Record crowds defied the weather to learn about healthy eating at this year’s Young Children’s Festival.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dancers from the Valentine School of Dance perform at he Young Children’s Festival in Colchester's Castle Park on Saturday, 13 June.Dancers from the Valentine School of Dance perform at he Young Children’s Festival in Colchester's Castle Park on Saturday, 13 June.

Record crowds defied the weather to learn about healthy eating at this year’s Young Children’s Festival.

The theme of this year’s event in Colchester’s Castle Park was Live Well for Less – Food for Thought.

Organisers said one of the most popular stalls was a free fruit giveaway, supported by Tesco, the Co-Op and Trinity Fruits.

Other activities included crafts, face painting and a circus skills workshop.

Harriet Miller, festival chairman, said: “The park was pretty full, we had a steady stream of people, and the stallholders said they were busy.

“The atmosphere was terrific, and we could see families staying for long periods of time which was great because we could see they were having a good time.”

A fundraising appeal has been made by organisers to make sure the event can return next year.

To donate visit the event JustGiving page, or to give feedback visit the festival’s Facebook page.