WHEN St Martin’s Church in Barnehurst decided to host a festival to establish community spirit in the area, it hoped to attract a couple of hundred people.

But more than 1,000 people visited the Barnehurst Festival.

It began with a parade from the nearby Methodist Church in Risedale Road, led by the Royal British Legion and involving the area’s uniformed groups and church organisations.

They were met at St Martin’s in Erith Road by Bexley mayor Councillor Bernard Clewes, who opened the festival, Bexleyheath and Crayford MP and Barnehurst resident David Evennett and a steel band.

Church groups and many charities and community groups ran stalls and sideshows.

There were history exhibitions in the church from Bexleyheath Historical Society and the Scouts and Guides and performances by singers Arthur and Dave, the Linda Friday School of Irish Dancing, The Kentones barbershop choir and G&A Performing Arts School.

When the heavens opened before the evening barbecue and a “Barne” dance in the church hall, the chefs cooked under a gazebo and served the food from under umbrellas.

There was also an open air service in St Martin’s car park on Sunday followed by a bring-your-own picnic lunch on the Scout field at 12.30pm.

The church was hoping to break even from the event, but ended up raising £2,000 which will go towards adapting facilities in the church hall for disabled use.