A LOVINGLY handcrafted 6m tall fairytale castle is set to return to a shopping centre this Christmas.

Culver Square Shopping Centre has applied for permission to bring the castle back to the shopping centre in both 2021 and 2022.

Featuring Santa and Rudolph, the Christmas castle will go on display in the heart of Culver Square between the third week of November until the second week in January each year.

The construction was created by staff from the Mercury Theatre to bring a touch of theatrics to the town centre during the coronavirus pandemic.

The resulting pink castle features Colchester themed stained glass windows, 500 fairy lights and was designed by Mercury scenic team member David Thomas.

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Colchester Council will have the final say on whether to approve the planning application.