Thousands enjoy Ed Sheeran, U2 and Little Mix tribute acts at Nearly Festival in Bury St Edmunds

Music lovers enjoyed a host of pop tribute acts in the Abbey Gardens Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The Nearly Festival took place in the Abbey Gardens on Saturday and Sunday and crowds basked in sunshine throughout the weekend.

It was the third time that the town’s historic Abbey Gardens had hosted the event and as well as the live music, there was a dedicated ‘Kids Zone’, a street food market, and a ‘Pub in the Park’.

The Nearly Festival arrives in Colchester this weekend – June 30/July 1 – with Bruno Mars and Queen topping the bill at the town’s Castle Park.

Ipswich will also host the festival on July 28/29, with tributes to Bruno Mars and Oasis headlining at Trinity Park.

Nearly Madness - A Special Kinda Madness on stage Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

It is the first time the Suffolk Showground has hosted the event and it is also the first time that the festival has offered full camping facilities.

Crowds at the Nearly Festival Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Ipswich bride-to-be Tracey Morgan, centre, on her hen night Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Fans danced the day away to top tribute acts Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

A young fan gets a better view of the action Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

The acts were enjoyed by music lovers of all ages Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

A combination of live music and sunshine put a smile on everyone's face Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Crowds packed into the Abbey Gardens to enjoy the music and entertainment Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Face-painting was also available - for all ages Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Sing-a-long: Fans enjoy the music Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Fans take a selfie at the Nearly Festival in Bury St Edmunds Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Music lovers enjoy the music Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Nearly Madness - A Special Kinda Madness wow crowds Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Crowds enjoyed great weather all weekend Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Fans getting into the swing Picture ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Saturday night headline act Nearly Bruno Mars wows crowds Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Hands up! A fan enjoys the music Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Thumbs up for the Nearly Festival! Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)