Crowds prepare for Justin Timberlake at festival

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.

Ten-time Grammy Award winner Timberlake was due to headline at Chelmsford City Racecourse on Friday, after a career in which he has sold more than 63 million singles.

It would follow a performance by Jess Glynne, known for hits such as Hold My Hand.

Witham-born singer Murs said performing on Sunday would be the biggest gig he had ever done in Essex.

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 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."