MORE than 1,500 people turned up to enjoy the sunshine at the 11th Belle Vue Park Music Festival at the weekend.

The event, which is a free family-friendly event, is organised each year by the local volunteer group, Friends of Belle Vue Park.

There were seven popular local bands which performed at the event from 2pm to 7pm to around 1,800 people.

There were also local food vendors and many Penarth businesses who sponsored the event to help cover its cost.

Anne Keeling, chairwoman of Belle Vue Park, said the event was put together through a lot of hard work from the Friends of Belle Vue Park.

She said: “We are thrilled with the popularity of the Belle Vue Park Music Festival; it has clearly become a favourite event for many on the Penarth calendar.

“Mid-afternoon, I was in the middle of the crowd handing out free bottles of water to help keep as many people as possible hydrated, and was struck by the fantastic mix of people, literally of all ages; from babies to quite elderly people, all enjoying the music and the festival atmosphere.

“Many people were on their feet dancing, many others singing along.

“Thanks so much to the wonderful bands who all gave their time free of charge to entertain everyone.

“Many people do not realise that this is an event organised and hosted by a small voluntary group called Friends of Belle Vue Park and we rely on sponsorship and the support of volunteers and the bands to make the music festival a success.

“Thanks to everyone who helped make it possible.”