along with along with acts, including Cushti, Governor’s Luck and Flat Mountain Family. DJ Ben Howard will play records during the early part of the day.

Rob Harding, well-known for the Freqklash events, is behind both events.

He said: “For us, it is us starting a new brand. It is the first, and we hope it will become a regular event in the Colchester summer calendar.

“We’re really excited about it.

It’s a great location and it’s not too close to homes.”

Temporary events notices for both festivals have been issued by Colchester Council.

Neither Essex Police and environmental health officers have raised any objections.

For more information, search Facebook for “the Sound of Colchester”, or visit colchesterfreefestival.org.uk