ROCK, reggae and blues rang out throughout Marlow Bottom yesterday as hundreds of people got in the festival spirit for a brand new music event.

‘Marlow Rock Bottom’ opened its doors to a sell-out audience, with organisers having to turn away revellers without tickets at the gates.

And the lucky ticket-holders witnessed a sunny afternoon and evening of musical talent, ranging from indie rock bands to reggae artists.

The event, on the playing fields adjacent to Burford School, was organised by Jason Batten and Richard Ross.

They decided to start the new festival after the annual village fete had to be cancelled due to a lack of volunteers.

Mr Batten, a parish councillor and chairman of the playing fields committee, said he was pleased with how the event turned out and is already considering repeating the venture.

“It’s great, it looks like a proper festival site which I’m really pleased with,” he said.

“We decided to give this a go as we just couldn’t make the fete happen, which is a shame, but to do this is something new and exciting for us.

“It’s fantastic that we sold out of tickets, and the weather’s been really kind to us, so a great day all round.

“If we have positive feedback then we will definitely try to run it again next year, and judging by people’s reaction so far it’s looking good.”

The line-up included John James Newman from "the Voice", Richard Lee, The Bolaji Blues Band, up-and-coming singer songwriter Alice Ella and reggae star Troydon Bent.

As well as the music, the family-friendly festival offered a host of children’s activities including face painting and a giant bouncy castle, with the more parent-friendly beer tent serving ale from nearby Rebellion Brewery.

Funds from Marlow Rock Bottom will replace the money usually raised by the summer fete.

Some will go towards the upkeep of the playing fields and equipment, with a donation also being made towards Burford School’s large-scale hall extension project.