A weekend of food, theatre and live music from Britpop and the blues to Balkan folk, a brass band and classical cello meant the Crouch End Festival emerged soggy but triumphant for its 12th edition.

One of the capital's biggest community arts festivals was officially opened on Saturday morning by former MP - now prospective parliamentary candidate - Catherine West along alongside three Crouch End councillors.

Organisers were delighted that for the first time in several years they had access to the green in front of Hornsey Town Hall, which hosted a craft fair, food stalls, and entertainment stage.

Crowds enjoyed music and stalls on the green outside Hornsey Town HallCrowds enjoyed music and stalls on the green outside Hornsey Town Hall (Image: David Winskill)

Although long-delayed work to turn the landmark into a hotel and arts centre meant it was out of bounds, the festival's music performances, talks, theatre, art events and family fun took place across several local venues.

Friday evening saw performances of Rohan Candappa’s Beckett-esque Two Characters Adrift on a Raft and Nikki Hughes’ monologue triplet The Retail Chronicles at Hornsey Library to a small but enthusiastic audience.

Stallholders at the Crouch End FestivalStallholders at the Crouch End Festival (Image: David Winskill)

The Ham&High's Crouch End columnist and theatre reviewer David Winskill said: "Some who had never heard a monologue before were bowled over by Nikki’s brilliant combination of authentic characterisation, earthy humour and pathos."

The festival's youngest billed performer, Drake Stansfield, took to the Town Hall green stage early on Saturday.

Gardener who organised planting as part of the festivalGardener who organised planting as part of the festival (Image: David Winskill)

Later on, Muswell Hill's self-confessed 'Dad band' The Muzztones transported the enthusiastic crowd back to the days of Britpop with some storming cover versions that included all the big names.

That evening, Rachel Curtin impressed with her solo cello and singing at Holy Innocents Church.

Crescent Brass play outside Hornsey LibraryCrescent Brass play outside Hornsey Library (Image: David Winskill)

"The mood changed radically when The London Balkans Orkestra offered some wild renditions of wonderfully lively music from eastern Europe," added David Winskill.

Outside Hornsey Library on Sunday afternoon, local ensemble Crescent Brass wowed an audience of over one hundred with a programme of classical music, themes from the films and old standards.

Enjoying the fun at The Crouch End Festival Enjoying the fun at The Crouch End Festival (Image: David Winskill)

Meanwhile The Tower Music Festival at St Mary's Tower was headlined on Saturday by The Kut and featured six bands and a psychedelic lightshow. The following day there was a blues picnic, and family day with child-friendly activities.

None of the events would be possible without a committed team of volunteer organisers.

Performances included The London Balkan Orchestra in Holy Innocents ChurchPerformances included The London Balkan Orchestra in Holy Innocents Church (Image: David Winskill)

Festival co-founder Chris Arnold said: “Despite the weather on Saturday, hardy Crouch Enders and Hornsey  dwellers came out to enjoy the many events and overall this year's festival was a great success.

“From live rock bands at St Mary’s Tower to an evening of cultural music in Holy Innocents to the Library, there was something for everyone. 

Nikki Hughes performed her monologues The Retail Chronicles at Hornsey LibraryNikki Hughes performed her monologues The Retail Chronicles at Hornsey Library (Image: David Winskill)

"It was the first time we were back on the green in over four years with our live stage and market stalls. 

"Sunday’s Family Day was was a massive hit with live music and Batman arriving from the top of the St Mary's Tower."