Readers have had their say on Romford's "biggest and best" festival, but some said they were not aware it was happening.

On Wednesday (July 12) The Recorder ran photo story on Celebrate the Street, a festival in Romford town centre organised by the Romford BID.

Romford Business Improvement District (BID) hosted the festival from Friday (July 7) until Sunday (June 9) and gave residents the chance to enjoy performances, rides and live music among other attractions.

But multiple residents said they were not aware of the festival and it could have been better advertised.

Daryl Burge commented: "They forgot to tell anyone it was happening seems to be the general opinion."

Sue Vosloo added: "Didn't know anything about it."

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However, Paul Nunn said he enjoyed seeing some of the music that was on offer.

Romford Recorder: Paul said he enjoyed seeing Scam 69, a punk and new wave tribute band, in Romford.Paul said he enjoyed seeing Scam 69, a punk and new wave tribute band, in Romford. (Image: Sandra Rowse)

"Scam 69 and Blue Mantis were brilliant," he said of the new wave tribute band and Romford-based rock outfit.

A Romford BID spokesperson said it welocmed feedback from visitors.

But they added: "We are very surprised that some individuals did not see all the considerable advertising we ran in the run-up to the event.

"We paid for 11,000 leaflets to be handed out in the town and printed hundreds of posters that market traders displayed within their stalls.

"We also paid for high-profile poster sites advertising the event weeks beforehand in Stratford, Ilford, Hornchurch and Elm Park, train and tube stations.

"We ran widespread social media advertising in the run up to the event, and all the shopping centres in the town did the same, promoting the weekend events numerous times.

"There were also frequent ads, press articles and full front cover wraps in the Romford Recorder and within the Havering Daily.

"We also paid for an extensive radio campaign with Time FM. Plus, information was also sent to local schools and Havering Council to promote on their channels.

"It was a spectacular event, and we look forward to arranging something similar in 2024."