Colchester Rec Community Market hosts Halloween special

The Rec Community Market launched at Old Heath Recreation Ground earlier this year to bring the community together and support small local businesses.

Charlie Spencer-Gray founded the market, and after several successful free events over the summer welcomed excited families and businesses to the recreation ground on Sunday.

The Halloween-themed market hosted unique stalls with spooky treats and seasonal decorations, while costumed stallholders welcomed families to the fun.

Costume - Witch Jayne Howson has a warming drink from pumpkin Jo Honey from Lazy Sloth Coffee(Image: Steve Brading)

Muffins - Anna-Maria Guild with pumpkin spiced muffins from Norwegian Bakers(Image: Steve Brading)

Smiles - Sacha Adams of Tim Prints serving customer Ann Westrope(Image: Steve Brading)

Sweet - Noah Alemany, 4, enjoys a cool weather ice cream(Image: Steve Brading)

Skeleton - Tina Reddy of Tina's Crochet Crafts with her Halloween assistant(Image: Steve Brading)

Treat - Sam Kuhl on the Sweet Factory stall with spooky treats(Image: Steve Brading)

“It was very successful,” Mr Spencer-Gray said.

“It’s all community driven, about getting people out and getting people to chat.

“The whole market has always been about coming together with people and to bring people out together – that’s exactly what this market did.”

Mr Spencer-Gray, who has years of experience in the festival industry, has made sure the market is an opportunity for small businesses to thrive and for families to have an entertaining and affordable day out.

Mr Spencer-Gray said: “In my opinion, Colchester needs a Sunday market, and I think a lot of people would agree.

“It’s been a successful year, with the community coming together for fun and entertainment.”

Scary - James Adkins of Once Upon a High Tide with a frightening costume(Image: Steve Brading)

Pumpkin - Customer Eve Adkins, 9, in pumpkin dress, with a toy from the Treats and Sensory stall run by Nikki Bryant and Lorraine Rous(Image: Steve Brading)

Cake - Jo Lucking of Twisted Treats(Image: Steve Brading)

Donut - Nina Crouchman selling WI, Wicked Institute Pumpkin doughnuts from Pie N'Pud(Image: Steve Brading)

No tricks - Louise MacMillan with treats and no tricks for her doggie customers on the Doggie Craft Stall(Image: Steve Brading)

Honey - Ionela Prales of Apisense, making everything from what her bees make, including pumpkin candles(Image: Steve Brading)

Spooktacular - Count James Taylor selling some spooky jewellery(Image: Steve Brading)

The Rec Community Market is already preparing for its special Christmas market, where Santa will give 100 free Christmas presents away in his grotto while families can shop from festive stalls and enjoy cheerful treats.

“The Christmas market is set to be festive and fun for all ages,” Mr Spencer-Gray said.

“With up to 50 stalls, trackway across the ground so everyone can enjoy it even in wet weather, and a free Santa’s grotto, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy – alongside seasonal treats and local crafts.”

The Christmas market will take place on Sunday, December 21 as one of the last opportunities for Christmas shopping this year.