A POPULAR sci-fi and superhero event is returning to Colchester for its eleventh anniversary. 

Invasion Colchester returns to the city on Saturday September 2, running between 10am and 4pm.

Famous characters will be roaming the city, with live performances from talented musicians and a dress-up competition for youngsters. 

Gazette: Celebrations - a wide range of popular comic book favourites were represented at previous eventsCelebrations - a wide range of popular comic book favourites were represented at previous events (Image: Daniel Reed @captainceramics)

Invasion Colchester is set to celebrate its 11th year and organisers say it will be bigger and better than ever before. 

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Last year the event raised a whopping £14,524.60 which was shared between St Helena Hospice, Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity, and Mind Mid and North East Essex, and this year, the organisers are hoping to top that amount. 

The event will fill Culver Square shopping centre with a day that transports visitors into unique fantasy worlds.  

Gazette: Fun - participants put real time and effort into their costumersFun - participants put real time and effort into their costumers (Image: Daniel Reed @captainceramics)

The event has to be postponed during the pandemic but made a triumphant return last year. 

The day will include a variety of photo opportunities and interactive experiences from dinosaurs and Dr Who, to Ghostbusters and princesses.

The event will also host a children's fancy dress competition, which is sponsored by Culver Square Shopping Centre, Colchester Zoo and Wyvernwood.

David Robertson, the centre manager, said: "Invasion Colchester is an amazing day, that sees everyone in such high spirits and the whole community come together to support three charities. 

"It is a real pleasure to be able to support such a fun event each year and this year I hope we can top that fantastic fundraising total."

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A spokesman for the event said: "There are a number of fun competitions you can take part in with a great selection of prizes to be won.

"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.

"St Helena Hospice, Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity and Mind provide essential services to the community."

Previous events have raised more than £70,000 for St Helena Hospice and Colchester and Ipswich Hospital’s Charity as well as creating a huge buzz in Colchester.