A first-of-its-kind community street party “exceeded expectations” as thousands lined the streets last Sunday.

Maria Jordan, lives in Whetstone, was one of ten people who organised the Wake up Whetstone street party in High Road, and described it as a “great success”.

Ms Jordan said: “It was such a great day, thousands of people turned up, it really exceeded our expectations, and we think we have woken up Whetstone now.

“The bands, schools, were brilliant, and since the event, we have received dozens of messages to us and our team, and cards through the door. We were quite touched.”

Wake up Whetstone is a festival organised by a group of neighbours, with the aim to unite community groups and raise money.

People were delighted with the turn out as well as the variety of stalls and business owners who lined the street.

The street party showed off talent from pupils at All Saints primary School in Oakleigh Road, as they performed dance routine during the day and a saxophonist, a magician and Barnet Ukulele group also entrained the crowds.

The event was organised by Love Whetstone, a group of people living in the area who work to promote a sense of community and engage local people in events.

They are a not for profit group, and are currently working out how much money was raised for the North London Hospice and the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

Ms Jordan also thanked all the volunteers, as well as Deputy Lieutenant of Barnet Martin Russell, deputy Mayor Cllr Alison Cornelius and Theresa Villiers MP for attending the official opening ceremony.

She said: “The weather stayed dry we just had overwhelming support from everyone, and since the event, many people have asked us and told us to make it an annual party, but I think you can over do an event like this, so we are not sure.”

For more information on the group or upcoming events, visit www.lovewhetstone.co.uk.