Headline acts return for city's community festival

The event was set up in 2021 as a celebration to mark the end of Covid restrictions

Headline acts are to return to the stage during a festival which raises money for people in the community.

About 5,000 guests are expected to attend the Anti-Loo Roll Festival across Friday and Saturday in Colchester, Essex.

The event was initially set up as a celebration to mark the end of Covid restrictions in 2021.

"Being a Colchester boy, seeing this amazing festival in my hometown is just the most surreal feeling," said the event's founder Peter Dutch.

The festival was a product of the Anti-Loo Roll Brigade, a community group that supported residents throughout the pandemic.

Peter Dutch gave up his scaffolding job to run the group full-time

A night at the proms inspired night took place on Friday, but Mr Dutch said the main attraction was Saturday's line-up.

He said a range of local talent and tribute bands would take to the stage in front of the crowd in Lower Castle Park after a year of planning.

"I'm really excited, the sky is blue and the sun is out. It's shaping up to be our best one yet," Mr Dutch said.

"It won't really sink in until everyone starts walking through the gates, then I'll get a moment to actually take it in."

Mr Dutch said he wanted to help make a difference in people's lives

The work of the Anti-Loo Roll Brigade has continued post-pandemic, with it now registered as a community interest company and based at the Lakelands Centre in Stanway.

Mr Dutch, who gave up his day job to run the group full-time, said it was helping children from abusive backgrounds and soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder, among other tasks.

"We're in a position to be able to help people and make a difference in their lives, so it would be a crime not to help," the former scaffolder added.