There are a whole host of big names and familiar faces coming to Colchester this year.

From comedians to historians and actors to singing sensations there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Here is a list of who is taking to the stage throughout the year – and how you can get tickets.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes

The explorer will be speaking at the Mercury Theatre with his show Living Dangerously.

It takes place on February 13 and tickets cost £33.50.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ many endeavours have pushed his endurance levels to the very limits, inspiring generations and making him a pioneer of exploration with an unparalleled story to tell.

Visit https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/sir-ranulph-fiennes-living-dangerously/

Russell Kane

The comedian is bringing his The Fast and Curious Show to the Mercury Theatre.

It takes place on February 14 and tickets, which are still available, start at £21.

Winner of Best Show in 2010 at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards, Russell went on to make history as the first comedian to win both the Edinburgh Award and Melbourne Comedy Festival’s Barry Award in one year.

Visit https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/russell-kane-the-fast-and-the-curious/

Jason Manford

The comedian is heading to Charter Hall for his show Jason Manford: Muddle Class.

He will be on stage on March 7 from 7.30pm to 9pm. Doors open at 6.30pm.

Tickets are £28.50 and there are still some on offer at www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/jasonmanford/.

David Starkey

The historian will take to the stage with his Monarchy of Misfits show at the Mercury Theatre.

It takes place on April 2 and tickets are £19.

Visit https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/david-starkey-a-monarchy-of-misfits/

Ian Mckellen

The actor is coming to the Mercury Theatre on April 17 and 18.

Tickets start at £15 and range up to £35.

He is celebrating his 80th birthday with a touring solo show with Tolkein, Shakespeare and others.

The superstar has a link to the town as his late sister Jean lived here and was a regular visitor to the Mercury.

Visit https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/ian-mckellen/

Ruby Wax

The comedienne is bringing her show How to be a Human to the Mercury Theatre.

With a little help from monk Gelong Thubten, who explains how the mind works, and neuroscientist Ash Ranpura who explains where everything that makes us ‘us’ can be found in the brain.

The show takes place on April 25 and last two hours.

Tickets cost £25.

Visit https://www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/ruby-wax-how-to-be-human/.

UB40

Birmingham’s world famous reggae starts are coming to Colchester for their 40th anniversary tour.

Fans can expect to hear the band’s greatest hits including (I can’t help) Falling in Love with You; Red, Red Wine and Food for Thought.

It takes place on May 14 from 7pm at Charter Hall.

Tickets start at £39.50.

Visit https://www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/ub40-for-the-many/

Craig David

The hitmaker will be performing in Castle Park on June 2.

He will wow audiences will his classic songs and will be supported by DJ Sigala and Becky Hill.

Timings are to be confirmed.

General admission is £29.50 plus a booking fee. Bronze tickets are £32.50, silver tickets £42.50 and golden tickets £60.

All ticket prices increase on the day.

Visit https://www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/craig-david/.

Tom Jones

The global superstar will be taking to the stage in Castle Park on July 21.

His hits include It’s Not Unusual, Delilah and What’s New Pussycat.

Bronze tickets start at £39.50 plus a booking fee, silver tickets are £50 and golden tickets £65.

Visit https://www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/tom-jones/.

Ben Elton

The comedian is performing at Charter Hall on October 30 from 7.30pm.

He is back on the road with an all new stand-up show.

Tickets start at £31.

Visit https://www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/ben-elton/

Henning When

The comedian is bringing his show Get on With It to Charter Hall on November 22 from 8pm.

Tickets start at £23.50.

Visit https://www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/henning-wehn/

Jimmy Carr

The star is bringing his show Terribly Funny to Charter Hall on November 30.

Tickets start at £31.50 and the show kicks off at 7.15pm.

Jimmy’s brand new show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things.

Visit https://www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/jimmycarr/

Ed Byrne

Join Ed as he takes a long hard look at himself for his show If I’m Honest.

It will take place at Charter Hall on December 7 at 8pm. Tickets start at £26.50.

A household name, he has appeared on Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week.

Visit https://www.colchester-events.co.uk/event/ed-byrne/