THE biggest vegan fair in Essex welcomed hundreds of people through the doors for its second instalment.

Dionne Bartlett, 33, who organised the Garden of Eden Christmas Vegan Fair, hosted traders from across the UK with more than 60 stalls offering animal-friendly fare.

The event was held at the idyllic Earls Colne Village Hall, Colchester, in aid of the Lucky Dog Rescue charity, in Bali, as well as Last Hope Animal Rescue, in Essex.

Halstead Gazette:

Organiser - Dionne Bartlett

She said: "The fair attracted lots of non-vegans, some of who are now looking into veganism themselves so it's really exciting my fairs inspire people to that extent.

"But it's also fantastic to see vegans so excited and spoilt for choice.

"There was such an amazing selection of food from Caribbean to Indian and people could make their own tofu.

"Even as a vegan for 15 years I've never seen such a range of food and cakes, but there was also clothing, jewellery and lots of health and beauty stalls."

As well as all-day live entertainment and speakers such as Bobbie Whale Sinclair who educated guests on the cruelty of dolphin and whale shows, the word 'vegan' went up in lights.

Miss Bartlett added: "This was the highlight for me. Seeing vegan lit up looking glamorous felt really special so I'd like to thank KMS Wedding and Event Hire."

Under the Garden of Eden Events, Miss Bartlett is looking forward to planning vegan speed dating next February as well as a more ambitious wedding fair.