Crowds flock to St Barnabas community fete

FAMILIES celebrated a huge end of summer party in Bethnal Green this weekend. Father Brian Ralph spends the whole year raising the �25,000 needed to put on the bash at Wennington Green, off Roman Road. Attractions this year included a martial arts disp

FAMILIES celebrated a huge end of summer party in Bethnal Green this weekend.

Father Brian Ralph spends the whole year raising the �25,000 needed to put on the bash at Wennington Green, off Roman Road.

Attractions this year included a martial arts display, a climbing wall and a sword fencing roadshow to ensure there was something for everyone.

Music was provided by the Sikh group, Dohl Foundation, punk band Sham 69, Heavy Load and Muslim band Babar Luck.

Father Ralph said: "It was bigger than last year, It's all free to the community and it's the community and volunteers who run it."

He said fund-raising was tough this year and it was tough going to raise the last �2,000 to �3,000. But he added: "People deserve a party.