A GROUNDBREAKING holiday programme which combines free hot meals with activities once again delighted families in Colchester.

Firstsite’s Holiday Fun programme, which runs throughout the half-term holidays, helped parents provide a fun-filled day out at no expense last week.

The scheme offers both indoor and outdoor activity options at the gallery in Lewis Gardens, Colchester, and also at Harwich Arts and Heritage Centre.

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As ever, each day was jam-packed with fun art and creative activities, movement-based sessions, plus a nutritious meal for the whole family to sit down to and enjoy.

And it was all completely free to any family which requires additional support during the school holidays, including those who qualify for benefits-based free school meals.

In Colchester, families enjoyed creative sessions inside the gallery and had the chance to learn the basics of breakdancing with dancers Andy Mill and Isaac James, from Limitless.

Locally-based artists Jacqueline Davies and Tristan Howe also hosted a plethora of activities to get involved with, including painting, mask-making and creating posters.

Firstsite director, Sally Shaw said: “Since 2017, it has matured into a something that is now a much-treasured asset within the community and secured its place in the hearts of everyone at Firstsite.”