FOOD, dance and music was showcased as Colchester celebrated its first Festival of Rice.

Hundreds of people from Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Caribbean showed off their heritage in the event at Highwoods Community Centre in Colchester, which was organised by the Colchester Multi-Ethnic Forum in association with the East Anglian Indian Association.

It was held to bring people together and highlight the diversity of the people living in the area.

A traditional ceilidh band struck up and there were workshops in Bollywood and how to make sushi.

Alex Klokkaris, one of the organisers, said: “The festival was brilliant. We had so much going on.

“At one point I was almost close to tears during the ceilidh band because we had people of Syrian, English and Indian descent all dancing with each other. There was such a mix of cultures, which was amazing.

“Everyone was commenting how wonderful it was.”

It is the first time the event has been held, and the organisers are considering holding a second next year.