Music festival strikes right note

Thousands of people made the most of the weekend sunshine at the annual Keynsham Music Festival today.

Crowds were entertained by more than 40 bands and acts on the four stages set up in the town centre Memorial Park.

Organisers said the range of talent on show, particularly young, local musicians, was the secret to the festival's success.

Co-ordinator Suzy Mizrahi said: "The thing about the festival is that it is really a family community event and also the quality of the music is really good.

"There are so many good, new bands in the area and we have had to pack them in this year because there are so many of them.

"We always make sure there is lots to do for all the kids and this year there are loads of workshops.

"The strong community feel means it attracts everyone, young and old."

The park was transformed into a sea of tents offering visitors music, bouncy castles, food and drink and even reiki massages.

In the creative arena, children had the chance to make glove puppets, head dresses and sunflower lanterns.

Helen Aitchison, from Longwell Green, had taken her three children and niece and nephew, aged between newborn and seven years old.

She said: "The festival appeals to us because it is free and it is good for the children.

"They have enjoyed watching the dancing and we have just finished having a picnic. It is a lovely atmosphere."

Her five-year-old daughter Maisie said: "I enjoyed watching the dancing because the shoes made clippy noises."

Mark Russell from Batheaston was at the event with his wife Michelle and his two young children Imogen and Ben.

It was their first time at the festival but they had enjoyed the range of things on offer.

Mr Russell said: "I like the fact that it has such a community feel and we are hoping to see new things from around Keynsham.

"So far we are really impressed."

Andy Sayles, who was with his wife Rachel and their children Sophia and Charlotte, said the festival had changed his opinion of Keynsham.

He said: "It is not how I imagined the town.

"I have driven past it and I was quite happy for it to stay that way, in the nicest possible way. I just thought of it as a suburb of Bristol, but I know can see it has got so much to offer.

"This is about showing you what somewhere is really like, there is a lot of variety. It is an opportunity for local people to get up and show what they can do with arts and music."