THE sun shone non-stop, the bands played, the sell-out crowd had a whale of a time – and Watchet Festival, held for three days last weekend, was “perfect”.

Organiser Jackie Bale, who runs the festival with her husband Mark and the help of hundreds of volunteers from around the country, said it was the first time in 12 years they had had weather like this.

“It was stunning and the festival was, in one word, perfect,” she said.

“We didn’t realise how much impact the weather would have. It made the build-up and everything easy; the volunteers were just happy all the way through and the public adored it.

“They set up tent in dry weather, could sit on the grass chilling with family and friends – the sun just shone on us for three whole days, it was lovely.”

The event, from Friday to Sunday, was organised by Watchet Live CIC (community interest company), and saw over 60 live acts perform across three stages, with an eclectic mix of music from pop and rock to funk, disco, folk, dance, ska and more.

The line-up included a range of household names from Sophie Ellis-Bextor to Hot Chocolate, The Lightning Seeds to The Wurzels.

“The bands absolutely lived up to expectations,” said Jackie.

“We like to step it up year on year, and we think we got the line-up spot on.

“It’s a hard job putting it all together, finding the calibre we want, making sure we please everyone – and staying in budget.

“Prices increase every year, and some [groups] have rocketed out of our league,” said Jackie.

Tickets were sold out well in advance, and the festival saw over 8,000 people attending, with a mix of day and weekend visitors.

“We made sure we had lots of water on site and suncream for the workers, but people are sensible nowadays, they come prepared for the sunshine,” said Jackie.

She said she wanted to say “a massive thank you” to the 180-plus volunteers who give up their time to help organise, set up and run the festival.

“Mark and I are small cogs in a wheel of hundreds of volunteers who come from all over the country. Our heartfelt thanks to them – without them the wheel wouldn’t turn,” she said.

Watchet Live CIC will once again be donating to local charity groups, including Elliot’s Touch, Quantock Foodbank and Stand Against Speed 4 Bethany.

** Souvenir supplement in next week’s Free Press (September 6).