"This is the best festival yet". Strong words indeed but Woodside Park's Catherine Mwaura wasn't describing Glastonbury she had just enjoyed two days at the East Barnet Festival.

With more than 20,000 people sampling the carnival atmosphere and musical extravaganza, organisers hailed it as a complete success. Organiser Mike Young said: "The crowds have been unbelievable and this year's programme was 50 per cent bigger than it has been in previous years.

"Both days have been absolutely fantastic and I've seen so many smiling faces and people enjoying themselves that all the hard work was certainly worthwhile."

Egyptian and African dancing, a number of stalls, a variety of live bands and a funfair for children were just some of the attractions on show. Residents were even treated to some Samba-style Brazilian drumming and dancing just hours after the final whistle had blown in the World Cup final.

Mrs Mwaura, 41, of Budd Close, took her four-year-old daughter Njoki to the festival and summed up what the weekend was all about: "The festival has got something for everyone but it's so much fun for the children with all the rides."

Thirty-seven-year-old Lina Christova, of Shurland Avenue, East Barnet, agreed. She said: "It is so well organised and there is something for all the family. Considering it is all free it is just brilliant."

July 2, 2002 11:00