THE lead singer of iconic pop-band Scouting For Girls is excited to play in Colchester this summer and is urging residents to get their drinks out for an "amazing summer evening of music".

Roy Stride, singer and songwriter of Scouting For Girls, told of his love for Roman history, the Anti Loo Roll Brigade and getting stuck on the Greenstead Roundabout, in an exclusive Gazette interview.

Roy, a self-confessed ‘history geek’, explained he was excited to return to Colchester this summer and will get to the city ahead of schedule in order to look around at the Roman history on offer.

Gazette: Gig - The group will perform with Olly Murs in Castle Park this summer.Gig - The group will perform with Olly Murs in Castle Park this summer. (Image: Newsquest)

Roy said: “I am absolutely buzzing to return.

"We came here a couple of years ago to play at the weirdest named festival of all time… The Anti Loo Roll Brigade festival.  

"It was an amazing gig played in the most beautiful park.

“I was disappointed that I had to leave early, but I am looking forward to coming back and having a proper look around the city.

“I have really got into Roman history recently, and I know Colchester was the first Roman city, so I will try to get there early to have a look around at all of the sites… I am a bit of a history geek really.”

Scouting For Girls headlined the Anti Loo Roll Brigade Festival back in the summer of 2021 which was the band’s first time visiting Colchester.

Speaking on his first visit, Roy explained he had difficulties navigating the Greenstead roundabout.

He said: “I actually got really lost when we first visited, I think I managed to go around the massive ring road about four times before finding my exit.

“The Anti Loo Roll Brigade Festival was amazing, it was actually quite bonkers, I had never seen a gig like this before.

“There were nurse choirs and school children on the stage singing, it was a real family friendly gig, it was really fun. Whenever we come to Essex we have the best time.”

Gazette: The group will perform their new material and oldest hits for the people of Colchester.The group will perform their new material and oldest hits for the people of Colchester. (Image: SJM)

Giving a message to the people of Colchester, Roy said: “We are really looking forward to seeing you all, bring your drinks and get ready. It’s going to be an amazing event, a really fun summery evening of music.

“We are a great pairing with Olly, and it will be such a lovely atmosphere. We look forward to seeing you all.”

Scouting For Girls will perform alongside Olly Murs on Sunday, August 27.