The official launch party for Leytonstone Festival 2015 kicks off with a full Samba parade today.

Despite the community festival opening on Wednesday organisers are staging the special event around St John’s Church in Church Lane at 11am.

The event will have live music, singers, puppet shows and a parade from the London School of Samba.

The newly-established Stones Throw Market will be providing stalls for local designers until 5pm.

St John’s Church will also be hosting an ‘open day’ so guests can visit the Victorian church.

The opening of the festival coincides with the start of the Leytonstone Arts Trail event.

For a full programme of events from the Leytonstone Festival click here.

Any photos or personal experiences of the Big Weekender can be emailed to barnaby.davis@london.newsquest.co.uk.