A DAY of family fun was on the agenda as a popular festival returned to the city after three years.

Colchester’s Free Family Fun Festival was back at Castle Park on Saturday after a long Covid hiatus.

Gazette: Smiles - Equippers Essex Pastor Barry Roberts with a steward on the day (Picture: Billie Mouat)Smiles - Equippers Essex Pastor Barry Roberts with a steward on the day (Picture: Billie Mouat) (Image: Billie Mouat)

Gazette: Woof - the dog show was popular once again (Picture: Billie Mouat)Woof - the dog show was popular once again (Picture: Billie Mouat) (Image: Billie Mouat)

Heading into its seventh year, the festival is a big hit in the community and this weekend was no different.

The event, organised by Colchester Churches, allows families to enjoy a day of fun without spending lots of cash.

Gazette: Happy - a volunteer enjoys the face painting (Picture: Billie Mouat)Happy - a volunteer enjoys the face painting (Picture: Billie Mouat) (Image: Billie Mouat)

Gazette: Hoops - children shoot some baskets at an inflatable (Picture: Billie Mouat)Hoops - children shoot some baskets at an inflatable (Picture: Billie Mouat) (Image: Billie Mouat)

Event manager Loraine Davies was full of praise for the event’s return.

She said: “It was fantastic to be back, we all missed it.

“I think those of us who have done it year in, year out were really grateful we could hold the event again, and to see new churches and volunteers take part too was great.

“The feedback has been fantastic, and the weather was amazing, it was a great day.”

Gazette: Popular - children enjoy the face painting tent (Picture: Billie Mouat)Popular - children enjoy the face painting tent (Picture: Billie Mouat) (Image: Billie Mouat)

Gazette: Drinks up - Sarah Baker, Maggie Loxley and Lauren Gant at the Tiny Tea Tent (Picture: Billie Mouat)Drinks up - Sarah Baker, Maggie Loxley and Lauren Gant at the Tiny Tea Tent (Picture: Billie Mouat) (Image: Billie Mouat)

Gazette: Songs - the Kingsland Children’s choir singing (Picture: Neil Loxley)Songs - the Kingsland Children’s choir singing (Picture: Neil Loxley) (Image: Neil Loxley)

Lower Castle Park was full of guests throughout the day, with thousands coming out to enjoy everything the festival had to offer.

There was face and nail painting, bouncy castles and other inflatables, sports events, a dog show and a train.

Loraine added: “It was really interesting this year as it was busier much earlier and from the get-go.

“Normally it would be a slow build during the day, but it was busy all day.

“The most popular events were the bouncy castles, face painting and hair braiding, and our new land train Robbie."

Gazette: Packed - the festival was full of attendees (Picture: Billie Mouat)Packed - the festival was full of attendees (Picture: Billie Mouat) (Image: Billie Mouat)

Gazette: Train trip - Robbie the land train was hugely popular (Picture: Neil Loxley)Train trip - Robbie the land train was hugely popular (Picture: Neil Loxley) (Image: Neil Loxley)

Gazette: Colourful - Zara Sofoluwe painting nails (Picture: Neil Loxley)Colourful - Zara Sofoluwe painting nails (Picture: Neil Loxley) (Image: Neil Loxley)

Next year’s festival has already been provisionally booked for September 23 due to this year’s popularity.

Loraine said: “Our intention is to run it as long as we can resource it, we will keep giving it as long as we can because people clearly love it.

“I am so grateful to the volunteers and a massive thanks to everyone who helped.

“And of course, we couldn’t do it if the families didn’t come, we love that they really enjoy the day and get a lot out of it, so a huge thanks to our supporters.”