HALTON'S best up-and-coming musicians wowed the crowds on a beautiful summer's day at the annual Widstock festival.

Music fans from across the borough descended on Victoria Park for a free afternoon of sights and, most importantly, sounds during the event, which saw fun activities for all the family alongside the bands performing on stage.

Opening the event were young bands from Halton Borough Council's arts team's Fused scheme, which were followed by a dance project from The Galligu.

'Community Spirit' merged the sounds of Halton, produced by local musicians, with the movement of dancers from the Halton-based arts company.

Up next was popular singer-songwriter Greg Oldfield, a familiar face to the Widstock crowds, followed by Lovecraft and Stig, who gave the audience a taste of their new albums.

One of the most exciting bands to emerge from the North West, Flamingo 50, got the masses moving with their pop-punk sound, which included sneak previews of their new album, which will hit the shops in the autumn.

Melodic, hard-edged pop was also on show with three-piece group Voo, whose music has led critics to draw comparisons with the bands Sugar and The Pixies.

Closing the event was 28 Costumes, fronted by former Blind Lemon Chris Palmer, and the day also saw younger music fans enjoy activities such as rock-climbing.

Pete Bentham, of Halton council, said: 'There was a great turn-out on the day, with around 500 people soaking up the sunny weather, enjoying the music and families joining in the fun with face-painting, rock-climbing and much more besides.'