A sell-out crowd flocked to Buckden to enjoy the village’s annual music festival Buckfest.

The Hunts Post: The Oscar Corney Band at Buckfest. Picture: Fi StimpsonThe Oscar Corney Band at Buckfest. Picture: Fi Stimpson (Image: Archant)

Tickets for the festival were sold out within four days of going on sale for the event, which according to organisers, was recently voted the number one festival of its type in Cambridgeshire.

Headliners Buster James from Norfolk were joined by a diverse range of bands including the African drummers Harmonia Music. There were 21 bands in all, performing on the three stages at the event, now in its eighth year.

Buckfest, which is supported by many local businesses and individuals, runs two competitions for local bands and singers in the run-up to each festival. Winners of this year’s Buckfest battle of the bands, Pretty Ace, an all-sister group, opened the festival. While Phil Waller, singer-song writer, opened the shed (acoustic) stage.

Festival-goers stayed late into the evening for the family friendly festival enjoying the music and entertainment, which also included a dance tent for those who wanted to bop the night away.

The Hunts Post: Festival goers enjoying Buckfest. Picture: Fi StimpsonFestival goers enjoying Buckfest. Picture: Fi Stimpson (Image: Archant)

Not only did it entertain the throngs attending, but Buckfest also raised thousands of pounds for local charities, including Acorn Cancer Support Group, Tommy’s Wheels and Buckden Village Club. Once final totals are in, donations will be presented at a ‘thank-you party’ on in September.

Buckfest spokesman Nicky Warnock, said: “We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved this year, particularly for our chosen charities. We are keen to keep developing the festival to keep it fresh and hope that people will continue to support us.”

Always keen to further opportunities for local talent, development of the festival by the organisers includes the possible involvement in BBC Music Introducing, which promotes undiscovered and unsigned music.

Nicky thanked the volunteers, including Rick Holden, Jon Hill, Ian Brasher and Scott Kitson, who are just about to start planning next year’s festival, scheduled to take place on July 14, 2018.

The Hunts Post: The Expletives. Picture: Fi StimpsonThe Expletives. Picture: Fi Stimpson (Image: Archant)

The Hunts Post: Children performing with Endless Nameless. Picture: Fi StimpsonChildren performing with Endless Nameless. Picture: Fi Stimpson (Image: Archant)

The Hunts Post: The Expletives. Picture: Fi StimpsonThe Expletives. Picture: Fi Stimpson (Image: Archant)

The Hunts Post: Endless Names performing. Picture: Fi Stimpson.Endless Names performing. Picture: Fi Stimpson. (Image: Archant)