DOZENS of gaming fans gathered to enjoy the evening sunshine and play Pokemon Go.
People of all ages gathered at the band stand in Castle Park last night to see what they could catch on the app, which has gone viral since its release two weeks ago.
The park has become a popular place to hunt Pokemon thanks to the abundance of Pokestops, where players can cash in on useful objects, and lures, which attract the virtual Pokemon.
Although the game involves players becoming engrossed in their smartphones, organiser Richard Atkinson, 27, insisted there was a big social aspect to the craze.
He said: "It's really nice to see so many people out in Castle Park, even though the initial build-up has died down.
"I see places like Australia and America where 2,000 people turn up - it would be nice to see that here."
He added: "I think there's a big stigma about people looking at their phones but what people don't see is the community this is attracting.
"People are talking to people they wouldn't ever talk to."
The next organised meet-up will be in Castle Park on Sunday, where Facebook group Pokemon Go Colchester will host an informal Pokemon Picnic.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here