BRILLIANT sunshine, live music and dancing made for a “perfect” Christchurch Festival.

Thousands of people flocked to Saxon Square and the Quomps for the three-day fun-filled event, packed with toe-tapping performances from bands such as Pronghorn, Men from Uncle and Lady Winwood’s Maggot.

Visitors out enjoying the weekend sunshine could pick up all kinds of tasty treats from a raft of different stalls.

Money from the annual festival goes towards the mayor’s charities. Councillor Sue Spittle has chosen the Parkinson’s Charity, Christchurch, Girlguiding Twynham and Zoe’s Wish.

Festival organiser Howard Nicol said: “It has been a very good weekend. The weather has been perfect.

“We always say good weather means a good festival, and we’ve been proved right.

“This is a great open event with a lovely atmosphere and crowd.

“We get family orientated people who are always willing to give to our good causes. Standing here with blue skies, it just couldn’t be better.”

The festival began life as a folk event in the 1970s.

Its current set-up has proved popular for the last 12 years.

Mr Nicol said: “Lady Winwood’s Maggot always finish for us on a Sunday and are very popular.

“They do a superb job – a lot of people come just to see them.”

Mr Nicol thanked Tony Soffe for the new lighting rig and sound system and sponsors Magna Mazdas.