A 12-hour Halloween-themed family fun day in Colchester had a “fantastic atmosphere” as crowds turned out to enjoy the special event.

The High Street was closed to traffic on Saturday to give the Light and Shades fun day a large pedestrianised area for activities like craft workshops, games, tours, storytelling and live music to take place in.

Colchester Borough Council leader Paul Smith said it was great to see so many people enjoying the event in the town.

“There is a fantastic atmosphere and you can feel a real buzz around the place,” he said.

“We wanted to build on the success of the Celebrate Heritage event in September as events such as this really help to drive footfall and activity into Colchester.

“We will now look forward to the Colchester Christmas lights switch-on, which takes place on Sunday, November 29 and promises to be another special festive occasion, with lots of exciting things to see and do.”

The event ran from 9am to 9pm with a light show projection onto the town hall, light performers and fire jugglers rounding off the day’s festivities.