IF you want to avoid a large crowd, then steer clear of Abbots Ripton this weekend as the Secret Garden Party is back.

The award-winning music festival will from Thursday to Sunday be entertaining thousands of people with an offering of established acts, up and coming bands, and a selection of the best local talent.

Held in the grounds of Abbots Ripton Hall, the home of Lord de Ramsey (the event is organised his son, Freddie Fellowes), the Secret Garden Party will have 15 stages that will feature legends such as Blondie, Leftfield and Mylo alongside newer names in the world of music such as the Mystery Jets, Guillemots and I am Kloot.

Huntingdonshire’s own talent Richie and the Runners and Eureka Stockade will also be performing along with some of the country’s best DJs and performing artists.

As well as the music, the Secret Garden Party boast a wide range of other attractions, but once again the event is a sell out.

The number of tickets remained the same as last year - about 17,000 paying customers - and the event has once again been granted a late licence - allowing events to continue through until dawn on some mornings.

Earlier this year, Mr Fellowes told The Hunts Post that further money would be invested this year in security at the site following problems with people getting into the event by climbing over security fencing or digging under it.

Pictures: GEOFF SODEN Paramotors UK