Chelmsford City Live Festival Welcomes 25,000 Fans for Star-Studded Lineup

Chelmsford City Live, a prominent music festival, commenced its opening night on Friday, drawing an expected crowd of up to 25,000 attendees to the Chelmsford City Racecourse. The festival features an impressive lineup, headlined by ten-time Grammy Award winner Justin Timberlake, alongside popular acts such as Olly Murs and Duran Duran, promising a vibrant celebration of music and culture from Friday through Sunday.

Ben Hatton, the event promoter and a veteran in the industry, expressed his excitement about the festival, highlighting Essex's rich musical heritage. "Essex has given rise to so many great bands, and this event aims to showcase our best talent," he stated. Hatton, who has spent two decades promoting events, called the festival a "magical" culmination of efforts in his home county, anticipating an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Timberlake's performance marks a significant highlight, as he has sold over 63 million singles throughout his career. Prior to Timberlake, singer Jess Glynne, known for her chart-topping hit "Hold My Hand," is scheduled to take the stage, setting the tone for the event's opening night. Murs, a native of Witham, expressed that his Sunday performance would be the largest gig he has ever done in Essex, underscoring the personal significance of the event.

Members of the boyband Blue are also slated to perform on Sunday as they prepare for their upcoming world tour in October. Following the festival's commencement, Antony Costa, one of Blue's members, shared his enthusiasm about returning to perform in his local area. "I can’t wait. It’s just round the corner, and my family can come along," said Costa, reflecting on the unique experience of performing in his hometown.

The festival is not only a celebration of music but also a showcase of the local community’s spirit. BBC Essex is broadcasting live from the venue, capturing the excitement as the event unfolds. On Saturday, attendees can look forward to performances from Duran Duran, Nile Rodgers & Chic, and JC Stewart, further enriching the festival's appeal.

As the weekend progresses, Hatton hopes the festival will not only entertain but also foster a sense of community pride and cultural appreciation in Essex. "I don’t think it’s sunk in yet; it’ll probably sink in on Monday with a nice cup of tea, reflecting on what we’ve all achieved," he noted, encapsulating the essence of this significant local cultural event.