MUSIC fans flocked to Whitchurch’s biggest live event last Saturday.

Twangfest 2010 saw 1970s punk veterans mixing with up-and-coming talents during the one-day event at Testbourne Community College.

The 18-band line-up proved an eclectic bunch, with styles including electro-pop, indie and rap.

Organiser Martyn Page, whose son played the main stage with The Fortunate, said that the event, now in its fourth year, is going from strength to strength.

He said: “In terms of attendance, it has been excellent and we expect to break even.

“This is a not-for-profit event with the objective of giving these bands an opportunity to play and enjoy the festival experience – it is about them as much as their audience.

“It reaches out to local bands because we have a vibrant music scene. At least 90 per cent of the bands are from the Whitchurch and Basingstoke area.”

Visiting from outside the area, however, were punk act London. Founded in 1976, during the punk revolution, they were formed in the city that bears their name.

They broke up one year later and drummer Jon Moss joined The Damned and then Culture Club. In 2008, they reformed, minus Moss, and decided to play Twangfest after vocalist Steve Voice was impressed during a visit last year.

Jack Oxford, 16, from Laverstoke, was playing with The Plastix, a three-piece band formed at Testbourne Community College.

Jack said: “This festival is great fun because it has such a great atmosphere.”

Bassist Dan Hutchins, 16, of Foxdown, Overton, said: “It is also really important for bands who are trying to get their music out there and promote themselves.”

Dance tents provided an alternative to band music, while an open mic tent impressed or distressed in equal measure.