CROWDS flocked as the sun shone on another successful day at Ramsbottom Festival.

The gates at Ramsbottom Cricket Club opened with headline performances from Gaz Coombes, The Selecter and Recreations taking to the main stage.

Other top indie and rock bands included Rusty Shackle, The Travelling Band and Animal Noise. Ramsbottom’s eponymous musical gathering, which each year delivers eclectic line-ups, offers a Glastonbury style feel which never fails to attract music fans from all across the North West.

Julia and Lee Martin, from Tottington, bought Saturday tickets for the day and said the atmosphere at the festival is great.

Mrs Martin, who also brought along their two children Eleanor, aged seven, and Camille, aged three, said: "This is the third time we’ve attended the festival because it’s so close to home and you’re guaranteed a great day out.

“My brother and his wife have travelled up from Birmingham for it too.

"It is fantastic, we love it and especially because it’s not ridiculously busy, we feel safe bringing the children.”

Emma Lewis, aged 29, from Bury, attended with her friend Jenny Hyde, aged 29, from Bolton.

She said: “It’s the first time we’ve come because my mum’s friends come every year and absolutely love it.

“We’re actually here with my mum and her partner but we keep losing them because there’s so much to see.

“It’s different in comparison to other festival,s which is interesting and we’re looking forward to seeing The Selecters.”

Festival-goers can look forward to the Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Smoove and Turrell and The Plumedores when the gates open tomorrow at noon.