THOUSANDS of children made the most of free activities on offer at the Young Children’s Festival.

The annual event, held in Castle Park in Colchester, has been running since 1995 and provides an inclusive, fun day out for families.

Activities on offer included arts and crafts, sport, music and dance.

There was also a range of support and signposting services available for parents.

This year’s theme was Let’s Play.

Event organiser Harriet Miller said the festival was a success and the children loved the wide range of activities.

She said: “The park was absolutely full all day long, people came despite worries about the weather.

“We had nurseries come down, Barnardo’s did a great baby science session, there was also a craft stall where children were making houses out of cardboard.

“The aim is to provide a mix of activities for the children and also advice and support services for parents.”

The festival is in association with Colchester Council’s LiveWell campaign and Community 360.

Harriet added: “Colchester Council hosted a stall which offered insight into the future of the town, and Colchester museums ran a stall which many children said was their favourite.

“It’s all about wellbeing and being active in the community.”