PLANS have been announced for a new music festival in Colchester this summer.

The Sound of Colchester Festival has been teased on social media, but the event is still shrouded in secrecy.

The organisers, who have not been revealed, stated via Facebook: “TSOCFest (The Sound of Colchester) is the brand-new, live music event bringing together the best of Colchester and surrounding areas.

“Live musicians and singers.

The line-up is awesome and will be announced very soon. Happening on Sunday, June 14, in the summer sunshine, central Colchester and close to the main train station. More info soon.”

Colchester Council confirmed temporary event notices were granted for Saturday, June 13 and Sunday June 14.

There were no objections from Essex Police or environmental health. It means the festival has permission for up to 499 festivalgoers per day.

The news is likely to be welcomed by the town’s music lovers who will also be anticipating the return of the new, improved Colchester Free Festival, according to organisers.

Marc De’ath said: “The Free Festival is booked in at Castle Park. We are hoping to include an amazing programme of events.

“We have done this loads of times and are working closely with the council and police.” This year the Free Festival is expected to run for two days, on August 29 and August 30.

Organisers are still speaking to the authorities about the possibility of continuing into the evening, so times and events have not yet been confirmed.

The festivals could help Colchester recover its reputation after the debacle of the I AmMusic Festival last year. Hundreds still haven’t received ticket refunds nine months after the festival was cancelled amid planning problems.

The organisers’ PR agency said an insurance investigation was still being carried out, no money had been repaid and there was no schedule for it to be repaid.

However, organisers insisted if any money did come back, it would be used to refund at least some of the ticket costs.