A CHARITY music festival proved a smash hit as bumper crowds helped welcome it back after a four year absence.

Fox Fest 2017 Back on the Road was held at The Stork Tavern, in Halliwell Road, over the weekend after a hiatus.

The event was headlined by The Jade Assembly, used to playing big festivals around, the UK and the whole day has been hailed as a success.

It has been organised by members of Bolton band Jordan Allen, who even made a surprise appearance as a secret guest start at the festival.

It was raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity, a cause very close to the band's hearts.

Speaking about the event, guitarist, Danny Quin said: "It was mega. It was madness.

"It started a bit slower than we expected but by about three or four o'clock it was full. We sold all the tickets it was really really busy.

"Everyone was dancing and singing along and everything.

"I have had nothing but positive feedback all day long. We haven't had the chance to count the money but all the buckets were heavy, we sold a lot of raffle tickets and the tickets sold out."

The event was raising money for the charity as Jordan Allen's frontman, Jordan, lost his father Kevin Allen in October after a long battle with his health after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Other acts at the festival included The Case, Ravellas, Connor Peploe and Clean Break

All profits from the festival are going to the charity.