Olly Murs welcomed home for Chelmsford City Live gig

Tens of thousands of ticketholders descended on Chelmsford City Racecourse over the weekend for headline acts Justin Timberlake on Friday and Duran Duran on Saturday.

On Sunday, Murs, 40, took to the stage for a 90-minute set, opening with Troublemaker before he launched into Right Place, Right Time.

Partway through, the Witham born and bred celebrity said to fans: “Fifteen years ago, I took a chance on an audition, and right now Essex, as one of your own, I’m here on this stage.”

Smile - Olly Murs was happy to be back in Essex for the festival (Image: Outline Photography UK) Fans - Olly Murs was welcomed by smiling crowds (Image: Outline Photography UK) The chart-topping star performed his 15 Years of Hits UK tour just 20 minutes from his home.

Fans enjoyed his debut number one hit single Please Don’t Let Me Go, as well as Marry Me, Dear Darlin’, Heart Skips a Beat, Wrapped Up, and brand-new single Save Me exclusively for the Essex audience.

He ended the night with number one smash hit Dance With Me Tonight.

The Rock Choir Vocal Group opened the show earlier in the evening, followed by Essex’s Mark Wright’s DJ set, then multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Lemar with his soulful set.

Show - Fans enjoyed the supporting acts preceding Olly's performance (Image: Megan Rose Photography) Set - Essex's Mark Wright, a pal of Olly's, brought a DJ set to the show (Image: Megan Rose Photography) Music - Multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Lemar performed a soulful set (Image: Megan Rose Photography) Band - Blue celebrated their 25th year in music (Image: Megan Rose Photography) Special guests Blue then joined the night celebrating their 25th year in music, as Anthony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan, and Simon Webbe, performed hits including All Rise, One Love and If You Come Back.

Murs, who attended Notley High School in Braintree, will continue to celebrate 15 years since his rise to fame on The X Factor with more UK shows in August.