A THRIVING music festival that celebrates the best of Americana and roots music has celebrated its “best year ever”.

The fourth Maverick Festival was held at Easton Farm Park over the weekend, beginning on Friday and finishing yesterday afternoon.

The event saw crowds of up to 2,000 a day flock to the venue to enjoy some top names of the genre and festival-goers had such a good time that the site ran out of beer.

Some of the star turns of the weekend included the stand-up comedian and musician Rich Hall, who attracted a large crowd performing as his comic creation Otis Lee Crenshaw, and US star Melanie Safka, who was one of the outstanding performers of the Woodstock Festival in 1969.

Hollywood actress Elizabeth McGovern also made an appearance, with her band Sadie and the Hotheads. Overall, there were more than 40 acts performing across four stages.

Founder and organiser Paul Spencer said he was delighted with the line-up and the attendance, which he said had secured the event’s future.

“It was absolutely incredible - the best year we’ve had,” he said.

“The ‘Maverick magic’ worked again as the weather was gorgeous for the fourth year running.

“There was just an incredible atmosphere and the feedback we’ve had has been wonderful.”

He added: “This is the first year that we’ve reached the number of people to make it a sustainable event.

“The last few years have been a struggle – we’ve had wonderful music but the financial picture has been a little gloomy.

“This year, in a time of financial difficulties everywhere, to have have an increase in numbers of 15 to 20% is wonderful. We’re looking forward to next year.”

Mr Spencer said the only complaints were the jam-packed car parks and that the festival ran out of beer at about 9pm on Saturday.