A FESTIVAL will take place for the last time this weekend after 17 years of bringing the community together.

The Aldersbrook Families Association (AFA) is preparing for its last ever Music in Wanstead Park event in the park’s Temple Garden this Saturday (July 16).

Thousands of people are expected to turn out for the final festival, which has been organised with the help of over 100 volunteers from local community groups.

Organiser Gill James, of Clavering Road, Aldersbrook, said the reason for calling it a day was “just time for a change”.

She said: “It’s just a case of wanting to do things a bit differently. It’s a big event to organise, so we’ve just decided it’s time to move on.

“Everything is planned well in advance – we start making arrangements before Christmas every year ahead of the festival in July.

“I just hope that everyone will enjoy it and remember what a great family event it’s been for the last 17 years.”

This year’s festival will feature a parade by the London School of Samba, which Gill claims is “not to be missed”.

She added: “We have loads of great stuff this year, including lots of local music groups, performances from local schools and of course the samba parade.

“We’re very grateful to the City of London Corporation for letting us use their wonderful park for so many years.

“Just come down and enjoy yourself, because there won’t be another weekend like it.”

Music in Wanstead Park will take place in the Temple Garden from 1pm to 9pm this Saturday (July 16). Tickets are £10, £5 for concessions and free for under four-year-olds.

For more information, see the AFA website.

http://www.aldersbrook.info/