GALLERY Thousands of people enjoyed a music marathon in a Suffolk village at the weekend.

THOUSDANDS of people enjoyed a music marathon in a Suffolk village at the weekend.

Bands provided more than 10,000 people who gathered on Martlesham Heath green with 12 hours of non-stop music on Saturday.

The ninth Music on The Green event raised vital funds for the Ipswich Children's Hospice and the Martlesham Responders, with organisers saying it appeared to be one of their best ever attendances.

Among more than 20 bands providing entertainment from 10.30am through until 10.30pm was headliners Stingray and Anything But Ordinary, with young bands such as Narcosis also grabbing attention.

The afternoon acts were introduced by BBC Radio Suffolk's presenter Stephen Foster with an eclectic mix coming from the two stages - with everything from choir and brass to rock, pop and punk.

Paul Firman, who organised the event, said: “The calibre of bands on display was very high this year.

“We are here to encourage youth and we have seen a few very good young bands come on whilst also raising some money for charity. Hopefully we have raised a few thousand.”