A FREE eco-festival has been a hit with 4,500 people attending to part in activities and discover new ways of living sustainably.

The event was staged in Castle Park in Colchester and was aimed at inspiring and teaching visitors how to create a positive social environmental change.

The free festival was organised by community volunteers and showcased environmental change through stalls, activities and food vendors.

On the day, there were 101 stalls comprising traders, community groups, public sector groups and councils.

The stalls ranged from woodcraft, knitted goods, eco-friendly jewellery and repurposed sea-wood items.

Health and wellbeing stalls had also been set up, offering support and teaching wellbeing to visitors, whilst selling a wide array of products aimed to boost wellbeing.

Stalls were dedicated to sustainable transport, showcasing e-scooters and e-bikes, as sustainable alternatives to driving.

There was also a range of vegan and vegetarian foods on offer, to feed hungry visitors. Food on offer ranged from juices, Asian food, bakeries, coffee and ice cream stalls.

There were children and baby dedicated areas, which included many activities, from foraging to folklore and muddy fingers environmental arts.

Colchester Council, Colchester Labour Party, Colchester Liberal Democrats and Green ward councillor Mark Goacher also had stalls which aimed to address residents' environmental concerns and questions.

The Colchester frock swap was also at the festival giving people the chance to change up their wardrobe without clothes going in to landfill.

Andrew Wilkinson, of En-form, a Colchester environmental charity, said: 'This second eco-festival was even bigger than last year with a lot more stalls and a lot more visitors.

“Everyone had a good day and feedback suggests people picked up lots of environmental hints and tips which will help them lead more sustainable lives and save money in the future.

“Our volunteers were superb and ensured this was an event created by the community for the community.

"If anyone wants to be involved next year, let us know.”