THOUSANDS of people of all ages visited Colchester’s Castle Park for a country show.

Oakleigh Fairs organised the weekend-long event, which attracted about 5,000 people.

They were able to enjoy arena entertainment, which included Savage Bike Skills, birds of prey flying displays, terrier racing, children’s entertainer Mario Magic, the goat show including bottle feeding lambs and kids, children’s petting pens and a historical re-enactment with the 44th East Essex Regiment.

Arts, crafts and gifts marquees also proved to be popular.

Charlie Owen, who helped organise the event, said: “Everyone had a really good time.

“There were all sorts of activities for them to get involved in.

“We had lots of entries for the dog show on Sunday and they were watching the birds of prey and buying things at the stalls.

“It was a lovely day, and the nice thing about the good weather was people were able to stay longer.

“They went round the attractions two or three times.

“We have all got a bit of sunburn.”

The weekend was the ninth country show to be held in the town.

Proceeds from entries for the dog show went to the Marie Curie cancer charity.

Oakleigh Fairs has now organised the country show in Castle Park for nine successive years.