MORE than 10,000 people flocked to Cherry Tree Wood today to enjoy Barnet's longest running free festival.

Established in 1974 by residents, East Finchley Festival is organised entirely by volunteers and aims to bring the community together.

Today its aim proved a success as the sun encouraged swarms of residents to venture outside for some summer revelling.

Two stages blasted out live music, while more than 50 stalls offered refreshments and entertainment.

Children painted their faces or played on the giant inflatable slide, while parents drank beer and wine, bought raffle tickets or gathered information about dozens of local organisations, charities and businesses.

Event organiser Colin Rogers, ward councillor for East Finchley, said: "We want any group in the borough to come and set out their wares - schools, community groups, churches, secular societies, everyone.

"We want them to be able to come here and tell everyone what they are all about, and hopefully have a little fun."

Chris Mentiply, health and safety manager, has travelled from Brighton for the past three years to help run the festival, having first joined the organising committee in 1990.

He said: "The whole thing allegedly started with a bunch of hippies sitting in the park roasting a piece of dead animal and having a bit of a party around 36 years ago, though nobody is absolutely sure about the origins.

"It would be great to get more young people involved, but they don't seem to be interested in volunteering.

"It tends to be white, middle-class, middle-aged people - perhaps because they see it as an old-fashioned village fete.

"But it's not that at all. Its appeal covers a wide range of people."

Kevin Gillespie, fundraising manager for the Bobath Centre in East End Road, which supports children with cerebral palsy, was running a clay modelling stall for youngsters.

He said: "We come every year. It's a great event.

"We have the chance to speak to parents about our work and see if they want to support us, which we don't normally have too much opportunity to do as we are not a drop-in centre.

"The festival is exactly what it says it is - a community event. It's really nice to meet all the local people."