FROM humble beginnings the Chingford Village Festival has developed into one of the most-anticipated events of the local calendar, with music, art and drama making up the comprehensive programme for this Saturday’s event.

To put it into perspective, organiser Irene Bell tells me: “I started A Day in the Life of Music 13 years ago. Around 400 people came along and I think we had one stall. Now we have over 100.”

Now incorporating six different venues, including The Green, Vestry Hall and Mornington Hall, the festival features the whole range of musical genres from jazz and choral to folk and gospel, as well as local theatre groups, children’s activities and craft stalls.

This year, the bells of St Peter’s & Paul’s Church will signal the opening of the festival at noon, while Queen tribute band The Bohemians will round off the day with a performance on the main stage at Chingford Assembly Hall, with support coming from Cody Lee and Skylinerz.

Irene, who proudly states she was “born and bred in Chingford”, adds: “I am proud I started the festival, because it has become an event the whole community and further afield want to come to. We cover everything, music, dance, arts, it sounds really cliched but there really is something for everyone.”

Events at Chingford Assembly Hall run from noon to 11pm; other venues noon to 5pm. All events are free until 6pm. Tickets for The Bohemians are £8.

Details: 020 8559 4500 or www.chingfordvillagefestival.com