A FESTIVAL is set to flush away the memories of missed events over the past year and get the community dancing again.

Colchester Anti Loo Roll Festival is set to take place at Lower Castle Park on Saturday, September 11, with Scouting For Girls headlining the event.

It will feature music, cabaret and entertainment galore and is the brainwave of the Anti Loo Roll Brigade – a community group which supported vulnerable people at the beginning of the pandemic and throughout lockdown.

There will be two stages at the star-studded event and musical acts also include former X Factor winner Matt Cardle and Jake Quickenden.

Entertainment lovers can also catch appearances from former Britain’s Got Talent runners up dance duo Twist and Pulse, and Steve Hewlett with his hilarious ventriloquism act.

Helping to keep the stages running smoothly are hosts; TV presenter, Craig Stevens, and hilarious drag sensations Vicky Vivacious and Amber Dextris. The show which will also feature an appearance by much-loved magician, Michael J Fitch.

Gazette: Michael J FitchMichael J Fitch

Guests to the festival can also enjoy the hilarious meanderings of Comedian Ashley Edwards, improvised comedy from Scared Scriptless and sing along and dance to acts paying tribute to Abba, Oasis, Stereophonics, Katy Perry and many more.

X Factor entrant Stevie Ritchie will also appear singing songs from the shows.

The family-friendly festival includes a children’s area full of workshops, inflatables, magic, and a huge array of food and drink stalls to browse, including a fully licensed gin bar.

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Peter Dutch, founder of the Anti Loo Roll Brigade, said: “We’ve come a long way since the initial panic buying of the pandemic in how we treat and look out for each other.

“It has been truly heart-warming to be a part of this fast-growing movement in celebrating those key workers and supporting those who needed it most in what has been a testing time.

“Now the lockdowns are coming to an end it’s fantastic to be able to put together such a joyous event to bring the community together safely to have fun and enjoy themselves; while every penny raised will benefit our community through the work we already do, areas we want to expand into and all the local charities we support.”

Tickets were launched for the festival at 11am and can be purchased via www.AntiLooRollFestival.uk.