Chelmsford City Live kicks off ahead of Justin Timberlake show

Shivani Chaudhari & Sonia Watson

BBC News, Essex

Getty Images Justin Timberlake wearing a suit and bow tie in front of a yellow and red background.Getty Images

Justin Timberlake is headlining the festival’s opening night on Friday

A music festival featuring Justin Timberlake, Olly Murs and Duran Duran has kicked off at a racecourse.

Up to 25,000 people are expected to watch the artists at Chelmsford City Live until Sunday.

Ben Hatton, who promoted the event, said Essex was known for “so many great bands” and the event would showcase its best talent.

He said it was “magic” to watch everything come together in his home county.

PA Media Four members of the Blue boyband all wearing black suits.PA Media

Members of boyband Blue have spoken of their excitement ahead of performing

Boyband Blue were also booked to perform on Sunday, ahead of their world tour in October.

Singer-songwriter Antony Costa said: “I can’t wait, I love Chelmsford.

“It’s crazy that it’s my local shopping area where I’m Antony the dad, walking round with my kids and the missus, and then a week later I’m there performing with the boys.”

Costa, from Chigwell, added: “I can’t wait. It’s just round the corner and the family can come along.”

The large stage at Chelmsford City Live with a small crowd in front of it. Either side of the stage are purple screens that say BBC Essex. It has a red screen at the back which says Chelmsford City Live.

The calm before the storm on Friday

BBC Essex was broadcasting live from the event as it started on Friday.

The following day will see Duran Duran, Nile Rodgers & Chic and JC Stewart take to the stage.

Mr Hatton, from Leigh-on-Sea, said: “I’ve been a promoter for 20 years and I’ve always wanted to stage something big in my home county.

“Everything came together and it’s magic.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in; it’ll probably sink in on Monday with a nice cup of tea thinking back to what we’ve all achieved.”

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