ABOUT 1,000 visitors enjoyed the carnival atmosphere while enjoying a tot at the Rum and Reggae festival.

The event debuted at Colchester’s Charter Hall on Saturday.

It featured rare and special craft rums, carnival dancers, cocktail demonstrations and Caribbean food across two sessions.

Rums from across the world were on offer to try including from the West Indies, South America, Australia, the Philippines and Mauritius.

Reggae performers Laid Blak, who have played alongside John Legend and Ed Sheeran, took to the stage to entertain the drinkers.

Event organiser Lizzie Milligan said the festival was a huge success.

She said: “We had 300 people at our first session, and about 600 on Saturday night.

“We had live sets from Laid Blak and Harmony Reggae, playing original tracks as well as adding their own spin on some reggae classics.

“Our host Jay Day got everyone up and involved in a dance off.

“More than 30 rums were available including Dead Mans Spiced, which is new to the tour this year.

“We also had the Wray and Nephew O/proof, which is especially popular.

“When guests were peckish, they were treated to the Pirates from the Caribbean serving jerk chicken, curries, rice and peas.

“All in all it was a great event with lots of positive feedback.”