A DAY filled with joy and laughter once again demonstrated its ability to bring the community together while supporting a worthy cause.

Colchester Hospital Radio's annual family fun day returned to Castle Park on Bank Holiday Monday, May 29, attracting over 1,000 attendees who basked in the sunshine while enjoying a variety of entertainment and activities.Gazette: Attractions - residents were able to enjoy a range of attractions to occupy their timeAttractions - residents were able to enjoy a range of attractions to occupy their time (Image: Colchester Hospital Radio)Gazette: Games - children were able to enjoy activities like footballGames - children were able to enjoy activities like football (Image: Colchester Hospital Radio)

The event boasted an impressive line up of attractions, including thrilling arena performances by the Tendring Dog Agility Group, ILAZ Dance Company, Funky Voices, Thurstable School Cheerleaders, and Captain Fantastic with his captivating children's magic.

Adding to the excitement, players from the Colchester United Community Foundation conducted coaching sessions for children aged 4 to 10, while musician and singer Tony James delighted the crowds with his Rat Track tribute.Gazette: Celebrating - thousands of residents came together to support Colchester Hospital charityCelebrating - thousands of residents came together to support Colchester Hospital charity (Image: Colchester Hospital Radio)Gazette: Skilful - performance by ILAZ Dance CompanySkilful - performance by ILAZ Dance Company (Image: Colchester Hospital Radio)

This year, a new addition to the event was the Fun Dog Show, which saw numerous pets compete in categories like Best Fancy Dress and Best Puppy.

The fun day also played host to the Rotary Club of Colchester Forum's annual Duck Race, with a thrilling race taking place along the River Colne.

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And the winner, Mandi Conway, won first place and received £250 as her reward.

Around 17 charities were actively present, using the opportunity to raise funds and promote their valuable work within the community.Gazette: Cheering - performance by Thurstable School CheerleaderCheering - performance by Thurstable School Cheerleader (Image: Colchester Hospital Radio)Gazette: Attraction - local musician and singer Tony James entertained the crowds with his Rat Track tributeAttraction - local musician and singer Tony James entertained the crowds with his Rat Track tribute (Image: Colchester Hospital Radio)


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Bouncy castles, trampolines, bumper cars, children's roundabouts, and an array of other activities kept participants entertained throughout the day.

Serving as one of the main fundraising activities for the charity, this year's event held special significance as it coincided with the organisation's 60th anniversary.Gazette: Dog Show - for the first time, Tendring Dog Agility Group hosted a dog show for the residentsDog Show - for the first time, Tendring Dog Agility Group hosted a dog show for the residents (Image: Colchester Hospital Radio)

Andy Patrick, Colchester Hospital Radio station manager and fun day co-ordinator said: "We were delighted to see so many people come along and support us, with a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, and many people commenting on what a lovely day they were having.

"As we celebrate our 60th anniversary this year we hope that we will be able to continue the event for many more years."

Gazette: Collecting - Duck Race volunteers guiding ducks to victoryCollecting - Duck Race volunteers guiding ducks to victory (Image: Rotary Club of Colchester Forum)Gazette: Volunteers- Rotary Club of Colchester Forum at the Fun DayVolunteers- Rotary Club of Colchester Forum at the Fun Day (Image: Rotary Club of Colchester Forum)Gazette: Race - this year's fun day hosted two races, one for businesses and one for individuals Race - this year's fun day hosted two races, one for businesses and one for individuals (Image: Forum Rotary Club of Colchester)Gazette: Ducks - hundreds of residents participated in the duck raceDucks - hundreds of residents participated in the duck race (Image: Rotary Club of Colchester Forum)