THE sun-kissed eighth Alresford Music Festival was the biggest yet – drawing a healthy crowd and raising £10,000 for local, national and international music charities.

Having built up a reputation for making families and first-time festivalgoers feel welcome, Alresford Music Festival attracted more than 4,000 people to enjoy an all-day summer party featuring varied music.

Sue Thomas, one of the organisers, said: “Bands really enjoyed the relaxed vibe and the welcome they received and many were thrilled to be playing on Glastonbury-style stages with state-of-the-art sound and lighting in front of large and enthusiastic audiences.

“The festival attracted many amazing musicians who delighted in playing this boutique festival in the town centre.”

The dedicated family arena provided space and freedom for children of all ages to roam safely within sight and the large screen meant that the main stages could be seen from anywhere and the music could be enjoyed whatever festivalgoers were doing, whether bungee trampolining or climbing the colossal wall, being decorated with the festival signature glitter or dancing in front of one of the five stages of live music and performance.

There was a packed festival village, a wide choice of local and international food, an ale bar, cocktail vans, and sparkling wine and cider bars.

Ms Thomas continued: “Some 25 bands played across five stages. New and emerging talent as well as seasoned artists and musicians all produced some of the most exciting and innovative performances the festival has seen. Headline band Molotov Jukebox, fronted by actress Natalie Tena (from Harry Potter and Game of Thrones), played a headline gyp-step tropical summer set that was a triumph.”

Run by volunteers, Alresford Music Festival is a not-for-profit event which this year supported the Winnall Rock School, providing free music tuition and band workshops as well as bespoke or outreach programmes for aspiring musicians who would otherwise not have access or need additional support.