HUNDREDS of people enjoyed live music, a pipe band and dance shows at the annual Chingford Village Festival.

Community groups from the Waltham Forest Sea Cadets to MS Action were among clubs and charities who attended.

The Chingford Guardian team were also out in force, handing out free copies of our new-look edition after it was relaunched last week.

Lieutenant Commander Bevan Johns, 77, used his stand for the Waltham Forest Sea Cadets to recruit new people. It currently has 54 cadets aged 10 to 18.

He said: “We have been at the festival for three years and we get quite a few new recruits every year.

“We have had a few show interest and put their names down this morning.

“It gives them discipline and respect for themselves and for others.”

Debbie Peacock, 55, from Walthamstow, told people about the charity MS Action at her stall.

She said: “We have already raised a few hundred pounds.

“But it is not about making money. It is about giving people information so they know about us.

“We provide care for children and adults with multiple sclerosis and also those with cancer.”

Mayor of Waltham Forest Cllr Peter Herrington attended the event with his wife Sue.

He said: “It is great to see everyone enjoying themselves.

“It is always good to see the Chingford community come together and have fun.”

Children were kept entertained with face painting, swings, a bouncy castle and performances by dance and martial arts groups.

Chris Mocanu, originally from Romania, recently moved to Chingford with his wife and daughter.

He said: “It is a very nice area and the people are friendly.

“This event is great and our daughter Isabella is having a great time.”

Hans Christian Lassen, who runs the Connaught Practice in Connaught Road in Chingford treated people for phobias in his tent.

He said: “I had a lady in this morning who had a fear of balloons.

“In seven minutes I managed to change her attitude towards balloons.

“We offer classes to help people with stress and phobias at our practice.”

Festival organiser Irene Bull said: “It’s been the best one yet, the whole community is having a lovely time.”

The event started at noon and finished at 6pm, with the sun shining for the first half of the day before thunder and torrential rain arrived.

But it failed to dampen the spirits of festival goers.

Minister at Ss Peter and Paul in The Green Rev Andy Trenier mingled with the locals and praised the event organiser for pulling it off.

He said: “It has been a great day. We had music in the church all day.

“Irene Bull puts it all together and she is a great asset to our community.”