Crowds flock to Music on the Green event

A LARGE crowd of music lovers turned out to enjoy 12 hours of free non-stop music on Martlesham Heath at the 2007 Music on the Green event.

The weather held out for spectators who came out in force for Saturday's event, which is now firmly established on the East Anglian music scene.

Along with 20 different bands performing across two stages between 10.30am and 10.30pm, there was also a range of stalls and attractions including bouncy castles, cake stalls, an outside bar and a car boot sale.

The proceeds from the event, which will all go to East Anglia's Children's Hospice and Martlesham Community Responders, are still being counted but it is expected to run into the thousands.

Paul Firman, organiser, said: “It was mega. It was a really excellent occasion and a good family day out. I think everyone saw it as the first day of the summer and came out to enjoy the show.

“It got busier as the day went on and ended on a high with UB4T. There was no trouble whatsoever - everyone just had fun.”

As well as performances from more established bands, the music extravaganza also gave smaller, upcoming bands the opportunity to play in front of a live audience, using a professional sound system.

Bands that attended included the Birchwood School Choir, Martlesham Brass Band, Royal Arcade, Boot50, Just 42, Great White Hopes, Wicked Grin, Suffolk School Of Rock, Blue Wave and Jenny's Accordionists.

Leila Clarke, 25, of Penzance Road, Kesgrave, said: “I came up here with two of my friends. We came last year and thought it was really good. It's just nice to sit in the sun and listen to some good music.”

What did you think of Music on the Green? Do you have a charity event coming up which you want to us to feature? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.