THOUSANDS of people flock to the Chingford Festival every year, but in 1952 one very special guest surprised everyone.

On Saturday July 12, 1952, the whole town was abuzz with excitement for Chingford Day, as the Guardian reported at the time.

In only its sixth year Chingford Day had grown into a great event for the community, and sure enough a record 17,000 people came out in force to enjoy the grand parade and variety of stalls and activities.

Businesses were booming, with one stall making £81 in just one day at the festival, as the Chingford Guardian reported at the time.

But nobody was expecting the surprise visit from global icon and entertainment magnate Walt Disney.

The creator of Mickey Mouse was on a business trip for talks to expand his empire into non-animated films.

But on hearing about it Chingford’s acclaimed model railway, he soon made a beeline for north east London.

Disney was fascinated by trains from early childhood. His uncle was a steam engine driver, and as a teenager he would sell food to passengers for summer job.

As his empire and wealth grew, Disney indulged in his love for model railways, constructing his own 5,000 feet long track in the garden of his Californian home in 1950.

Back in Chingford, Disney had arrived to Ridgeway Park to take a look at the two-year-old track.

The Chingford Model Engineering Club, which maintained the track, had no idea he was turning up and were stunned to see the millionaire tycoon join the throngs of people queueing for a ride.

Not everyone recognised the superstar however, and few were aware he had even attended until articles about his visit surfaced in newspapers.

Railway enthusiasts were blown over by his visit and impressed with Disney's detailed knowledge of model trains.

The feeling was mutual. Disney told a Chingford Guardian reporter: “This is a very fine lay-out they have here.

“I am very interested in these machines, which are quite a bit smaller than those I run in the States.”

The track has continued to attract thousands more people every year, celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2014.