ARE wrestling events set to be staged at Colchester Castle?

A catch-all licensing application has been submitted by Colchester Council for various forms of live entertainment to be held at the historic Norman keep including boxing, grappling and indoor sports events.

But council bosses have confirmed the move is more to do with allowing the castle to have its own license, independent of the current Castle Park regulations it currently abides by, even if it does end up with permission to host sporting events.

It could mean more weddings are held at the majestic venue, which have previously been limited by Temporary Event Notice legislation meaning just 15 could be staged in any given year.

A spokesman for Colchester Council confirmed they wanted the castle to be viewed independently.

He said: “Colchester Castle has submitted a standard licensing application which, if approved, will normalise its commercial activities and enable it to operate independently of the Castle Park licence.

“This will grant the attraction more control over its licensable activities and bring an end to the use of Temporary Event Notices, for example for weddings, which have previously been permitted under the terms of the Castle Park licence and been limited in number.

“This application will only go before the licensing committee if any public objections are received.”

The full application is asking for permission to put on plays, films, indoor sporting events, boxing and wrestling, live and recorded music, performances of dance and anything of a similar description at the castle, which also boasts an interactive museum.

If the plan is given the green light,  activities could take place between 10am and midnight on Mondays to Saturdays and between 11am and midnight on Sundays.

Colchester Council also wants to be able to continue to serve late night refreshment until midnight throughout the week.

A deadline for objections has been set for Wednesday, February 8 and comments can be sent to licensing.committee@colchester.gov.uk.