If this is the first weekend in September, it must be time for Colchester to be invaded by cars, celebrities and cos-players of all ages. It grows every year, raising money for charity and adding a few tens of thousands of feet to the streets of the town centre, which has, frankly, been suffering for years, with some big names (Woolworths, Debenhams, Marks & Spencers, et al) disappearing and small businesses being driven out of business by out-of-town shopping parks. For one day a year that trend is reversed — and hopefully shoppers will remember how many good stores, charity shops, pubs, restaurants and coffee houses there are in the town alongside bigger attractions like the Castle. The shops that remain know how good Invasion Colchester is for business — you only have to look at the support they give on the day.
We arrived nice and early as I wanted to get around the charity shops and buy some socks (life as a high-flying author/publisher is incredibly glamorous). I didn't find much in the way of second-hand books, but at least my footwear isn't so holey now that it could start its own religion.
Starting at 11, by 11.30 trying to get through the crowds was like wading through a tar pit. But between Mel and myself we managed to get a few fun photos. Enjoy!
A huge thanks to Kerrie Williams, who organises this event every year. Here she is, being interviewed ...
Also spotted on the mean streets of Colchester , friend of Bear Alley Books Keith Burns was painting live, with the finished artwork to be auctioned and the money donated to charity.
This was taken just as he was starting. Thankfully, Karl Kennedy (another Invasion Colchester organiser) snapped this shot of the artwork later in the day. He tells me that this is not the finished piece, but Keith will complete it once he gets home.
There were, as always, dozens of cars on display, but you will have seen most of them before. Click on the label below and it will take you back in time to Invasions of years past.
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