Halloween light show a disappointment for some families

The Light and Shades Halloween fun day, organised by Colchester Presents and Colchester Council, featured a fun day of Halloween activities included a ghost trail, art workshop, facepainting and spooky stories in Colchester's closed off High Street, Colchester Town Hall, Colchester Castle and in the shopping centres.

The event ended with a 3D light show at the town hall on Saturday night in which nursery rhymes Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Old King Cole were told through light stories projected on to the side of the building.

But the event had to be delayed because so many people turned up - prompting disappointment from the parents of young children.

They shared their views via Twitter and blog posts complaining the event had been poorly organised and a nightmare due to the crowds.

Colchester Council leader Paul Smith said lessons had been learnt on how to improve the event for next year.

He said: “There were a lot more people than we expected, particularly in the first show, so people didn’t always have a good view which was disappointing for them.

“But after people had left the first show it was a lot better, the amount of people totally surprised us.

“In hindsight we probably would have started it earlier but the actual display was fantastic.”

During the day witches, wandmakers and spooky stalls selling Halloween treats lined Colchester High Street.

Families flocked with their children dressed as ghosts and ghouls.

Hannah Whale, from Gosfield, came with her husband Paul, daughter Eva, five, and son Felix, four.

She said: “It’s been really fun and it is so nice to see everyone coming out together.

“The children have been really excited and so far it has been great fun.”

Anwen Walkerdine came with enjoyed the event with her husband David, and two children Jemima, six, and Theo, eight.

She said: “It was really lovely to wander around and enjoy the food and activities for the children, particularly the hoola hooping and the doughnuts.

“This is the first time we have had a real celebration and the children loved it. It was a perfectly pitched family day out.”

The day drew to a close with a 3D light show at the town hall, where nursery rhymes were told through light stories, projected onto the side of the listed building.

Mr Smith added: "We wanted to do something a little bit different to bring people into the town.

“It has been a treat to look forward to after the half term holidays and we have had an extremely positive response.”