Festival fever enjoyed at East Barnet park (From Times Series)

Festival fever enjoyed at East Barnet park

12:12pm Monday 6th July 2009

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FEW remnants of a weekend's community celebrations remained this morning at what was the site of one of the largest festivals in North London.

Piles of rubbish had been collected around skips and the final carnival acts were making their way to the exit of Oak Hill Park in Parkside Gardens, which had played host to three days of the East Barnet Festival.

But less than 24 hours earlier, the playing fields and cricket pitch had been a hive of activity, awash with music, dance and fairground rides under bright sunshine.

Up to 20,000 people visited the weekend festival, which kicked off on Friday with a live show by pupils from the Susi Earnshaw theatre school.

Marquees imported directly from last week's Glastonbury festival were the venue for variety of live bands, animal shows and dance performances from across London.

Organisers of the annual festival, which has been running for more than 15 years, said the hot weather had encouraged the swathes of people to come out and enjoy the free entertainment.

Pam Edwards, chair of the festival committee, said: “We have had two very wet years so it was fabulous to work in good weather and everybody has had a wonderful time which you don't get when it's cold and miserable.

“It's a great day when people can meet their friends and neighbours. They don't have to get in a car and drive far, they can just come down here and feel part of the community.

“Some of the stall holders are just starting their business and it is a great way of showcasing their products as well as making new contacts.”

The festival costs more than £30,000 to put on and although it makes about £20,000, the committee has to raise the rest through sponsorship and grants.

One of the biggest hits was the beer tent, with almost 275 gallons of beer being consumed over the weekend, making for a lively time according to bar staff.

Myles Richardson, owner of Pinnacle Bar Services, said: “With drinks flowing it always helps with the atmosphere.

“It's a fantastic festival and nobody can complain about what is available. A bar is always a key point and we have been helping support some of the brilliant bands that have been playing the music.”

Festival-goer Andrew Kileanthous, of Albert Road, said: “We just came along to chill out and enjoy the atmosphere, and it is really good to get everyone out in the community.

“With all the fun and entertainment around it's like a Glastonbury for babies.”

Michelle Fisk, of St Wilfrids Road, had set up a picnic blanket with friends and family for the day and said: “There has been a really nice buzz about the place.

“There are open spaces for the children to run about in, we can meet up with friends and it helps put a bit of community back into the area.”

The festival season in Oak Hill will continue this coming Sunday with the theatre in the park event. A professional drama group will be performing Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream in the arena from 5pm. Tickets cost £10 for adults, concessions £8, £6 for children aged 6-16, and it is free for the under 6s. For more information on the work of the East Barnet Festival committee, how to get involved and booking details for the theatre shows, visit www.eastbarnetfestival.org.uk.

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