A THREE-DAY community music festival featuring rock legend Suzi Quatro ended last night after attracting thousands of people.The Gig in the Park festival, at Halesworth, has become established on the music calendar during the past few years.

By David Green

A THREE-DAY community music festival featuring rock legend Suzi Quatro ended last night after attracting thousands of people.

The Gig in the Park festival, at Halesworth, has become established on the music calendar during the past few years.

Suzi Quatro, who has sold 50 million records worldwide over the past 30 years, was the headline act on Saturday night when about 2,000 people were thought to be in the audience.

But organisers said good crowds had been in attendance throughout the three days, enjoying the good weather and the music.

“It has been fantastic - the park has looked very full and we have had people of all ages,” said a spokeswoman.

Ms Quatro, who has performed all over the world, lives in Chelmsford and it was a relatively short drive for her to take part in the Suffolk event.

“When you fly to Australia sometimes for a gig, this is just around the corner,” she said.

Ms Quatro has more recently become involved with television and radio work, the latter including shifts as a Radio 2 disc jockey.

However, she proved at Halesworth that she was still well able to wow the crowds with her singing ability.

Other acts during the weekend included The Pirates, The Beat and, last night , the local Lee Vasey Big Band. One band, Beamer, scheduled to perform on Saturday, pulled out because one of its members had been taken ill.

The event's generator suddenly packed up on Saturday, leaving one band with no amplified sound and a row of deflated children's inflatables. However, it was repaired and back in action within 15 minutes.

Organisers believe the event did not suffer as a result of the Latitude Festival, held at nearby Henham Park only three weeks ago.

“We are aiming at a completely different audience,” said Andy Graham, Gig in the Park spokesman.

Any money left over after the payment of expenses will go to local causes. About £5,000 has been handed over as a result of the festivals in previous years.