COLCHESTER Zoo has celebrated its 60th anniversary with a jampacked day of celebrations.

Visitors enjoyed magical performances, the chance to learn some carnival skills such as plate spinning and stilt walking as well as live musical performances from London-based marimba band Otto and The Mutapa Calling and Colchester favourites Silence The Sirens.

There was also the chance for visitors to share their memories of Colchester Zoo on a memory wall.

BBC Essex presenter Ben Fryer broadcasted a special programme live from the zoo for four hours while First Buses also attended the event with the commemorative Colchester Zoo-themed double-decker bus.

Gazette: Pretty in pink - Samba dancersPretty in pink - Samba dancers (Image: Tom Smith)

Visitors enjoyed a day of glorious sunshine and with additional animal encounters taking place into the evening, the whole day offered a great party atmosphere and everyone got into the birthday spirit.

A spokesperson for Colchester Zoo thanked everyone who took part in the big birthday celebrations.

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They said: "We really wanted to get the community involved with marking this milestone and the day had such a wonderful atmosphere with everyone coming together to celebrate 60 years of Colchester Zoo.

"So many memories were shared across the whole week of the May half term and it was wonderful to listen to how much the zoo means to people. Colchester Zoo seems to hold a special place in people's hearts.

Gazette: Memories - Guests were invited to sign a memory bookMemories - Guests were invited to sign a memory book (Image: Tom Smith)

"We hope that this continues in years to come and future generations will enjoy Colchester Zoo and learn the important role it plays in conservation."

They continued: "Thank you to all that participated in the celebrations. There’s more fun to be had throughout the year too so we hope to welcome you back throughout the year to enjoy a whole host of exciting activities."