Thousands enjoy community music festival in Yate (From Gazette Series)

Thousands enjoy community music festival in Yate

2:30pm Monday 28th June 2010 in

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YATE came alive to the sound of pop music, rock and roll and heavy metal for the town’s own version of Glastonbury.

The fifth annual Yate Community Music Festival, in Kingsgate Park, was the most successful ever as the event continues to grow in popularity.

Thousands descended on the park on Saturday to listen to a line-up of local bands and enjoy picnics while children took to the fairground rides, bouncy castles and inflatable fun.

Yate town councillor John Ford, who first came up with the idea of the festival, said: "It was hot and vibrant and the bands were absolutely fantastic.

"Young bands Sox and Area 51 have really improved over the years and old favourites Tundra and Echoes were excellent.

"A new band for us, Uncle buck, were brilliant and we finished with a heavy metal band, Hope of the Hated."

Dancers also entertained the crowds and a performance by King Edmund Acro Gymnastics Club went down a storm.

Music fans stayed late into the evening as the weather remained warm.

"There was no trouble and people just really enjoyed themselves," said Cllr Ford. "The event has really grown and we exceeded the 5,000 visitors who came last year."

On Sunday, congregations gathered for Praise in the Park organised by the churches of Yate and Chipping Sodbury.

In the afternoon, 500 people chose not to watch England crash out of the World Cup but enjoyed the Apollo Big Band play a selection of hits from the swing era.

Said Cllr Ford: "We are really pleased it was a special event and all those who took part are a credit to Yate. "We offer our thanks to Energise events management for their faultless organisation and hard work."