A POPULAR fringe festival is returning for the fifth time with organisers promising it will be “bigger and better than ever”.

The Wanstead Fringe launched off the back of Redbridge Council’s Wanstead Festival, which fills Christchurch Green with live music, family fun, and good food one Sunday in September.

Not wanting to restrict the festivities to just one afternoon, the Friends of Wanstead Fringe organise a week’s worth of music, comedy, and culture throughout Wanstead and Aldersbrook for the seven days beforehand.

This year’s fringe will take place from September 9 to 16, ahead of the main festival on September 17.

Events will include The Duke’s street party on September 9, comedy night with Edinburgh Fringe star Paul Sinha on September 14, and the Wanstead outdoor Kinema on September 16.

The fringe also coincides with Art Trail Wanstead, which runs from September 9 to 24 and transforms 75 local venues with the work of local artists.

Sponsored by estate agents Petty Son and Prestwich and Edward Duthie Solicitors, the fringe programme and ticket sales will go live in the coming days.

For more information, see the website.