THOUSANDS rocked out in the town centre at the Bank Holiday for the tenth annual Glaston-Bury festival. The area was transformed on the day with three outdoor stages and 11 indoor venues playing host to 130 acts playing covers and original music. Glaston-Bury raises money each year for Bury Hospice and this year cash will also be going to The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, which is marking the tenth anniversary of Sophie’s death, who dressed as a Goth and was murdered in a Bacup park. Kate Conboy, campaign manager at The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, said: “Music is a huge part of our culture and expression and we are delighted that one of the stages will be dedicated to Sophie.” The Rock Fairy stage, the home of original music at the festival, honoured Sophie and featured bands like Twisted Illusion and Red Light Effect. Ian Scott of Red Light Effect said: “We played here about two years ago but this is our first time playing outside — it’s a great crowd every time.” Brian Taylor, aged 53, had never been to the festival before but was impressed. He had come from Stretford to see Twisted Illusion. Mr Taylor said: “It’s brilliant, it’s got quality music and everyone has been really friend wandering round. “It’s strange because it’s in the whole of the town and everywhere you go you can see something is happening.” Bury North’s MP James Frith was out and about enjoying the weather and the music too. Mr Frith said: “It’s great to be able to see it thriving and seeing so many people come out for great, young talent. Whether it’s covers or people writing their own stuff.” Lesley Duckworth, from Hazel Avenue, Bury, was attending the festival with her husband Stuart. She said: “I’ve come back because the atmosphere is brilliant, the people and the bands are great and there’s such a variety.” Lynda and Stephen Roberts from Prestwich were pleased to support local bands and were keen, as CAMRA members, to try out craft beers in the venues. In the 10 years organiser Chris Buckley has been running it, the festival has raised more than £100,000 for the hospice.