MUSIC fans refused to have their spirits dampened by the weather as they turned out in force for two festivals at the weekend.

Bands, players and singers got hundreds dancing at Woodystock 3 at the Woodman Inn in Parkend over the weekend (August 25 to 26), while the streets of Cinderford rocked to the sounds of CindyFest all day Sunday.

Paul Rosser, who organised the Woodstock event with Mike Hodges, Manda Pendrey, Paul Kear and husband and wife Malc and Heather Clift, said: “It’s our third year and we had more than 500 people in, the pub was ram-jammed.

“I help run an open mic night at the Woodman, and in 2016 we decided to put on a small event as a way of saying thanks to the pub and the local musicians, and it’s just snowballed.

“Pub owners Ian and Adrian McNally and their staff led by Carolyn Hinton were absolutely brilliant, we had huge help from Trevor Davies of Lydney Music and sound engineer Tom Gibbons from Lydbrook, and the beer flowed and the atmposphere was great.

“We had to cancel a few bands because of the downpour on Sunday afternoon shortly after lunch to about 4.30pm, and moved the acoustic acts inside, but the crowds still flocked and everyone had a fabulous time, with burgers and an ice cream van as well.”

Bands performed on a stage constructed on the patio at the back of the pub, with music contunuing until 11pm both nights.

“All the musicians were great and a special mention for the two headliners, the Delray Rockets, an amazing 100mph rockabilly band on Saturday, and local indy rock outfit Crystal Balloon on Sunday, from Woolaston, Chepstow and Coleford,” added Paul.

“And I was impressed by The Rejects, a new band, formed from former Rumble member Alex Whiting from Lydbrook and Willis Baldwin and Jack Chown. And with the 50th Parkend carnival on the Monday, it made for a superb community three days.”

Other acts who performed included Alaric, Alex Davies, Casey Ball, Church Mice, Hayley C, Ellen May, The Gordon Wood Band, The Inhalers, The Kachinas, Milly, Mike Hodges, Topaz, RR Band, Roaring Meg and White Spice.

Meanwhile, CindyFest took over the centre of Cinderford for the third year running, with bands appearing at the town’s Triangle through to 10pm.

Organiser James Stevens said: “A big thank you to all the musicians/bands who performed for free – Topaz, White Spice, Monkey Gland Sand Band, Vaults, The Coyotes, Dubois, OCD, MzLeading & the amazing headline act Forest Warrior.”

The rain hit the start of the festival, with the Dog House pub coming to the rescue as a venue before the rain cleared and the action moved to the centre of town.

There was also some animal action from Lyndsey Howard Roaming Reptiles, plus face painting with Lisa J Harris, Punch and Judy and balloon modelling, plus refreshments from Jabba Snacks, Hog & Root and M&M Ices.

James, who has been involved with the festival since 2012, thanked “the people of Cinderford for coming out and making it all worthwhile”, alongside co-organisers Mark Turner, Max Coborn, Chris Brown and Daniel Green, Cinderford town clerk Lynda Thomas for help with the admin, Daniel and Daren Green of DG Events for the sound and lighting and Fusion Signs for banners and signboards.