HUNDREDS of youngsters enjoyed a day of laughs and smiles thanks to the Free Family Fun Festival in Colchester’s Castle Park.

A host of bouncy castles, along with a whole range of other activities was provided on Saturday, thanks to the event hosted by Colchester Churches.

A record crowd enjoyed the event, which was soundtracked by live music.

Spokesman Lorraine Davies said it had been a fantastic success, despite the mixed weather.

She said: “We had an absolutely brilliant day.

“There was so many people and lots of families just having an enormous amount of fun on the bouncy castles and everything else.

“It has been great.”

Alongside the bouncy castles and live music, the day featured sumo suits, a BBQ, a Tiny Tea Tent, a Dog Show and lots of other free activities.

The event is now in its third year, and Lorraine said she hoped it would continue to become one of the most enjoyable fixtures in Colchester’s calendar.

She said: “We are hoping for bigger and better next year.

“All of the people who help to put it on are volunteers and they have a good time as well as the families and children.

“This year we had more people attend than ever before and everyone is committed to growing it.”

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