RISING stars were among the attractions at this year's Walthamstow festival.

Despite rain on Saturday, many residents turned out at Walthamstow Town Square to watch bands perform on stage and to be entertained by street performers and comedians.

Leyton dance troupe X7eavan wowed crowds with their acrobatic dancing, as did teenagers from the Kreative Kulture Klub.

Kreative Kulture Club founder Yvonne Bailey said: “Quite a few of them hadn't performed with us before, but it went really well.

“Street dance has always been one of the most popular activities for us but I think even more so following the success of Diversity on Britain's Got Talent.”

Three local bands who performed at the festival are preparing for two more high-profile events after being short-listed in the Exit 17 competition to find local talent.

The Stow, Shadez and 4 to the Floor all received a good reception and will be hoping for an equally warm welcome when they play at the Rough Trade store in Brick Lane on Thursday and on the Continental Drifts stage at the Lovebox Weekender festival on Saturday and Sunday.

Walthamstow Festival co-organiser Chris Meikan of Continental Drifts said: “The Stow were absolutely amazing and went down a storm, so we will definitely be working with them again.

“Everyone had a fantastic time at the festival, despite the weather.”

The day finished with the The McGuffin Film Society's seventh annual open air cinema event, comedy ‘The Girl Can't Help It’ on the Big Screen.