ORGANISERS of a three-day music festival today admitted they were very disappointed by the lack of attendance to the event.The International Country Music Festival, which had an awe-inspiring line up of stars, failed to attract the numbers organisers had hoped for.

ORGANISERS of a three-day music festival today admitted they were very disappointed by the lack of attendance to the event.

The International Country Music Festival, which had an awe-inspiring line up of stars, failed to attract the numbers organisers had hoped for.

Rory McGurk, co-organiser of the event run by Minifest, said: "The weather over the three days was fantastic, the performers were excellent but unfortunately we didn't get the crowds we were expecting.

"I don't understand why people refuse to support live music events. I was disappointed by the turn out."

Co-organiser Jan Cavelle said: "Although we were disappointed by the turnout the feedback and feeling we have received has been tremendous.

"The people who have come have had a really good time and the standard of music has stunned us.

"We are determined to come back next year and make a real go of it."

The event kicked off at midday on Friday and ended at Midnight on Sunday and was staged at the Suffolk Showground in Ipswich.

This year's event presented an international flavour with 17 country music artistes performing more than 24 hours of live stage shows to honour and entertain country music fans.

Music got underway on Friday evening with four acts headed by Sarah Joy performing her blend of contemporary country with soft rock.

"It was worth losing money just to see Sarah Joy – she was fantastic and gave a stunning concert," said Mr McGurk.

On Saturday the main attraction was Amanda Normansell Band who won Stars in their Eyes with her uncanny vocal resemblance to 50s legend Patsy Cline and also on stage was the queen of country music, Philomena Begley.

Sunday saw Steve Cherelle take to the stage, who has appeared in the TV show Stars in their Eyes, with his renditions of John Denver.

Other popular country music performers at the Minifest spectacular included local band Cardy and Coke, Welshman Rob Allen who has enjoyed success at number one in Europe's Country Music charts and gold star winners Kenny Johnson and Northwind.

DJ for the event was Capital Gold's Tim Rogers.

Line dancing lessons were held each morning in the cattle barn and there was a talent competition held on Saturday looking for stars of the future.

www.minifest.co.uk