The Woodford Festival takes place October 6 to 14

More than 100 events in 44 venues over nine days can mean only one thing – the return of the Woodford Festival.

From October 6, Woodford Bridge, Woodford Green and South Woodford will be brimming over with musical performances, art exhibitions, beer festivals and guided walks.

The festival, in its fifth year, celebrates local talent.

Co-ordinator Anny Wortley-Millek, of Forest Approach, Woodford Green, said: “We’re very happy to showcase that in our festival. We couldn’t organise it without the enthusiasm of all the people here.”

It will start, according to Anny – who organises the programme with husband Ron – with a mobile stage taking a selection of festival performers to busy shopping areas.

It will visit Woodford Bridge; The Broadway, Woodford Green and George Lane, South Woodford.

And a highlight of the 2011 festival returns the following day when the London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police and neighbourhood watch groups join forces to hold an open day at Woodford Fire Station, Snakes Lane West.

Anny said: “Last year that was really quite special.

“They pulled out all the stops. They set fire to a car and the fire brigade showed us how they rescue people from a burning car. It was quite dramatic.”

Musical performances include an opening concert with spirituals, barbershop and popular songs at St Mary’s Church, High Road, Woodford Green on the oepning day. A proms concert closes proceedings on October 14.

Cllr Richard Hoskins, the festival’s co-chairman, said: “What I’m excited about is the range.

“There’s every kind of artistic event from individual performance to group choral works to orchestras.”

An art trail brings local works to venues while The George, High Road, South Woodford, and The Traveller’s Friend, High Road, Woodford Green, will hold beer festivals.

The festival costs around £15,000.

For full details, including timings, visit www.woodfordfestival.org.uk.