It is a testament to the Romans’ legendary status that even now, thousands of years after their empire fell into disarray, we are still fascinated by the civilization and how its people lived, worked, and leisured.

Gazette: Standard bearer – a Roman soldier leads his legionStandard bearer – a Roman soldier leads his legion (Image: Steve Brading)

Such interest was certainly on show at the weekend as hundreds of visitors made their way to Colchester Castle Park for the city’s annual Roman Festival, as stalls and activities of all kinds showed the crowds more than a mere glimpse into the world which Colchester’s ancestors lived through every day.

Gazette: Work of art – Orla Siddall, aged three, puts together a Roman mosaicWork of art – Orla Siddall, aged three, puts together a Roman mosaic (Image: Steve Brading)

The Ermine Street Guards, one of the country’s foremost classical reenactment and living history societies, brought legions of Roman troops whilst food and drink stalls offered people a taste of what kinds of sustenance were provided for the empire’s soldiers and civilians.

Gazette: Out of breath – Thomas Cevizli tries out the Roman cornuOut of breath – Thomas Cevizli tries out the Roman cornu (Image: Steve Brading)

This year was only the Roman Festival’s second edition after Don Quinn organised the festival for the first time a year ago.

Gazette: Quick march – the Ermine Street Guards provided the Roman soldiers for the weekendQuick march – the Ermine Street Guards provided the Roman soldiers for the weekend (Image: Steve Brading)

Although Colchester’s Roman roots are well known by the city and heavily researched by academics, Mr Quinn said there had been very few, if any, events put on over the years which allowed people to try and bring the city’s Roman history to life.

Gazette: Hot pot – Jonathan Mayes cooks for the Roman legionHot pot – Jonathan Mayes cooks for the Roman legion (Image: Steve Brading)

He said: “What the event does is set in stone that Colchester should and must have a Roman Festival to acknowledge its history – it’s ridiculous it hasn’t had one before, but we’ve had two now, and they work.

Gazette: Fire at will – Jamie Wass, aged eight and sister Winnie, aged seven, enjoy an archery sessionFire at will – Jamie Wass, aged eight and sister Winnie, aged seven, enjoy an archery session (Image: Steve Brading)

“What has characterised this event is that my staff told me everyone was happy and really enjoying the show and that makes me feel very good indeed – we’ve had the best feedback we have had from any event.”

Gazette: Fierce – Gil Heathcote strikes fear into the enemyFierce – Gil Heathcote strikes fear into the enemy (Image: Steve Brading)

Mr Quinn added the success of the festival will mean more people from further afield will make their way to the event in years to come.

Gazette: Emperor – Don Quinn has been a driving force behind the eventEmperor – Don Quinn has been a driving force behind the event (Image: Steve Brading)

“People are coming from outside Colchester, which is fabulous for the city – it’s doing what tourism should be doing in Colchester.

Gazette: Digging – Thomas Scott, 11, finds an artefact at an archaeology stallDigging – Thomas Scott, 11, finds an artefact at an archaeology stall (Image: Steve Brading)

“We’ve had bookings from the USA and we’ve had bookings from Australia; I assume they were here on holiday, but it’s great.

Gazette: Consulate – mead keeps visitors energised throughout the dayConsulate – mead keeps visitors energised throughout the day (Image: Steve Brading)

“We’ve had loads of people come from Ipswich and Chelmsford – if you don’t attract people into Colchester from these places, then we lose out.

Gazette: Battle cry – Janet Young sounds a Roman cornu, or Roman hornBattle cry – Janet Young sounds a Roman cornu, or Roman horn (Image: Steve Brading)

“Putting on good events [like the Roman Festival] certainly helps.”