HUNDREDS of music lovers soaked up the atmosphere – and the rain – at the inaugural Whatfest at the weekend.

The two-day festival at Shipbrook Hill Farm, Whatcroft, was attended by almost 1000 people who braved the weather to watch performances from a host of local talent – including a set from Rudheath band The Shallow Call on Friday night.

“It was fantastic,” said organiser Simon Bennett, who runs the Riverside Organic farm. “Anyone who was there will tell you it was awesome, there was some brilliant music played.

“The weather was atrocious but despite that we attracted a fair crowd. When we saw the forecast we had concerns we might just be looking at each other!”

Southport-based dance-rock group Eskimo Smile headlined on Saturday night.

Simon said: “We’re going to try and put it on again next year, and there’s a strong chance we will.”