THOUSANDS of people flocked to this year's Chingford Village Festival leading its organiser to proclaim it the 'best ever.'

The chime of bells at SS Peter and Paul's Church marked the start of festivities at noon today (Saturday)with visitors of all ages heading to the green, off Station Road where tents offered tempting bargains, real ale, and information about local clubs and societies.

Attractions on offer for youngsters included a giant pink slide and a 'Busy Bee' puppet show, with music lovers treated to impressive performances by a number of groups, including the William Morris School Gospel Choir, the Epping Forest Pipe Band, and members of the Chingford Ladies Choir.

Festival organiser Irene Bull said: "This is the best ever Chingford Village Festival. We've had something in the region of 15,000 people coming and going throughout the day.

"When I first helped set up the festival I had dreams of a day like this. Now it is reality. I want to thank everyone on the Festival Committee for helping make this happen."

These views were backed by Waltham Forest Mayor Anna Mbachu.

She said: "It brings people together and not just from Waltham Forest but from other parts of London too. I have really enjoyed it and plan to bring my family with me next year."

The festival was organised by an army of volunteers and sponsored by North Chingford Community Council. Jon Hunt, 40, an instructor at the Loughton Sub Aqua Club, manned a stall at the event.

He said: "This is the first year we've decided to have a stall. A lot of people have come up to us asking about the club so we'll probably be back next year."

Raymond Lee hairdressers in Station Road, took advantage of the increased passing trade by offering style tips and advice for free while raising cash for disadvantaged children's home Haven House.

Stylist Sharna Halls, 19, of Tufton Road, Chingford, said: "There have been more customers coming through the door because of the festival.

"It's certainly helping us to beat the credit crunch."

Fans of rock band Queen will be in for a treat later this evening when tribute band The Bohemians perform their greatest hits in Chingford Assembly Hall.