Chelmsford is set to reclaim its spot on the UK’s live music map with the launch of a brand-new event: Chelmsford City Live 2025. The festival will take place at Chelmsford City Racecourse and is expected to draw crowds of up to 30,000 people per day, promising an electrifying weekend of chart-topping performances, community spirit, and summer celebration.
A Star-Studded Line-Up
Leading the charge will be international pop icon Justin Timberlake, joined by Essex-born superstar Olly Murs, who is expected to draw a massive local following. Other big names are expected to be announced in the coming months, but organisers are already promising a diverse and world-class line-up across multiple genres.
Taking place in July 2025, the festival will span several days and include multiple stages, food villages, VIP areas, and immersive festival experiences.
“We’re thrilled to bring something of this scale to Chelmsford. It’s time the city had its own major music identity again, and this festival will be one for the history books,” said an event spokesperson.
Chelmsford's Musical Comeback
Chelmsford has a rich history of hosting music events – most notably as the long-time home of V Festival, which ended in 2017. Since then, residents and music lovers across Essex have been calling for the return of a large-scale event.
Chelmsford City Live aims to fill that gap and re-establish the city as a must-visit destination on the UK’s festival circuit.
Venue & Access
Chelmsford City Racecourse, located just outside Great Leighs, is no stranger to large events. With excellent transport links and the capacity to handle tens of thousands of visitors, it’s an ideal choice for the festival’s ambitious scale.
Organisers have confirmed that camping options, shuttle services, and car parking facilities will be available. Full ticket details are expected to be released soon.
