A HUGE Colchester charity walk which has been on hiatus for five years will finally return to the city this year. 

The popular Midnight Walk event will return to Colchester this autumn.

The nighttime walk will light up the streets of Colchester on Friday, September 27, with hundreds of people walking through the city in support of St Helena Hospice.

Participants have the option of undertaking either a four-mile or a nine-mile route, both of which extend to the north of the city centre, passing St Helena Hospice on Barncroft Close in Highwoods.

Marcus Poston, fundraising manager of partnerships at St Helena Hospice, said: "Whether you’re walking by yourself, as a group or family, with your friends or as a couple, everyone is welcome.

"There’s a choice of two routes which will see most participants still walking as the clock strikes 12, so prepare to party with us past bedtime.

"Signing up early for the event gives you time to train and raise as much sponsorship as you can to support the vital work of St Helena Hospice.

"By taking part in Midnight Walk, you can help us support more people in our local community to live their lives with compassion, dignity and choice until the very end."

The event is open to anyone aged over 11 years old and attendees are urged to dress in bright colours, reflecting the event's neon theme.

The walk begins and concludes at the JobServe Community Stadium, the home of Colchester United, where an event village with performers, a glitter station, food stalls and more will be set up.

There will also be a glass and Lego walk challenge.

Nancy Foster, store director at Fenwick Colchester, said: "Fenwick Colchester is absolutely delighted to support St Helena Hospice for the return of this September’s Midnight Walk through in-store fundraising and other activity in the lead-up to it.

"St Helena provides an invaluable service to our local community and we are privileged to play a part in this through the event."

The Midnight Walk is set to start at 10pm, with participants invited to arrive from 7pm to partake in the pre-event festivities hosted in the village.

More details are available at sthelena.org.uk/midnightwalk2024.