A COMMUNITY event run in Aveley on Monday, 8 May) by Aveley Village Community Foundation (AVCF) and Aveley & Kenningtons Community Forum (AKCF) was hailed as a great success.

The celebration to mark the coronation of King Charles III included a wide range of stalls, activities, food and entertainment. 

The entertainment programme started at 11.15am with some traditional and coronation-fitting music from the Aveley & Newham Band, followed by Maria Herriot who sang old and new tunes to great applause from the crowd. 

Elite Twirlers then took to the arena, with young and more experienced dancers and put on a crowd pleasing display. 

This was followed by another stage show, when local singer/songwriter Ellie performed some of her own compositions along with some well known ballads. 

It was back into the arena; with an amazing flying display from Imperial Birds of Prey, who enthralled the crowd with the prowess of the birds used. 

Back onto the stage for a human equivalent to nature's beasts; with the Drumenagh School of Irish Dancing, giving a high energy, high kicking display, which brought much applause from the crowd.

The final musical item on the stage was a rendition of Gospel and traditional songs by The Community Choir of Eko church, who gave a rousing and crowd pleasing performance. 

The next item in the arena was a 'Fun' dog show with five categories, where some excellent dogs were judged by expert dog trainer Alicia Bratbury of AODT, who kindly gave her time for nothing. 

The final item at 3.30pm was a fancy dress pageant for youngsters portraying a coronation theme, which produced some fantastic outfits and worthy winners. 

There was also a classic car show, with a range of vehicles, motorbikes and massive truck cabs, courtesy of a number of local enthusiasts and hosted by Mens Sheds. 

A wide range of stalls were in attendance, selling a range of products, or giving advice about services. 

There were a number of children's rides, inflatable slides, a 40 foot climbing wall, a kids bungee bouncer, mini-bumper cars, a tea-cup ride, win-a-prize stalls and even a bucking bronco to test your balance. 

AVCF had a marquee giving away a couple of hundred free 'cream teas' and running a tombola. 

Three or four local scout, guide and cub groups had stalls, which received a lot of interest. 

Denis & Jen Mason set up a children's assault course, which proved very popular and had a stall selling items to support the LCNMMF. 

The weather held (just) and a great day was had by an estimated 2,000 people throughout the time the event was open. Many favourable comments were received.