THIS year's Stortford Music Festival has been declared a resounding success - and crowds were DOUBLE the previous record.
Some 3,000 people poured through the gates for a two-day bank holiday spectacular in the grounds of St Mary's Catholic School to watch 66 acts in three packed tents on Saturday and Sunday.
While it remained very much a community gathering, it was also a superlative showcase for some of the most cutting-edge talent ever to emerge from the
Observer area, from pounding rock and jagged indie to folk, funk, ska, blues and jazz.
Organisers did a sterling job of providing extra diversions and activities for youngsters. From face-painting to arts and crafts workshops, vibrant displays of African dancing and a huge array of stalls, there was much more than just music on offer.
Festival marketing director Ann Ho said: "We had loads of people thanking us and telling us how much they loved it. We’re really delighted – there’s such a lot of creative talent to tap into locally and the festival was a fantastic way to enjoy it."
See Thursday's (May 7)
Observer for a four-page pull-out packed with pictures and reviews - and keep logging on to this website throughout the week for lots more videos and pictures from the festival.