A COLOURFUL street party was held to celebrate independent businesses in Colchester.

The party was held in Red Lion Yard, which is part of the Lion Walk shopping centre.

Centre manager Martin Leatherdale said the event was to celebrate such a beautiful part of the town centre.

He said: “The street party included a DJ, live music, balloon making, face painting and art and crafts.

“It was all to support a fantastic immersive experience for customers and retailers.

“It was something for anyone to attend but the location was specifically Red Lion Yard.”

The balloon modelling and glitter face painting went down a treat with the youngsters.

To brighten up the area 80 colourful Vietnamese lanterns have been hung above the walkway.

There is a competition running until the end of September to win vouchers to spend in Red Lion Yard stores.

Mr Leatherdale said: “All people have to do is take a selfie with our colourful lanterns and upload it to the Lion Walk social media pages with the hashtag #lionwalklanterns.

“They could be in with a chance of winning £160 worth of vouchers to spend in the Red Lion Walk stores which include beauty, gifts and food items.”