John Torode, cookery demonstrations and vegetable art were all part of the return of Balham’s Food Festival which started last weekend.

Your Local Guardian:

Balham Ukulele Orchestra entertains foodies at the weekend festival launch 

The MasterChef star officially opened the week-long festival of food with the Balham Banquet on Sunday.

The sun was shining for the Balham Ukulele Orchestra who rocked out on stage with food-related songs along with classics including ‘I wanna be like you’ and ‘Rock around the clock’.

Food shacks serving everything from samosas to cheeses, chutneys and brownies lined Hildreth Street giving residents the opportunity to get their fill.

Former Balham resident Torode took to the stage at 1pm to launch the event by cutting a green ribbon before signing copies of his new book, 'My Kind of Food'.

Children were entertained with hook-a-duck, gingerbread decorating and face painting in a kids' zone.

Budding foodies enjoyed cookery demonstrations from TV chef Jimmy Garcia who prepared his version of a tuna salad, and a chicken and chorizo stew with potato fondants.

Your Local Guardian:

Veg-inspired sreet art at the Balham Food Festival launch 

The pop-up restaurateur said: "It was a really inspiring day, with a huge sense of community between everyone working and attending.

"A massive congratulations has to go to the organisers for bringing so many people together to share the common joy of food."

Throughout the rest of the week other events and offers were scheduled including beer and pie matching at We Brought Beer on Wednesday and cupcake decorating at Dee Light Bakery on Friday, October 2 and a beer festival at The Avalon October 2 to 4.

The festival ends on Sunday, October 4.