Date issued: 10 February 2020
As part of its commitment for a Better Colchester, Colchester Borough Council has lit up the Castle to celebrate and showcase the town’s rich heritage for residents and visitors.
On Friday 7 February, the installation of new LED colour-changing lighting was completed, improving the lighting of Colchester Castle after dark and showcasing the largest Norman keep in Europe in all its glory.
From March, plans to light a section of Colchester’s Roman Wall on a permanent basis will also go live. The council will be lighting a 30-metre stretch of the wall, extending to the south of Balkerne Gate. It will be lit from dusk until 11pm each night.
This permanent lighting scheme, which has been approved by Historic England, also uses LED lighting. Both schemes have been undertaken in conjunction with Universal Stone Ltd.
Cllr Julie Young, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Performance and Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “Some of the key parts of our Better Colchester campaign are to make Colchester even more welcoming and to celebrate our heritage.
“The permanent lighting after dark of both the castle and a section of the oldest town wall in Britain is a fantastic way to celebrate and showcase our wonderful heritage. I hope residents and visitors enjoy seeing them highlighted in this way.”
Cllr Mark Cory, Leader of Colchester Borough Council, added: “We have listened, and we are committed to celebrating our heritage by making projects such as this possible.
“These lighting schemes exhibit two stunning pieces of heritage lit up after dark. This, along with other projects, really is making a Better Colchester for residents, visitors and businesses.”
The Better Colchester campaign sets out to make Colchester an even more attractive place to live, work and visit.
Page last reviewed: 10 February 2020