THOUSANDS of music lovers enjoying a perfect summer festival full of sunshine and live music at Halesworth's Gig In The Park this weekend.

THOUSANDS of music lovers enjoying a perfect summer festival full of sunshine and live music at Halesworth's Gig In The Park this weekend.

The event, which kicked off on Friday evening, saw record-breaking crowds head to the town park over the weekend to enjoy the variety of music on offer.

Among about 70 acts performing Frontbum who entertained the crowd with their full arena show and alternative look at Halesworth life on Friday night.

This year, the festival boasted three stages for the first time in its 12-year history, with an intermediate stage in place next to the main stage to show acts during the turnaround of the headliners.

Musical highlights included a performance on Saturday night by Squeeze star Glenn Tilbrook, who performed many of the bands old favourites with his new group The Fluffers.

Cockney rockers Chas N' Dave were also due to perform on Saturday night, but Dave was unable to make it to the event due to a family bereavement, leaving Chas to perform alone with their band.

Organiser John Marshall Potter said: “The beautiful weather has certainly helped us this year. Friday night was by far the biggest we've ever had and Saturday was also sold out.

“We've had a completely eclectic mix of music on offer so there has been something for everyone, which I think is what makes the festival so popular.”

Some of the local talent on show included Norwich-based pop-punk group The Brownies, Lowestoft grunge band Six Degrees of Separation and The Fuzz, a young band from Bungay

Lowestoft band The Darkness' old drummer Ed Graham's new band Karaoke For Beginners also performed for the festival crowds.

Mr Marshall Potter said that the event has grown in popularity and become an important part of the town's calendar. “The reason it's so successful is that the people of Halesworth have taken ownership of the event and love it.

“Our tag line this year has been 'Halesworth's got talent' and with a lot of local bands performing, we've proved that. We couldn't do it without the great local support and the volunteers who give up their time to help us year after year.”