THE annual St George’s Day parade made its comeback in style with a huge celebration as youngsters marched through Colchester town centre.

The event had been cancelled for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

But it returned full of pomp and ceremony with the Union Jack flags fluttering overhead along Colchester High Street.

Colchester’s Scouts and Guides took centre stage alongside sea cadets and other youth movements with a total of more than 1,500 people in attendance.

At the event, donations were made to raise money in aid of the Shelter Box for Ukraine to provide sanctuary for those fleeing the Russian invasion.

Colchester mayor Robert Davidson was among the dignitaries present.

In total, 20 different groups from both Colchester North and Estuary districts took part in the parade.

The parade is held in honour of St George who is the patron saint of the Scouts movement.

Scouts renewed their promises at Colchester Castle Park after the march through the town.

David Reid, who is the district commissioner for Colchester North, was delighted at the turn out and how the event went.

He said: “It was packed.

“It’s been two years since we’ve had a parade and it felt nice to bring Colchester to a standstill.

“The weather was good and we had our two squirrel units out and it was their first St George’s Day parade.

“All the kids had fun and it’s always funny watching them try to walk in a straight line.

“We’re looking forward to next year’s parade already.”

Organisers are looking for a band master to help rejuvenate the band and bring music back to the parade by next year.