WATCHET rocked to the sound of live music over the bank holiday weekend.

And for the organisers of an annual festival that delivers two days and three nights of open air entertainment, the event finally came of age.

It was the third year Watchet LIVE had been held at the Parsonage Farm location on the outskirts of the town and the second anniversary of the event's separation from the carnival procession and fete, which is traditionally held in July.

Despite torrential rain and high winds on the opening night, the festival site - which enjoys panoramic views over the Bristol Channel and the Brendon and Quantock Hills - stood up well to the challenges the weather threw at it.

And with sunshine the following day and fair conditions on Sunday, the festival was deemed the best ever on the site.

Jackie Bale, a member of Watchet Carnival Club which runs the event, told the Free Press: "The whole thing went really well and we're very pleased.

"The atmosphere was fantastic and it was lovely to see so many local people - we really felt as if the festival had come of age."

Mark Bale, club chairman, said people had finally understood how the event had moved on and evolved from its former days on the East Quay.

"Twelve months of hard work paid off and we're delighted with how things went," he said.

"We are now recognised on the festival circuit and we only want the Watchet event to get better and better."

Around 7,000 people flocked to the site over the weekend, with Saturday the busiest day, attracting crowds almost 3,000-strong.

A festival map charted how far they had travelled - from Scotland, Ireland, the Midlands and even America.

Visitors were treated to a total of 35 different acts, bolstered by a host of entertainment for children and a wealth of trade stalls and other attractions.

Headline bands ranged from 3 Daft Monkeys to The Wurzels but with plenty of raw talent in between - both new and established - appearing on two stages.

"What really gave us a boost was the local support and the fact that we had so many families coming along," said Jackie.

"The build-up to this year's festival was difficult because of work commitments but it was great to see everything work so well."

Although gate takings and advance ticket bookings were up on last year, organisers have yet to work out whether the festival will produce a profit.

"We lost money last year and we were given a loan by a benefactor to cover our costs," said Jackie.

"We're hoping that we will at least be able to repay that after this year's success."

The organisers expressed thanks to all their sponsors this year and all the individuals who gave up their valuable time to help with the build- up and pack down of the festival site as well as working at the event over the weekend.

More festival pictures by Paul Gibbard of P G Photography (01278 732082) will be appearing on the festival website, http://www.watchetfestival.co.uk">www.watchetfestival.co.uk