GET your face paint on, slip into a fancy dress outfit and fill your pockets with pennies.

Today we’re heading back to the early 1990s and joining the Colchester Carnival procession.

Carnivals are synonymous with the summer, of course.

From bright, vibrant colours to uplifting music and dancing, it’s a special occasion and something for the whole family to enjoy - the embodiment of community spirit.

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

On and off, Colchester Carnival has been taking place for decades and in previous nostalgia features we’ve looked back at processions up to and including the 1980s.

This time, we’ve rummaged through our archives to find pictures from 1991, 1992 and 1993.

Themes ranged from the circus to children’s film characters - but can you see yourself or anyone you know?

Have you taken part in the town’s carnival or been among the crowds?

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Or perhaps you’ve participated in other carnivals from across north Essex, like the popular Clacton event.

If you have stories to tell or pictures to share, email matt.plummer@newsquest.co.uk

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

Gazette: Getting in the spirit - all of the pictures on the next three pages were taken at Colchester Carnivals in the early 1990s

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