COLCHESTER city centre will be transformed this weekend as local young people get the chance to takeover for Kids in the City.

The free event on Saturday and Sunday will be filled with fun activities that inspires them to dream big.

Helping to raise funds for the NSPCC, Kids in the City is the brainchild of KAT Marketing and will see Colchester provide a life-sized opportunity for children to try out what they might want to be when they grow up.

Businesses across Colchester will give youngsters the unique chance at running the city centre, with the chance to try their hand at countless career aspirations.

Whether your child would like to dress the window in Fenwick, learn how the NHS cares for their patients, or find a career in the arts, children will be able to experience their possible futures for real, and all under the expert guidance of those already in the field.

There will be so much to explore, from the chance to become a professional footballer for a day in Culver Square through to getting tours inside the vaults of Metro Bank, from inside tips on life in the hospitality trade with the Vacay Bar at Lion Walk to becoming a fire fighter with the emergency services.

The Kids in the City event will give the young people the chance to dream big and enjoy hands on what that dream might look like and the weekend will also be supporting the incredible work of the NSPCC children’s charity, celebrating their Childhood Day initiative.

Katie Skingle, owner of KAT Marketing, said: “Kids in the City offers a fun chance to try out new skills and get involved whatever your background – kids, this is your chance to dream big and explore whatever you want to be.

“All the pre-booked activities have already sold out but we have plenty of walk-up activities available too so please do come along and enjoy this weekend’s free activities in Colchester city centre.

“Donations to the NSPCC and I’d like to express our gratitude to all the businesses and locations involved in supporting the activities delivered for this new idea and event.

“We hope that families enjoy themselves and it provides a welcome start to the summer holidays.”

Louise Bennett, from the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust are creating a simulation hospital ward.

“This will be a fun and interactive ‘escape room’ experience for aspiring healthcare professionals of the future.”

“We can’t wait to be involved in this highly innovative new event which will inspire the younger generation and educate them on the many different career pathways in the NHS”.