Big crowds have turned out for the festivities of the first week of Sydenham Arts Festival, despite downpours.

The opening Street Celebration, featuring musicians and dancers in three performance areas, was well received and the first part of the festival’s flagship event, Till The Boys Come Home was a sell out.

The free musical show explored the true story of Sydenham’s gas workers who went to war in 1914.

Festival director Jonathan Kaufman said: “The cast were amazed to meet some of the descendants of the characters they are playing after the show, and got to see the actual medals won by Jack Quinn - one of the featured characters - a truly magical moment for all involved.”

Next week will feature performances from the likes of blues artist Ian Siegal, award-winning children’s author Jeremy Strong, and the big Arts in the Park Extra send-off with Glenn Tilbrook from Squeeze.

Go to sydenhamartsfestival.co.uk

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Cauldronated. Picture by Paul Grace

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Dulwich Suzuki Group. Picture by Steve Broh

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Farrago. Picture by Valya Alexander

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Michele Drees Jazz Tap Project. Picture by Pat Couder

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Street Celebration. Picture by Anna Rashmi Mariotto

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The Frokettes at the Street Celebration. Picture by James Evans

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Till the Boys Come Home. Picture by Mark Drinkwater

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Zoilka. Picture by Jane Ferguson