A NEW festival will bring natural therapies, meditation, massage and healing to Chingford.

On March 25 the Chingford E4 Holistic Wellness Event takes place at the Masonic Hall on Forest Approach.

As well as tapping into the area's traditions, folklore and connection with Epping Forest, the festival aims to introduce more than 300 people to an array of 'new age' practices.

Charlotte Palmer, organiser and natural food consultant, moved to the area in September and is keen to spread the word to Chingford.

She said: "This area needs an injection of something. Sometimes it feels like the only conversations happening are about parking or what charity shops are open.

"I have wanted to put on a wellness event for sometime, and Chingford seemed perfect with its rich historical background."

Amongst a raft of guests speaking at the event will be Sue Cook, a neuro scientists who focuses on children's behaviour, and sound therapist Cathy Edgar.

"Sue is a particularly good one to catch for parents who struggle with their children," Ms Palmer added.

"Cathy is great. She's coming up from Devon."

At what some might call 'the more left field side of the day' are reiki and shiatsu sessions - Eastern forms of channelling 'life force energies' - and a laughter yoga workshop.

"There will be elements of airy fairy new age stuff in there, but there will also be hard science," she said.

"I am very much about getting across the message to people that wellness is about personal change and about tapping into your body."

The event starts at 10am. Tickets cost £5, with kids, over 65s and those unable to pay going free.