FESTIVAL goers bathed in sunshine as they enjoyed live music by celebrated artists.

The sun came out for the third Horwich Musical Festival which proved another hit with fans of all different musical tastes — from folk lovers, classical afficionados and jazz fan.

Helen Walker, volunteer and co-founder of the festival said: "The music festival went very well this year —although the sunshine tempted some people to stay outdoors, the music was a beautiful accompaniment to the glorious weather.

"We were complimented many times — by audience members and artists alike —with regard to the varied programme that was on offer.

"The artists were also very appreciative of the response to their concerts.

"This year we added a World Music concert,by Hassan Erraji and Oriental Craze, and it was very enthusiastically received with some audience members dancing."

The festival takes place in Horwich Community Centre and opened with a free concert by The Dixie Beats.

Helen said: "Also in this year’s lineup were the celebrated singer-songwriter Charlie Dore and Steeleye Span’s Julian Littman who played the music festival as part of their ‘Dark Matter’ Tour.

"Saturday afternoon’s concert featured talented artists from the community — singer Sam Bate and singer songwriter Casper Mason.

"They shared the bill with Tonge with the Haulgh Community Choir who joined Sam Bate at the end of his concert to sing ‘Any Dream Will Do’."

The Horwich Music Festival is organised and staffed by a team of volunteers and supported by Horwich Town Council and the first concert was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Horwich,which said Helen, helped to keep ticket prices low and "to also bring genres of music to the town that aren’t as easily available to see live".

"The Music Festival seems to establishing itself on the Horwich social calendar and has been added as an event in the Town Guide.

"We’d like to thank the audiences who came to support live music - seeing their enjoyment makes all the effort worthwhile," said Helen.

Running concurrently with the festival was an art exhibition by 13 year old schoolgirl Morrigan Atherton. To tie-in with the event, Morrigan drew and exhibited a portrait of Charlie Dore.