A HUGE R&B and UK garage star is coming to Colchester for an open-air concert next year.

Craig David MBE will headline Lower Castle Park on August 16, 2025, for the opening date of the Colchester Castle Summer Series.

During his headline show, entitled Craig David Presents TS5, he will have special guests like Wes Nelson, 24hr Garage Girls, and Patrick Nazemi.

It will also see the artist sing, rap, and DJ, as he combines a set of R&B, swing beat, garage, and house anthems.

Craig David first rose to prominence 20 years ago when he released his critically acclaimed album, Born To Do It.

Over the years, he has achieved 23 UK top 40 singles, top 40 singles, nine UK top 40 albums, and amassed over 5 billion streams worldwide and has achieved multi-platinum status in more than 20 countries around the world .

Famous - Craig DavidFamous - Craig David (Image: PR) He also two UK Number 1 albums under his belt and has won three Ivor Novello Awards and four MOBO Awards.

The singer-songwriter is well known for songs like 7 Days, Fill Me In,  Walking Away, and Insomnia.

Throughout his career so far, he has collaborated with Sting, Jorja Smith, Big Narstie, and more.

According to a spokesman, the Colchester Castle Summer Series will champion some amazing talent.

They said: “Next summer, the historic Colchester Castle Park is the setting for a huge, new series of open-air concerts, the Colchester Castle Summer Series.

Award winner - raig David with the Outstanding Contribution award at the Mobo Awards 2022 at the OVO Arena Wembley, London, 2022Award winner - raig David with the Outstanding Contribution award at the Mobo Awards 2022 at the OVO Arena Wembley, London, 2022 (Image: PA) “Set against the stunning backdrop of Lower Castle Park, this exciting event will showcase some of the UK’s most celebrated artists and bands.

2With each show welcoming up to 10,000 attendees, the Colchester Castle Summer Series is set to be the largest music event the city has seen in years.

“This celebration of live music promises to deliver unforgettable performances in the heart of one of England’s most historic and scenic locations.”

The timelessly talented Craig David is the first to be confirmed for August 16, kicking off announcements for what promises to be an incredible line-up of shows.

Performance - DJ Craig David performing on day four of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse in MarchPerformance - DJ Craig David performing on day four of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse in March (Image: Adam Davy/PA) The following headliners for the concert series will be revealed in the future.

Tickets are on sale from November 1 at 10am.

For tickets and more information, visit colchestercastlesummerseries.co.uk/whats-on.