Merton Abbey Mills hosted a buzzing live music festival in an attempt to revive the historic arts village on the bank of the River Wandle.

Live music and world food on Sunday afternoon drew around 400 people of all ages to enjoy cooking demonstrations, children's theatre, face-painting, tarot card reading, jazz, folk bands and riverside drinks.

Keiron Marshall, part of the Sound Lounge duo who organised the festival, said: "People say Abbey Mills is a ghost town and not what it used to be and we said, what if everyone worked together?

"It was a massive success. I didn't expect that many stall-holders to come so they made it feel like there was a great atmosphere.

"We got locals to help set up and everyone mucked in."

A Bangladeshi food demonstration by award-winning entrepreneur, Yasmin Choudhury, of Lovedesh, was a highlight of the day, presenting dishes from her wood fire curry; the only one of its kind in Europe.

Following the weekend success, the Sound Lounge recording studio will be hosting a festival on the first Sunday of every month.

To find out more visit mertonabbeymills.org.uk

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