COUPLES who tied the knot in a church now used as an Arts Centre and music venue were invited along to an event to celebrate marriage.

More than 50 people who got married in the old St Mary’s at the Walls church, now Colchester Arts Centre, revisited the venue to share their memories.

Couples who were married in the 1940s up until 1980, when the church became an arts centre, were at the event.

The event was part of Gift, a month-long arts extravaganza to celebrate the history and culture of Colchester.

Contemporary artist Richard Layzell held a market stall called Gived, outside Halifax Building Society, in Culver Street West, as part of the festival. Shoppers were given free toys, books and CDs.

Anthony Roberts, arts centre director, said: “People thought there was a catch.

“If someone gives you something it is usually for a reason, but in this case it was just for the act of giving.”