Redbridge's Yom Ha'atzmaut gala at the local Jewish community centre attracted more than 400 revellers from across the age spectrum. There was arts and crafts and face painting for the young, as well as a youthful element to the entertainment with performances from the Clore Tikva and Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary choirs.

Bringing the sounds of Israel, teenage Negev choir Kolot Shel Shalom performed some familiar songs, including Fiddler on the Roof excerpts in Hebrew.

Young people from the Jewish Care leadership training programme and day centre volunteers helped to run the party.

Community emissary Nofar Gal-Shlezinger reflected on "a fantastic event which brought children, families, members and volunteers from across the community together to celebrate at Jewish Care's RJCC".