AN AFTERNOON of music and beer was enjoyed to celebrate the armed forces in Odiham.

Created by the late Peter Fountain, this year’s Band and Booze celebration saw more than 2,000 villagers come out to enjoy five unique bands and a wealth of tasty local ale and delicious food.

Held in The Bury, the event gave villagers in Odiham the chance to show their appreciation for the work the armed forces carry out.

Throughout the day five artists took to the stage – Hampshire rock’n’roll quartet Vat 59, folk trio Meles Albus, Jimi Hendrix and David Bowie inspired Cages, the haunting Kindred Spirit and Oxford cover group The Rollright Stones.

The event was organised by Members in Odiham – a group existing to improve the quality of life for residents within Odiham and the surrounding areas and promote preservation and development of the village – and their chairman Francis Howard.

Mr Howard said: “It was a really good, real village event – the support we received from the parish council was excellent and as ever we tried to keep this year’s line-up of musicians and refreshments local.

“It was a nice stage for the musicians and one band was of 17-year-old musicians who were playing their first ever live show together.

“What an opportunity they had to play to a big audience.

“The villagers are always very loyal to us and it was another great day.”

All the performers played on the trailer stage, supplied by Rawlings Transport. Other sponsors for the event included Sam Wilson from Lorry and Plant, Westport Grey and Odiham Parish Council.

Event director and Odiham parish councillor Richard Harris said: “Despite the showers for most of the early afternoon, it didn’t stop people taking to The Bury to enjoy our event.

“It was a really successful day with some great music from some new musicians and old ones that we love.

“The whole event was founded by Mr Fountain, who used to be like the town manager in Odiham, so we wanted to keep this event going in his memory.

“I think he would have been proud of how good the festival was.”