A Heritage Fun Day in Colchester town centre will have something for everyone.

The event has been organised by the borough council and Town Centre Team to celebrate the history of Colchester in a bid to attract visitors and boost businesses.

Taking place on Saturday September 12 from 9am until 5pm the High Street will be closed to traffic for the day to create a large pedestrianised area in the town centre.

Carl Milton, managing director of Williams & Griffin, speaking on behalf of the Town Centre Team said: “Colchester town centre has such a wealth of history to celebrate and the Heritage Fun Day is a great way to bring it to life in a way that will engage and, hopefully, educate the whole family.

“With so much going on, the will be something for everyone and we anticipate that the day will entertain Colchester residents and bring visitors from further afield.”

Alongside the High Street Charter Market, there will be historical characters and entertainers, music, dance, drama, Punch and Judy shows, storytelling and a large food area with seating.

There will also be historic market stalls, living history attractions, traditional sideshows, puppet theatre, talks and demonstrations on Hollytrees Lawn and Meadow in Upper Castle Park.

The day coincides with the Heritage Open Days programme where 29 historic properties throughout the town, including Colchester Castle, open their doors for free.

Paul Smith, leader of Colchester Borough Council, added: “We want to drive as much footfall to Colchester town centre as we can and this should be a fun event for the community and visitors to enjoy and it gives people the chance to see and experience their history as a family.”