A HAMPSHIRE town has been rocking to the sounds of a free music festival.

Romsey was buzzing with activity as hundreds of residents came to enjoy the Beggars Fair.

The musical extravaganza was kicked off by the town mayor Cllr Dorothy Baverstock after a rhythmic performance by the Showcase Drumming Academy through the streets of the town centre.

Around 60 acts performed on the day at a variety of venues with a varied line-up of soul, funk and jazz music.

There were also some family-friendly activities with children dancing with Morris dancers and people enjoying performances from the Appalachian dancers, jugglers and a traditional Punch and Judy show.

The event took over the town with events going on all day and people swarmed to see shows in Market Place, the Cornmarket, Abbey Approach, War Memorial Park, King’s John’s House, Bradbeers courtyard and the White Horse Hotel car park.

Beggars Fair chairman Delsia Bartlett said this year they were on a mission to offer acts to suit all ages. She was thrilled the sunshine was out for everyone to enjoy the day to the full.

Popular music acts included regular festival performers, rhythm and blues band Ken Wood and the Mixers, Greatbridge Riverside Band and the Fedora Café quartet singing period and contemporary songs.

Atlantico brought Latin life to the town with the eight piece dance orchestra and singer Ben Goddard dazzling the audience.

Folk band Innominata, who have been performing across Hampshire for more than 30 years were a hit as were Hand to Mouth Theatre’s Martin Bridle and Su Eaton with their rag-bag puppet show.