An arts festival featuring more than 40 events launched on Saturday with a pop-up gallery, music gigs and dance classes.

Colliers Wood Arts Festival is running in various venues around the town centre until Sunday, April 5.

Hundreds of residents enjoyed free workshops and performances over the weekend, including a children's ballet class, adult's ballroom dancing session, a classical recital and a Merton Youth Jazz Orchestra performance.

Jacqui Cleaves, festival chairman, said: "It was a wonderful weekend. The festival transformed the town's atmosphere, it seemed like everyone was heading to the community centre and the pop-up gallery was beyond everybody's expectations.

"I think it's a great opportunity for people to find out what's going on in the area and to try something different."

Wimbledon Times:

Pop-up gallery featuring fresh talent to launch Colliers Wood Arts Festival

Arts festival to host pop-up galleries, music, theatre and workshops around Colliers Wood

Highlights still to come include a cultural food festival in Merton Abbey Mills on Saturday, March 28 and Music and Marshmallow Friday gigs at the Sound Lounge recording studios.

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The Bridgetower Trio entertain a festival audience at Christchurch 

The festival was founded in 2012 by community group Making Colliers Wood Happy, but was taken over by a formal committee last year after it expanded.

Wimbledon Times:

Merton's Youth Jazz Orchestra gets people foot-tapping at community centre show

It aims to promote the vibrant hidden hubs, venues and open spaces in the area, from much-loved pubs, international restaurants and historic sites.

To find out about upcoming events, visit collywood.org.uk/arts.