Colliers Wood has been hailed an emerging arts hub after a two-week festival, which ended with a day of music on Saturday, drew more than 1,000 people to the town centre.
Poetry, ballroom-dancing, short films, theatre, cooking and music recitals were among more than 40 events hosted around the town centre from March 21 until April 5.
This year's theme was 'connecting', paying tribute to the multi-million pound council regeneration project, Connecting Colliers Wood, which aims to improve transport links between the historic high street, Tandem Centre and Merton Abbey Mills.
Jacqui Cleaves, chair of the festival, said: "The festival started off with the theme of connecting young, old, locals and those further out and most of the events definitely reflected that.
"We have also achieved the connection of various arts be it cooking or music or dancing with the wider community.
"The festival brought a lot of vibrancy to Colliers Wood throughout the last two weeks."
Hundreds of people took part in festival events, with people coming from as far as Greenwich, Canary Wharf and Bayswater to discover the town's vibrant arts scene.
Highlights over the two weeks included a pop-up gallery featuring crafts by young designers, a performance by Merton Youth Jazz Orchestra and a tour of the Merton Priory Chapter House by renowned archaeologist Dave Saxby.
More than 100 people entered a 'connection'-themed photography competition, with first prize in the adult category going to Andrew Holmes for his picture of poppies at the Tower of London, in connection with history and remembrance.
Photography competition winning entry by Andrew Holmes
Budding writers were encouraged to enter short stories for another competition judged at the Donald Hope Library on Thursday, with first prize going to Peter Vaughan for his tale of love and friendship.
Short story competition winner Peter Vaughan (centre) with local author Michelle Yaa Asantewaa (left) and festival chair Jacqui Cleaves
The festival ended on Sunday with more than 15 bands and solo artists showcasing their music at Merton Abbey Mills during an all-day festival organised by the Sound Lounge recording studio.
Stevie and The Shakedowns perform at the Sound Lounge Music Festival
Hannah White, co-founder of the Sound Lounge at Merton Abbey Mills, said: "The best thing about the festival is it brought artists from the area together to create events and bring things to local residents.
"But it was about promoting what's already here. Everything we did is already taking place in Colliers Wood."
To find out more about what's going on in Colliers Wood, visit the Making Colliers Wood Happy Facebook page.
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