PICNICS, glo sticks, pink flashing headbands and a lot of partying.

Those were just some of the ingredients for hip hop, pop, soul, jam evening at the second night of Abbeyfest, yesterday.

The Abbey Gardens, in Bury St Edmunds, was turned into a party atmosphere as hundreds of people, young and old, grooved and swayed to the sounds of a host of well know names and tribute acts.

The Team, aka The Edwin Starr Band, featuring Edwin’s brother Angelo, were the star turn of the night, belting out a string of hits from the former soul singer including War, Happy Radio, (Eye to Eye) Contact and H.A.P.P.Y.

Prior to his death in 2003 Starr became a hero on England’s Northern Soul circuit and continued living in England for the remainder of his life until he died aged 61 from a heart attack.

But his brother and his faithful band continue to play round the country in his memory and have a raft of gigs lined up over the coming months.

So it was an exclusive appearance at Abbeyfest for The Team and their singer who had nearly all of the crowd up dancing on their feet.

The audience were very much in partying mood from the word go and were said to be “so lively” by the crowd-pleasing tribute band Chic C’est Le Freak whose repetoire included an array of Nile Rodgers hits. Freak Out, Dance Dance Dance, I’m Comin’ Out, Upside Down, The Greatest Dancer, We Are Family, Lost In Music and I Want Your Love were just some of the well known songs they recreated.

And the hits just kept on coming with appearances by George McCrae and former Rose Royce singer Gwen Dickey who both thilled with some of their hits ... It’s Been So Long, Rock Your Baby, Is It Love You’re After, Car Wash, Wishing On A Star, just some of the top songs they performed.

Completing the busy line-up was Galaxy featuring Phil Fearon, Nat Augustin’s multi-award winning George Benson Show and Graham Vegas.

It was another great night in the gardens and today sees the final day of Abbeyfest 2013 with 10cc, T-Rextasy and Only One Direction.