Colchester's Anti-Loo Roll Festival enjoyed by thousands

The Anti-Loo Roll Festival, the brainchild of the Anti-Loo Roll Brigade charity and founder Peter Dutch, boasted a line-up of X-Factor sensation Fleur East, Toploader, a variety of tribute acts, comedians and more.

It attracted 4,500 revellers who, even when the event was hit by a Glastonbury-esque afternoon downpour, joyously partied.

N/A (Image: N/A)

Petra Crees, of Pavilion View, Colchester, thought the event should have been called off as the country was in a period of national mourning following the Queen’s death.

Given the good causes the charity serves, however, organiser Peter felt the Queen would have wanted such an event to go ahead.

In a touching tribute to Her Majesty, the festival did also fall silent as a moving mark of respect.

Peter said: “After a minute’s silence, everyone sang their hearts out to the National Anthem as well and it was quite a moment, it was perfect.

“The harsh reality is had it had been cancelled at such a late date and time, the financial implications would have been horrendous - it would have wiped out the charity and it would have bankrupted us.

“I am sure the Queen would not have wanted that to happened to a community charity.

N/A (Image: N/A)

He added: “It was an epic day and all the acts were incredible. I am proper proud of it.

“My favourite performance was from The Dualers, they were something else and it was a proper visual show – it was next level.

“I want to say a massive thank you to the companies who supported us and the festival team that has worked so hard behind the scenes for thousands of hours.

“It has been a colossal effort and it would not be possible without them. And, to the people of Colchester, I am eternally grateful to you for coming out and partying.”

The brigade was launched during the pandemic as a support network for those who needed help and has carried on its work ever since.