THE sun shone, shone and then shone some more as Alresford Music Festival goes from strength to strength.

The music and creative festival – now in its ninth year – attracted thousands of people to Arlebury Park last Saturday.

It has built a reputation for making families and first time festival goers feel extra welcome, providing a safe place to enjoy some of the best and most varied music about.

A spokesman said the event attracted more than 4,500 people.

Tim Miller, festival co-founder, said: “We have celebrated our biggest Alresford Music Festival ever this year and raised thousands of pounds for charities.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and will set us in good stead for our landmark 10th festival in 2019”.

The festival is always keen to provide a platform for young musicians from local schools and colleges to play on the big stage and has regularly showcased young artists.

Over 25 bands played across five stages, among which was Tongue and Groove. Lead singer Ashleigh Wilmot has previously spent time working at the Chronicle and told the paper: "It was brilliant to be part of such a fantastic local event, it was very well organised and the talent showcased was outstanding.

"The support from the local community was great and long may the festival continue."

AMF is renowned on the festival inner circuit for the quality and breadth of music and musicians taking part.

The dedicated ‘Family Arena’ at the festival provided space and freedom for kids of all ages to roam safely within easy sight. The big screen meant that the main stages were seen from anywhere in the arena. There was a packed festival village, with a wide choice of tasty local and international food, a fine ale bar, cocktail bar and cider bars.

The day is packed, but you can arrive early and camping is available on both Friday and Saturday nights so you don’t have to miss a second. The camp site is next to a trout stream and overlooks the South Down – not bad for a festival you can walk to from town and a great backdrop if you are feeling a little fuzzy when you wake up!

Free shuttle buses ran from Winchester or Alton train stations to pick and return festival goers to reduce the impact on local roads.

There was music on around the town on Friday night including Soul Cellar where Acid Jazz label founder Eddie Piller plus gust DJs Nobel & Heath and Double O Soul will be playing Northern Soul and rare 60s sounds.