The ALB Festival has confirmed it will return to Lower Castle Park in Colchester, Essex, on September 12-13, 2026. Organisers have announced that pop group Scouting For Girls and festival regular Rick Parfitt Jnr are among the first acts confirmed for the event, which is designed as a weekend for local families.
The festival uses a two-day format where Saturday focuses on mainstream pop performers, while Sunday is dedicated to tribute acts and a 40-piece orchestra. Early bird tickets for the 2026 weekend are already available on the official website, alongside VIP packages that include private bars and premium seating areas.
Festival founder Peter Dutch originally started the Anti Loo Roll Brigade as a community support group during the 2020 pandemic. The festival now serves as a major fundraiser for the group, which supports local projects such as the Lakelands community centre for children and veterans in nearby Stanway.
The event has gained significant recognition in recent years, winning several regional awards including festival of the year for both Essex and East Anglia for multiple consecutive years. Residents are encouraged to book early for the weekend, which is expected to bring thousands of extra visitors to the city centre.
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