A CRUELTY-free Valentine's Day will be the first of many under VGang UK.

Vegan husband and wife team Kevin and Alex Coulter, of Colchester, launched the social media and branding company last year and opted for an alternative Valentine's party for their first event.

Kevin, 47, said: "Not all the participants or guests were vegan, everyone was invited, but it was the first vegan-friendly valentine’s event of its kind in Colchester as far as we know.

"Many of the places we go to as a family we find we're asking if the food is vegan, or are having to look up what the ingredients are so we wanted to take the thought out of it for other people.

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Kevin and Alex Coulter in a romantic embrace

"After the huge success of Veganuary, and the massive increase in vegans nationwide, we believe it's important to increase the awareness of the growth of veganism."

Of course, the food was meat and dairy-free with delights from Colchester outlet Norwegian Bakers, which saved the day when The Den's mobile food van broke down.

Meelyhoops dazzled with a hula-hoop lightshow while magician Rob Hill and Didge Tall Paul blew people away with his amazing mix of traditional and beat-box style didgeridoo.

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 Emilia​ of Meelyhoops

The entertainment at Colchester Arts Centre was wrapped up in two DJ sets by DJ Fettdog and finished with Swing and Bass performer Fizzy Gillespie.

All helped to raise money for, and awareness of, the National Animal Welfare Trust in Clacton and charity Sea Shepherd. 

He said: "It went off without a hitch and was better than I imagined.

"The evening just got better and better.

"We didn't know when we booked the event last year where we'd be in our venture, but its since being comfortably growing.

Gazette:

"We set up to bring together local and national businesses, primarily focusing on events and promotion of all things vegan, bringing awareness to the masses and inspiring people."

And as soon as the couple recuperate, they will be booking the next event, tipped to be a summer festival.