THE Mercury Theatre will host a celebration of diverse arts and culture as part of Colchester’s Food and Drink Festival.

The event, which will take place in lower Castle Park, is funded by Big Lottery’s Celebrate England fund and aims to bring people together to get to know their neighbours better.

The theatre will host performances, talks and workshops providing visitors the opportunity to discover the rich and diverse cultures in Colchester.

Activities will include Bollywood dance workshop, African drumming sessions, and the chance to try Chinese calligraphy.

Don Quinn, organiser of the Food and Drink Festival, said: “The Food and Drink Festival has always given the people of Colchester the chance to try food from around the world and now they can explore the arts and culture from some of those countries too.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and I hope residents from across Essex will join us to celebrate all that makes us unique.”

The Mercury Theatre’s Martin Russell, added: “Supporting Colchester’s diverse communities is at the heart of what we do through our programme of participatory at the Mercury, from coordinating Colchester’s Great Get Together to hosting the Chinese New Year celebrations, and through our wide range of Youth Theatre groups and summer schools.

“All of our Cultural Feast activities are free, so come along and try your hand at a new skill.”

Workshops are free to attend for those also attending the festival. Tickets to the festival cost £4 for adults, while it is free entry for children aged 14 and under.

For tickets, visit foodanddrinkfestivalsuk.co.uk.