THERE were plenty of smiles on show at an annual festival which has been hailed as the “biggest and best” yet.

Thousands of people attended the three-day 2015 OctoberFest, which was held at the Basingstoke Sports and Social Club, in Fairfields Road to raise funds for the Wessex Heritage Trust.

The trust is a self-funding charitable organisation which assists heritage sites and cultural facilities across the region.

The popular event kicked off last Friday evening with the Works Night Out, which saw a record 1,720 drinkers soaking up the party atmosphere and enjoying beer and live music.

On Saturday and Sunday, thousands of families flocked to the event to enjoy activities such as a funfair, bucking bronco, bungee jumping, kids go karts, an inflatable super slide, an assault course and over 50 food and craft stalls.

The Festival Tent also provided and entertaining music programme with live performances from Ded Orse, STUPiD, My Never Time, Red Head, Little Freddie and the Rock n Roll Flames and One Step Too Late.

And rugby fans got the chance to watch the World Cup matches streamed live in the Upham Tent and take part in a number of rugby masterclasses that were held by London Irish first team players on Sunday.

In total, over 8,000 visitors flocked to the three-day festival and enjoyed around 180 beers and ciders throughout the weekend.

Ian Smith, director of organisers at the Wessex Heritage Trust, hailed this year’s event as the “biggest and best yet”, telling The Gazette: “All our records were smashed. We were so busy; we had to lock the gate at 9pm on Saturday night because we couldn’t take any more (people).

“It was the best and busiest weekend we have ever had which was absolutely delightful. Everybody enjoyed themselves. It was great and we will definitely be doing it again on the same weekend at the same venue next year.”

He added: “We are over the moon because the event just keeps growing and growing and we are looking for additional sponsors next year and thinking of new ideas for next year.”

Anyone interested in getting involved in next year’s event should contact Ian Smith by calling 07899 991001 or by email at ian@wessexheritagetrust.org.