On Monday 13 March 2023, the Cabinet of Watford Borough Council will consider a recommendation to appoint AEG Presents (AEG), a prominent global venue operator and concert promoter, to manage Watford Colosseum when it reopens in 2024 after undergoing significant improvements and refurbishments.

After a comprehensive procurement process to identify the best operator for the highly-regarded Colosseum, AEG emerged as the preferred candidate. AEG, a World-leading live entertainment company which owns or manages over 120 world-renowned arenas, stadiums, theatres, and clubs, including The O2 Arena, aligned with the council’s vision to establish the venue as a prominent destination for live performances and entertainment.

Throughout the procurement process, AEG demonstrated its capability to draw a diverse range of live music, comedy, and dance performances to Watford, contributing significantly to the town’s cultural and entertainment offerings and playing an important role in the local economy.

Watford Colosseum — The refurbishment is part of a larger £24.8m investment into the Town Hall Quarter.

Mr Taylor said he believes AEG will be able to “put The Colosseum on the map”. Leader of the opposition Councillor Nigel Bell (Lab, Holywell) said: “This is exciting news. The Colosseum is one of the jewels in our crown. The acoustics have been admired by filmmakers and studios, so it would be great to get that back.”