NEIGHBOURS enjoyed the chance to mingle and listen to live music at the second-ever Sherfest.

The festival took place for the second time in the field behind Sherfield Park Community Centre.

Acts who played included Basingstoke bands Freespirit and Kilriki, and Hampshire singer-songwriter Will Lawford.

Candice Wright, community centre development manager, said the event started so that people who lived on the new estate, near Sherfield-on-Loddon, could meet each other.

She said: “It has gone really well. Last year was scorching hot. This year, we had a bit of rain, but it didn’t seem to put people off.”

This year’s event had a wild west theme, and included stalls where children could pan for gold, and a bucking bronco.

Other attractions included a chance to turn on the lights and siren on a police van, and a bouncy castle.

Refreshments were available, and a hog roast was supplied by Bramley Village Bakery.

David and Rebecca Denham, of Rockbourne Road, Sherfield Park, moved to the estate just three weeks ago.

Mr Denham, 41, said: “It is a good community event, and it is good to see everyone together.”