ESSEX icon Olly Murs returned to Essex as he performed to a packed-out Colchester Castle Park crowd.

It was the third time the singing sensation had played in the city in recent years, playing at the Colchester United stadium in 2017 before taking to the Castle Park stage in 2021.

Olly had previously told the Gazette his last Castle Park show was “one of the best gigs he’d ever done”.

Gazette: Performance - Olly Murs on stagePerformance - Olly Murs on stage (Image: Steve Brading)

The Witham pop star returned to the popular beauty spot on Sunday, to the same success.

Once again Castle Park was full of loud and loyal supporters, as X Factor runner-up Olly performed for an estimated 10,000 plus people.

Gazette: Fans - thousands were packed into Castle ParkFans - thousands were packed into Castle Park (Image: Steve Brading)

He was also joined by support acts Cetty, Dagny and Scouting For Girls.

Gazette: Trio - Cetty, Dagny and Scouting For Girls were the support acts at Castle ParkTrio - Cetty, Dagny and Scouting For Girls were the support acts at Castle Park (Image: Steve Brading)

The show was part of a huge tour Murs has been embarking on for his seventh album Marry Me, which achieved number one in the UK earlier this year.

It has already seen the 39-year-old singer-songwriter perform all over the country, including Manchester, Leeds, London, Brighton and more.

Gazette: Songs - Olly performed plenty of his best hitsSongs - Olly performed plenty of his best hits (Image: Steve Brading)

Fans were treated to some of Olly’s newer songs from his latest album, including Marry Me, Best Night of Your Life and Dancing on Cars.

They were also sent back in time to hear some of his classic and most popular hits, such as Dear Darlin’, Dance With Me Tonight and Troublemaker.

Gazette: Loud - Castle Park was packed out for the concertLoud - Castle Park was packed out for the concert (Image: Steve Brading)

Olly took to Instagram after the show, posting a video on stage thanking fans for the support.

The caption read: “Essex, love you guys, special night as ever coming home.”

All pictures: Steve Brading