SWAYING kilts, traditional dancing and the unmistakable sound of thunderous bagpipes immersed the grounds of Colchester’s Castle Park in a festival of Scottish heritage.

Pipes in the Park, which is now in its 27th year, delivered a cultural awakening as a sea of talented pipe bands competed in a Highland Gathering.

There was also the enthralling sight of more than 50 Highland dancers kitted out in colourful tartan attire mesmerising the appreciative crowd.

Military-style drummers, including the Kegs Corps of Drums, helped to enhance the power of the bagpipe players’ sheer sonic presence, delivering an overwhelming wall of sound and Scotch folklore to the park audience.

Youngsters were free to enjoy themselves on the bouncy castles and no-one went hungry thanks to the vast variety of tempting food and drink stalls which surrounded the Scottish extravaganza.

A spokesman for Pipes in the Park said: “It was a superb day of music and young dancers from Colchester also put on a stunning display of accurate footwork.

“The bands played some well-known tunes for the audience and the Kegs Corps of drums provided a marching display that a Guards band would have been proud of.”