COLCESTRIANS are being invited to join members of the Lion Walk United Church for a weekend of reflection and celebration.

The origins of Lion Walk Church, opposite Boots, dates back to 1642, when a group of Christians were forced to meet in secret to worship under the teachings of the then banned reform movement.

Eventually, the group met in the open, and built a church (the Octagonal Building – echoed by the current church’s shape) on the site of the current church in 1863.

The current church building is the third church to have been built on the site.

The spire, a Colchester landmark, is a link to the previous church which was demolished as part of the re-development of Lion Walk shopping precinct.

This weekend, Lion Walk Church is throwing its doors open for a ‘Weekend of Reflection and Celebration’ to look to the future.

The event starts is running from today until Sunday at 4pm.

A spokesman for the event said: "There will be opportunities to learn about the activities of the church, as well as a craft and art fair, where you are invited to peruse and purchase artworks and craft from local artists."

The event will end with Choral Evensong on Sunday at 4pm.

People are are also invited to attend the normal morning worship at 10.30 on Sunday.

He added: "So if you are at a loose end, curious, looking for a church to join, or just want to discover and support some local artists and craftspeople, drop by and see what’s on offer and join one of the services through the weekend. A warm welcome awaits you."

Further details are on lionwalkchurch.org.