MORE than 4,000 people descended on Colchester’s Castle Park to enjoy the Anti Loo Roll Festival.

The event was launched by the Anti Loo Roll Brigade - a community group which was formed to support vulnerable people throughout lockdown.

Visitors could enjoy two stages with a top artists line-up including Scouting for Girls, former X Factor winner Matt Cardle and singer Jake Quickenden.

Entertainment lovers also caught appearances from former Britain’s Got Talent runners up dance duo Twist and Pulse and Colchester singing group Funky Voices , which celebrated key workers with their NHS Choir.

Visitors also had the chance to enjoy the performance of X factor entrant Stevi Ritchie.

The family-friendly festival included comedy acts from Ashley Edwards and Scared Scriptless as well as a children’s area with workshops, inflatables, magic, and a huge array of food and drink stalls to browse.

Festival manager Paul Jackson, 48, of Colchester said: “The target was to bring everyone out after Covid to have a really fun day and lovely family atmosphere and we succeeded.

“Looking at the feedback we were really pleased with it.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy it and we couldn’t have wished for a better weather.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm for us to repeat the festival next year.”

All photos credit: Abbie Brewster