A MAGICAL atmosphere filled the sixth and most successful Watchet LIVE Music Festival to date as thousands of people descended on the seaside town at the weekend.

More than 2,500 weekend campers and 500 day ticket holders enjoyed performances from The Real Thing, The Blockheads and The Popes as well as nearly 100 other acts.

Westcountry legends The Wurzels went down a storm and the hour-long queue to meet The Cheeky Girls after their set proved their popularity in the line-up.

Tommy Banner of The Wurzels said: “The atmosphere is magic – we had a walk round earlier and there is a real family feel to this festival. If we get asked to play again we will be back without a doubt.”

Guitarist and banjo player Pete Budd added: “It’s a lovely festival, a real West Country event. It is probably the only local festival apart from Glastonbury and great to play in our own back garden.”

Despite torrential downpours in many parts of the country, Watchet escaped with virtually no rain, and the full programme of outdoor games and activities was able to take place without a hitch.

Mark Bale, chairman of Watchet LIVE, said: “The whole ethos is to bring the festival experience to West Somerset. It grew out of Watchet Carnival and just keeps growing.

“Pre-ticket sales were 50% up on last year and people have come from all over the country – people from every walk of life in one place at one time for one reason ... to have fun.

“The atmosphere this year has been especially good. Six years on we are really pleased with how this year has turned out.”

Other highlights included the popular silent disco and swingabilly act, The Ten Pound Suit Band, which had a capacity crowd in the solar-powered Croissant Neuf venue dancing non-stop for more than an hour.

Organisers say plans are well underway for the 2013 event. All details, including early bird tickets at reduced prices, will be made available on www.watchetfestival.co.uk over the coming weeks.