More than 20 bands graced the stage of the first Suffolk Sounds music festival at Trinity Park in Ipswich on Saturday.
The event, set up by 18-year-old Chris Bones as a response to Kesgrave Music Festival and Martlesham’s Music on the Green events no longer running, saw a host of young and upcoming bands showcase their music from midday to 11.30pm.
Mr Bones said he had learned a lot from organising his first event – and is already thinking of ideas for next year’s.
“The organisation went really well, we have had some great feedback from the people who came along,” he said.
“Everything went really smoothly, it was really good.
“It sounds like everyone had a lot of fun.
“We must have had between four and five hundred people there. “We are going to start organising next year’s event next month.
“I think it is a learning curve, but I think I have learned a lot from my first festival.
“I have already got a few ideas of things I want to do next year.”
Bands came from all over Suffolk to play at the inaugural event, with some travelling from further afield such as an Ed Sheeran tribute act from Reading.
Also among the acts to play was the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices Choir, a charity which the event was raising money for.
Mr Bones is still totting up the amount raised.
The idea of the event, which was announced in April, was to put on a family friendly festival as well as giving a platform for local musical talent.
Mr Bones said there was some brilliant music on the day, heaping prise on the musical acts that took to the stage.
“This was my first event, being 18 this is not something I have ever done before.
“I must admit the bands on the day were absolutely fantastic.
“There wasn’t one bad band on the stage all day. They were absolutely brilliant and the variety of music was excellent.
“The bands were definitely the best thing about the festival.
“The weather was on and off but it wasn’t something that really affected us as we were inside the cattle barn.”
The festival also featured a classic car display, raffles, street food and drink stalls and a funfair.
Keep up with news on next year’s event at www.suffolksounds.co.uk
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