Trust Thamesmead Community Festival 2008

The risk of rain didn't put off 15,000 people attending this year's Trust Thamesmead Community Festival.

It was a fantastic day which saw Thamesmead community groups turn out in force on stalls to raise awareness and money for their groups. Last year, 5th Abbey Wood Brownies and Rainbows raised enough money on the day to pay their rent for the entire year and are thought to have raised even more money this year, which will be ploughed into the group who meet weekly.

The Health Zone encouraged people to participate in tai chi, salsa and ball room dancing as well as undergo alternative therapy. The Sports Zone featured Thamesmead Town Football Club and Charlton Athletic Football Club and showed demonstrations from local sports groups including Crossways Gym, Thamesmead School of Dance and the Archway Project, whilst the Children's Zone allowed children to have fun on the inflatables and land train.

Gallions Hawaiian Beach was also a huge success and attracted hundreds of young children throughout the day, not only on the beach and in the lagoons but on the donkey rides and bungee run too.

All this and so much more, including the main stage, which this year featured eight T Factor contestants, including the 2006, 2007 and 2008 winners. The Blues Brothers Uncut, Hot Chocolate, 2008 T Factor winners dance group Myztikal and headline act Moni Tivony aka Lionel Richie from BBC1's The One and Only really got the crowd going and finished off what was a positive, fun and successful day, not only for Trust Thamesmead but the community too.

Jackie Smith Chair of Trust Thamesmead said: "This year's festival has been another great success; even the weather was kind to us on the day!

"Festivals like ours do not happen without a great deal of hard work throughout the year and the board of Trust Thamesmead are delighted that the community had such an enjoyable day.

"Our thanks goes to everyone from staff, sponsors and community groups, to all those who attended. Without you, the day would not have been such a success."