COLCHESTER’S Free Festival has been allocated £2,500 as part of Essex County Council’s small grants scheme.

The money will help pay for the popular festival which is returning this August Bank Holiday as a two-day event after a one-year absence.

Colchester Film Festival also received £2,500 to help stage the 2015 festival, while Footprints Theatre Company, run by Paula Baker, was given the same sum to put on a drama and choral performance in St Martin’s Church, in West Stockwell Street, Colchester.

Performer Daisy Lees was awarded £700 to put on performances alongside Gambian Kora player Sura Susso in Copford and Rowhedge.

Lucy Teed and James Stocker were given grants to set up dance lessons with the elderly and to attend a musical directing course.