That'll be the day as rockers end festival

The sound of the 70s filled the air of a South Staffordshire village when rock and rollers Showaddywaddy brought its music festival to a close in spectacular style.

Villagers who had packed picnics poured wine and relaxed as the sun came down over Brewood on Saturday night. Crowds settled down for an evening of musical entertainment in the grounds of St Dominic's school.

Families and hard-core Showaddywaddy fans alike soaked up the atmosphere and listened to support acts as they waited for the rock and roll band to take to the stage.

The colourful six-piece were the headline act at this year's Brewood Music festival. And their enthusiastic audience were not disappointed as the band belted out old favourites such as Under the Moon of Love and tracks from their new album The Sun.

Among those who had gathered to enjoy a glass of wine and as they listened to the music was Penkridge receptionist Pat Weatherley, who was at the festival with friends. The 45-year-old of Brindley Close said she had been looking forward to see the band.

"We are fans of Showaddywaddy, rock 'n' roll is our era," she said. "It's a really good turnout and we've been lucky with the weather. It's good to see the village come together like this."

The Fortescue family settled down to enjoy the evening's entertainment with strawberries from their fruit farm in Gailey. Mum Helen, 44, said: "It's wonderful, there is a really good atmosphere. We've been able to catch up with people who we haven't seen in a while."

Couple Helen Ashworth and Ian Jeffery had travelled from Bristol to be at the festival. Helen, a 24-year-old teacher, said it was important to support community events.

"We are looking forward to seeing Showaddywaddy but it's nice to see the community come together. It's important that villages do things like this," she said.

Speaking before the band stormed onto the stage, Showaddywaddy singer Dave Bartram said he was pleased with the festival's turnout.

"It's fantastic to have a sell-out," he said. "It's great that we've had such good weather and one thing we always enjoy is going on stage in the twilight. More small towns and villages should do this sort of thing."

The band were supported by rock band Voodoo Johnson and village musicians The Copycats.