STILTWALKERS, live bands and a two-day long party is set to mark the opening of a new High Street bank.

Metro Bank, which prides itself on only being closed three days a year, is hosting the extravagant launch event for its new outlet on Colchester High Street.

The bash begins next Friday and will carry on into the next day as the bank opens its doors to new customers.

Described as a true banking alternative, the new outlet will create 25 new jobs.

Regional director for Metro Bank, Kevin Walker said: “Putting customers’ needs first is at the heart of Metro Bank’s ethos. Our role is to make banking simple and convenient and we’re excited to bring residents a bank that believes the customer is king.

“Crucial to our model are our colleagues. We recruit local people passionate about customer service and providing the best banking experience on the high street.”

“We look forward to becoming an integral part of the community and making a real difference to the way Colchester banks.

The store is opening up in the old Dorothy Perkins and Burton sites which closed down in July. Neighbouring hair salon Regis also relocated to make way for the bank.

Opening hours are between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm on Saturday and from 11am until 5pm on Sundays only shutting on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday.

Unlike any other bank in the UK, Metro Bank is open seven days a week, early until late and provides instant account opening along with on-the-spot card printing for lost or stolen credit and debit cards.

All stores offer safe deposit boxes for customers’ valuables and free coin counting for customers and non-customers alike.