A POPULAR superhero extravaganza is set to celebrate its tenth anniversary this weekend as youngsters meet their favourite comic book and sci-fi characters.

Invasion Colchester returns to Colchester on Saturday, running between 10am and 4pm in the city centre.

Famous characters will be roaming the city, with live performances from talented musicians, a number of competitions and special guests. 

The organisers said: "From Fenwick to Ace Comics, Lion Walk and Culver Square, all of this is organised to encourage our fabulous supporters to give some money to our charities, which provide essential services to the community."

The event is raising funds for St Helena Hospice, Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity and Mind (Mid and North East Essex).

Youngsters can expect to meet their heroes, with characters from popular franchises including Star Wars, Ghostbusters, Doctor Who, Harry Potter and Jurassic Park.

The Other Monkey Brewery is set to launch a Star-Wars-themed ale to tie in with Invasion Colchester.

Events in 2020 and 2021 were cancelled due to the pressures of the coronavirus pandemic.

Previous events have raised more than £60,000 for St Helena Hospice and Colchester and Ipswich Hospital’s Charity as well as creating a huge buzz in Colchester.