Live @ the Castle hailed a success
A music festival in the shadow of Stafford Castle has been hailed a success by organisers after thousands of fans enjoyed the performances in the sun.
The weather stayed dry and bright for the scores who pitched up on the hill to watch the acts on stage.
Live @ the Castle on Sunday – part of the Stafford Festival – featured a mixture of solo artists, duos and bands.
Among the audience was Martin Stanyer, who wrote the track Stephen Sutton tribute single Hope Ain't a Bad Thing.
He said that he hoped to be able to perform himself at the event one day.
He said: "It was a great day. It was well organised and it was a party atmosphere.
"I went with a group of mates and it was great to spend the day with them all." Organisers hailed the annual event a massive success, saying the warm weather played a huge part.
Stafford Borough Council spokesman Will Conaghan said: "The weekend was a tremendous success with thousands of people enjoying a fantastic day of live music in excellent weather.
"As part of the festival, there was also family entertainment at the Izaak Walton's Cottage with hundreds of youngsters and parents at the teddy bears picnic."
The music kicked off at 12.30pm on the main stage and included accomplished bands such as HouseJammerz who proved a massive hit when they appeared at the Big Burh Day in Stafford town centre last year.
Music in the acoustic tent got under way at 1.30pm.
Stafford Round Table's Catch Twenty Two featuring DJs Dave Gerrard, Rob Bairstow and Ben Shenton played laid-back grooves throughout the day.
The music continued until 10pm. The first Stafford Festival was held in 1991.
As part of the festival a Party in the Park event was held on July 6. Children's characters Mr Tickle and Little Miss Sunshine entertained families at Victoria Park.
There was also face painting, art workshops and train rides for youngsters.
Stafford Festival Shakespeare has been taking place at the castle over the past few weeks. As You Like It, starring John Challis and Eric Potts, finished on Saturday.
The comedy opened on June 29, with a purpose-built stage installed in the grounds of the castle.
The Shakespeare festival is in its 24th year.
