COLCHESTER city centre was brought to life with colour and music during a fun-filled carnival.

The Colchester Carnival and Concert was held in Lower Castle Park from noon until 6pm on Sunday to the delight of all visitors.

It followed an impressive procession, including carnival queen Freya Bojko, which travelled from Sir Isaac’s Walk to the park, travelling along Head Street and High Street.

Gazette: Impressive - there were some fantastic traditional outfits on displayImpressive - there were some fantastic traditional outfits on display (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Celebration - the carnival was held in Lower Castle Park after a procession through the city centreCelebration - the carnival was held in Lower Castle Park after a procession through the city centre (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Support - members of the carnival procession show solidarity with UkraineSupport - members of the carnival procession show solidarity with Ukraine (Image: Newsquest)

The entourage included fire-eating demonstrations, break dances and traditional dances from a whole host of Colchester’s diverse community members.

The park was then brought to life by live music and dance performances, including the Chinese lion dance.

The event was organised by the Colchester Diverse Communities Network.

Gazette: Performance - the Chinese lion dance was performed at the carnivalPerformance - the Chinese lion dance was performed at the carnival (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Kind - refugees are offered supportKind - refugees are offered support (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Proud - members of the Indonesian community in ColchesterProud - members of the Indonesian community in Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

Udai Gurung, who helped champion the effort, said: “Sunday’s carnival was the culmination of months of hard work, dedication and collaboration.

“This vibrant celebration, which brought together 22 diverse communities, was a resounding success thanks to the relentless efforts of the chairman and fellow trustees.”

Mr Gurung, a retired army Major formerly of the Queen's Gurkha Signals, said the occasion was “blessed with ideal weather”.

Gazette: Passionate - the procession travelled down the High StreetPassionate - the procession travelled down the High Street (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Time out - this group take a moment to relax in the shade during a day of glorious weatherTime out - this group take a moment to relax in the shade during a day of glorious weather (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Royalty - carnival queen Freya Bojko with princesses Casey Fox, left, and Krysta Mae Obasa, rightRoyalty - carnival queen Freya Bojko with princesses Casey Fox, left, and Krysta Mae Obasa, right (Image: Newsquest)

Gazette: Atmosphere - the procession started in Sir Isaac's WalkAtmosphere - the procession started in Sir Isaac's Walk (Image: Newsquest)

He thanked sponsors and his colleagues in helping to pull the show-stopping carnival together.

“The procession was a magnificent showcase of Colchester's cultural diversity,” added Mr Gurung.