Colchester: Roman and Medieval Festival boss on day one

The festival is a collaboration between the Colchester Medieval Oyster Fayre and the Roman Festival.

History lovers have been flocking to the event to enjoy historical re-enactments, craft stalls, food, drink, music, and culture of the Roman and medieval periods.

Boss - the festival director Don Quinn with his double handed 7kg sword in Lower Castle Park (Image: Steve Brading)

Fantastic - a Roman patrol (Image: Steve Brading)

In the moment - Dave Murtagh on the archery course at the festival (Image: Steve Brading)

Festival director Don Quinn has also run the Colchester Food and Drink Festival for 30 years.

He said: “It’s important to the city. We have a wonderful history in Colchester and a very deep Roman history, we have a long and interesting medieval history as well.

“This festival is put on so you can enjoy yourself and learn at the same time.”

Busy - crowds enjoying the stalls at the festival (Image: Steve Brading)

Getting in the spirit - Julia Bittlestar and Annabel Martin dressed-up (Image: Steve Brading)

Looking good - Veronique Menezes and Sean Blair in medieval attire (Image: Steve Brading)

Many festival-goers turned up in historical attire and a best costume competition is being held throughout the weekend until the event finishes at 5pm on Sunday.

Don said:“ I’m feeling absolutely fantastic.

“Someone came up to me and said thank you, and that makes you feel really good.

“We have lots of people in costume doing what they do best. We have musicians, stalls, we have one of the last mummers' plays - it’s just been heavenly.

“I’m amazed by how many people have turned up. We have been absolutely rammed most of the day and that is really nice - it means people are responding to what we have created.”

Adorable - 8-month old Albert Slinger attending his first Colchester Roman and Medieval Festival (Image: Steve Brading)

Impressive - Joel Coldron and Owen Pibworth of J C Falconary with their Golden Eagle (Image: Steve Brading)

Entertainment - members of Colchester Wait performing (Image: Steve Brading)

“We’re talking thousands of people turning up.”

“All of the staff here have been amazing. They have all grafted and worked so hard to make this event a fantastic success.”

Tom Gibson, 28, attended on Saturday as he is a keen re-enactor and likes history.

He said the event was fantastic.

"I have lived in Colchester all my life and seen the medieval festival morph over the years," he said.

“This year it felt like it was when I was a child with a wonderful variety of stallholders again with local food and drink.

“Having been a re-enactor for nearly 15 years, it was great to see the Roman history alongside later periods.

"It really is a wonderful way to bring the community closer to history and entertainment."