THE spirit of festival came of age in Watchet last weekend as thousands of fans celebrated three days and nights of live music.

The sound of raw talent mingled with the voice of polished experience as the annual extravaganza rolled out a host of entertainment.

And with the event now marking its fourth year on the Parsonage Farm site, organisers were told by enthusiastic audiences: "You've got yourself a proper festival now."

Jackie Bale, who with husband Mark has been one of the driving forces in bringing the experience to Watchet, said: "I think it really has come of age."

She added: "We're not looking at making it any bigger - just better. We've got the bones of a really good event and from now on it's just a bit of tweaking and seeing what we can bolt on to it."

The management team of the newly named Watchet LIVE Community Interest Company (CIC), formerly Watchet Carnival Club, found themselves playing 'catch-up' in their preparations for the festival after a day of torrential rain less than 48 hours before the event was due to get underway.

"There's no denying that the awful weather put us back a bit and we had to restrict traffic coming onto the site last Thursday to give the ground time to dry out," said Jackie.

But by Friday lunchtime, hardy campers were queuing up to pick their spot.

And with more people than ever pitching their tents for the weekend, the hilltop ground - with spectacular views over the Bristol Channel, Quantocks and Brendons - began to resemble a mini Glastonbury.

Even the sun shone, with festival-goers only having to dodge a few showers on the final day and brave the strong winds that have become the hallmark of the event.

Comedian Adrian Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds brought the final curtain down as the headline act on Sunday night but there was plenty to keep the toes tapping throughout the weekend, from The Beat to a tribute Stones band and Penthouse Shed to local musicians Jack2Jack.

Entertainment was split between the main stage, the Something Else Tea Tent and the environmentally friendly Croissant Neuf venue.

Organisers estimate that just under 2,000 people flocked to listen to Friday night's line-up, with 3,000 on each of the following two nights.

And there was more than music on offer, with the festival priding itself on creating a family friendly safe environment and entertainment for all ages.

Drumming and dance workshops, a VIP area on top of a vintage bus, circus skills and children's activities and the ever popular Cedric's Bar ensured the 2010 festival went with a swing.

Organisers are confident of repeating last year's achievement of breaking event and with bucket collections, donations and other fundraising gestures, the Children's Hospice South West - their chosen charity - is set to benefit.

"All in all it was a fabulous weekend," said Jackie.

"It was trouble free, the bands proved to be very popular and we have had great positive feedback.

"And we've even got two bands booked for next year so the 2011 festival is on its way."

Photos by Paul Gibbard

Picture special in the Free Press