THE sunshine helped bring people out in their masses to Coleford Music Festival at the weekend, according to show organisers.

Amanda Smith said the event was a great success with music acts originating from as far as America entertaining fans of all ages.

She said: “The weather brought lots of people out. It was amazing – everybody who attended wanted to have fun and was dancing and singing. It made the festival.

“We had a walking ’pageant’ which captured what makes the Forest special. Local schoolchildren, sea cadet and brownie groups designed the parade and included things like wildlife. The pageant is something we look to keep and build on next year.

“American 1960s soul legend Geno Washington was fantastic and for a 72-year-old his stage presence was extraordinary.

“Spectators also appreciated our push to promote home-grown talent.”

Some £2,500 was raised from bucket collections and will be used to support next year’s event.

Amanda added: “Thank you to everybody who supported us, particularly our business sponsors, festival partners and, of course, our crew of volunteers. Without them, we couldn’t host the show.”

*See this week’s Review for more photographs.