Invasion Colchester 2024: Everything you need to know

Invasion Colchester will be taking place today, marking the 12th year the event has wowed the pop culture fans of Colchester and beyond.

There will be characters from Star Wars, Ghostbusters, Doctor Who, Predators, Jurassic Park, Disney Princesses and more, as well as your favourite Comic Book and Movie Superheroes, plus Show Cars from TV and film.

A stormtrooper at last year's event (Image: Newsquest)

From Fenwick to Ace Comics, Lion Walk and Culver Square, the event is organised to raise money for St Helena Hospice, Colchester  Ipswich Hospitals Charity, and Mind (Mid & North East Essex). 

Anyone dressed up who is travelling into Colchester can use the Colchester Park and Ride system for free.

Trio - DC characters are always popular dress-up choices (Image: Daniel Reed)

Here is a list of some of the activities and showcases that will be spread out throughout the city:

Culver Square Shopping Centre

Here celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Ghostbusters will take place, including big displays and Ectomobiles.

There will also be dinosaurs, movie princesses, a prop department display (including Game of Thrones, Gremlins, Stranger Things, Wednesday, and more), Lightning McQueen, show cars, stalls, the St Helena Hospice team, plus the Fancy Dress Competition.

Lion Walk Shopping Centre

Look out for this year's special guests, comic characters, superheroes, Doctor Who props, aliens from Predator, steampunks and the Batmobile.

There will also be DJ Fettdog blasting tunes and live music from Rob Prince, Jake Cheek, Jack Walsh, Wooden Maiden, and busker Sarah Louise.

The Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity team will also be here alongside demonstrations of Sabacc, the Star Wars in-universe card game.

ACE Comic, in Culver Street East

There will be a host of recognisable characters from TV, film, and fantasy, plus the famous tombola where great prizes are to be won. 

Colchester Castle, Castle Park

A selection of historical characters will be taking over the castle, from Roman Legionaries and Medieval Barons to Great War Tommies.

Colchester Market, High Street

More familiar characters from TV and film will be invading the High Street. 

Colchester Town Hall

Fragers Gamerbus will be here. 

Community 360, in Long Wyre Street

This is where incredible Star Wars displays, droids and characters will be hanging around. 

Curzon Cinema, in Queen Street

There will be a special screening of Batman Forever at 8pm for Invasion Colchester.

Fenwick

Optimus Prime, Show Cars, and the Mind (Mid & North East Essex) team.

Firstsite

There will be a quiet zone, lunar lullabies, lots of crafts, and a special movie screening.

Mercury Theatre, near Balkerne Gate

Here the 'Don't be a Hero' film podcast will be set up. 

MP Galleries, in Sir Isaac's Walk

Rob Bishop's exhibition and artist appearance and plenty more characters will be here.

St Nicholas Square

Dozens of show cars and marvellous machines from TV and film will be on display. 

Youngsters always enjoy dressing up for Invasion Colchester (Image: Public)

There will also be a fancy dress competition for under-14s.

It will feature three different age categories - four and under, five to eight and nine and up, with first, second and third placed prizes in each category.

To get your hands on a prize, put on your best costume, bought or homemade, head into Colchester city centre for Invasion Colchester, and make sure you’re near the judging area in Culver Square Shopping Centre at the allotted time.

The Fancy Dress Competition area will be roped off and only the children entering the competition will be permitted into the area - unless the children are really little, parents will be asked to stay behind the rope to avoid unnecessary crowding.

The judging time for four and under is 11am, 12.30pm for five to eight-year-olds and 2pm for those nine and up.

Last year, a whopping £15,311.68 was raised through Invasion Colchester, with another successful year likely looming.

Invasion Colchester will be in the city centre today, September 7, from 10am to 4pm.

For more information visit invasioncolchester.co.uk.