THE fifth Coleford Music Festival was, by a mile, the best so far, said one of the organisers – with Monday seeing the biggest crowds ever in Coleford's town centre.

"We estimate we had at least 20,000 visitors over the two days with yesterday breaking all the records," said Nick Penny, who has been working for months with a band of volunteers to make what is now a major event an even bigger success.

"There was a fantastic family atmosphere. Everything was very good-natured.

"The highlight of the show was undoubtedly the group of Japanese drummers on Monday night. There was an absolutely enthralled crowd in the square. They were all blown away."

Even as they continued the clean up of the area, which had seen a variety of outstanding acts on five stages with plenty of sideshows to keep everyone happy, Nick and his workers were beginning to think about next time.

"But to make it happen on this scale we need more money and more volunteer help, so we are making an immediate appeal for anyone who is interested to contact us now," said Nick.

Anyone who wants to help should email [email protected]">[email protected]