Jumbo Summer finale a huge hit

An event marking the end of Jumbo Summer proved a hit when people flocked to celebrate the heritage of Colchester’s landmark water tower.

Months of activities culminated with a celebration at Firstsite, which included a showing of a short, animated film made by school children working and the premiere of a specially commissioned documentary.

North Essex Heritage is working with partners, including the building’s owner, Paul Flatman, towards preserving Jumbo and bringing it back into sustainable use. Supported by Colchester Borough Council and RIBA and through a grant award of £10,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Jumbo Summer enabled people of all ages to learn about the heritage of the water tower.

Simon Hall MBE DL, Chair of North Essex Heritage, said:

“Our purpose behind Jumbo Summer has been to confirm the importance of this iconic building, to understand its historical and physical context and, above all, to demonstrate Colchester’s great affection for it.”

The Jumbo Summer events have included a children’s model-making session, heritage learning displays, design workshops, talks, exhibitions, and a study course for people to become experts on Jumbo.

You can see the two Jumbo Summer films, commissioned from the art and education charity, Signals here

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