Bandstand Marathon praised for bringing community together (From Enfield Independent)

Bandstand Marathon praised for bringing Enfield's community together

4:06pm Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

A music festival held in four Enfield parks has been praised for bringing the community together.

The Bandstand Marathon, on Sunday, saw a myriad of Enfield-based performers strut their stuff in Broomfield Park, Hilly Fields, Ponders End Park and Albany Park.

More than 500 people visited Albany Park in Enfield Lock to watch the performers and enjoy a bouncy castle, Caribbean food, as well as ice cream and cake stalls.

Gina Needs, chairperson of Friends of Albany Park, who helped organise the event, said: “I am still buzzing from the weekend – it was really good.

“It was so nice to see so many different people there, it was a diverse crowd but they all loved all the different styles of music.

“Four parks were involved but Albany Park gets forgotten about quite a lot because of where it is in Enfield but it was such a nice change to see everyone come together to make a go of it.”

Enfield Lock's John Gamal, 25, headlined at Albany Park and wowed the crowds with his smooth vocals.

He was joined by Enfield acts including the Walker Crew, Kareen Blair, Bailey Boreland, 4 Real, Cardan Jayy and Mista.

Ms Needs said the park was unrecognisable with teams of people lying on blankets enjoying the acts between 1pm and 5pm.

She said interest in joining the Friends group is already on the up after people have realised what they are able to achieve.

The event was part of the London 2012 Festival and marked the end of the Paralympic Games.