TRINITY Street traders in Colchester have declared a road block for a tea party turned festival to celebrate The Queen's 90th birthday.

On Sunday from 10am until 6pm it will be foot access only once the ribbon is officially cut on the free street party at midday, which will continue until 5pm.

The afternoon begins with outdoor dance performances at 12.30pm and 3pm, Funky Voices Choir at 2pm and a poetry reading from Martin Newell, at Tymperleys Tea Rooms for 1pm.

Buskers Fraser Morgan and Loxley's Corner will serenade guests in the street, while 20 independent stalls sell everything from jewellery to cakes.

A tarot card reader will reveal people's future in Icarus Hairdressing Salon and shoppers can indulge in taster therapies at the Tree Rooms and Natural Health and Beauty store.

Also running all day at Eclettico for £1 you can guess Clarence the Bear's birthday, buy Lucky Dips or Name the Mascot with a chance to win a £10 voucher.

There will also be colouring competitions at Café 21 and Timbers, plus Build a Bear workshops at Tindalls, and much more.

Paul Ridley-Thomas, owner of Icarus, said: "We've been organising this since January. Colchester Council wanted copious forms and risk assessments, plus possible traffic diversions, but it's happening now.

"The street should resemble a village fete with stalls and bunting. This was Alice Charrington's vision, from the Tymperleys Tea Rooms, but she's away in France at the moment so now the organising has landed in my lap.

"If the weather holds it should be really fun and we want as much people as possible there.

"Plus they're welcome to bring their dogs to pose for the Best Dog in Festival award, as long as they're on a lead.

"The competition is being judged by representatives from the Dog Trust who will be mingling with the crowd."

For more information, visit facebook.com/TrinityStCol.