A WEEKEND of rock and roll will draw to a close tonight as first-time festival Boltfest is named a rocking success.

Queens Park opened its gates to more than 9,000 music fans this Bank Holiday weekend, all ready to enjoy a catalogue of tribute bands.

The two day event, which is from the creators of Festwich - a Prestwich-based festival, featured more than 30 tribute bands who graced the stage imitating some of the most famous names in rock.

Event organiser Jooles Taylor said: "I think we had about five thousand people on Saturday and around another four thousand on Sunday.

"It's been so well received.

"There's been no trouble at all because its all been really family orientated.

"It has gone really really well."

While Saturday's crowds were the luckier visitors in terms of the weather, Sunday's slightly cooler temperatures certainly didn't deter the keen festival goers who had still decked out their chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the music and range of actives, stalls and food outlets.

Festival goer Leigh Bunn from Kearsley said: "I brought my eight year old daughter with me and we have been here since 11am, it's now nearly six and she is still enjoying herself so that definitely says something.

"I feel like the tribute bands have almost been as good as the real thing.

"The atmosphere has been amazing."

The festival was split between two stages with the main stage seeing tribute acts such as Guns 2 Roses, FU Fighters Mentallica and Loyal Blood, while the second stage gave an opportunity for up and coming bands to play original material which was performed by bands such as Peur, Natusro, 2 weeks running and Amy's Whinehouse.

And it seemed like the mix of bands were well received by children, teenagers and adults as they commented on the success of the first time festival.

Ian Boland from Little Lever said: "It's been a great day out.

"There's been a real family feel to it and the bands have all really engaged with the audience and have put on some great performances.

"It's been a brilliant event for Bolton."

While mum Chris Brannan from Westhoughton who was with her friends Emma Peploe and Bev Phillips hoped to see the festival return again said: "We've all brought our children along today and they are off enjoying themselves.

"We love the type of music - we are definitely undercover rockers.

"We hope it will be back next year but with just a little bit more sun."