CHILDREN and their families watched on in awe as an Indian tale was told through music and dance.

The Apple and Spice festival came to Colchester Arts Centre, in Church Street.

The show includes an interactive and multi-cultural dance performance by professionals.

The fairytale told the story of two stepmothers - one from the East and one from the West, and how they eventually cross paths.

After the show, the audience was then invited to join the cast on stage for an Indian party.

Professional classical dancer Krishna Zivraj-Nair and her team of performers took to the stage, combining South Asian dance, contemporary dance and original music and shadow-puppetry.

Megan Sharman, marketing assistant from Colchester Arts Centre, said: “The Apple and Spice festival went extremely well.

“We had about 50 people in for each performance and was a nice opportunity for children to get involved and active and have a bit of a dance.

“We received positive comments on social media.”

Another children’s show, the Cardboard Carnival, is being held on Saturday at the arts centre.

It includes a workshop and show, and starts at 11am.

For more information about this event visit the arts centre website.