WATCHET Festival last weekend was a “stunning” success – in spite of behind the scenes personal drama when event director Mark Bale was taken into hospital and his wife Jackie had to take over the reins.

The festival saw a sell-out crowd of 4,000 people and 65 acts perform at the three-day event from last Friday to Sunday night, with Saturday the busiest individual day ever in its 11-year history.

“The festival vibe was stunning – it was buzzing from when we opened the gates on Friday to when we shut on Sunday night,” said Jackie.

Away from the public eye, though, it was an anxious time after Mark was taken into hospital on the Friday, diagnosed with severe exhaustion and dehydration.

Jackie, who had only done the production side of the festival and not been involved in the overall organisation before, had to step into his role.

“I was frightened – it was really daunting, and it was a stressful time – but you have to dig deep and get on with it when you’ve got 4,000 people who have paid to come and have an enjoyable weekend,” said Jackie.

She paid tribute to the 200 volunteers who make the festival happen, and particularly the 30 who went “over and above” to help her.

“All the bands went down really well and from an organiser’s point of view it was brilliant. We’re really pleased.”

The festival line-up included a number of household names as well as a host of smaller acts with a huge range from the Wurzels to bangra, musical theatre from an opera singer to hip hop.

Jackie.

“I know other organisers look at our list every year and think we must be mad, but we know our audience and what goes down well.

“The feedback has been really positive, people had a fantastic weekend, and it lifts my heart,” she said.

Lots more pictures and full report in tomorrow’s Free Press (August 31)