HUNDREDS packed into the Ruskin Drive sports ground for a good old singalong of some Indie classics as the first St Helens Gala Fest was staged.
The music festival took place on the Dentons Green site's rugby union pitch and saw a host of tribute acts to bands such as the Stone Roses, Oasis and The Killers belting out the hits.
Organised by the Steve Prescott Foundation and Ruskin, the ticketed event was an expansion on the free St Helens Gala and Johnny Vegas Celebrity Crown Green Bowls, which has become an annual fixture.
The bowls tournament - featuring a host of ex-sportspeople and soap stars - took place throughout the Sunday daytime, while charities and local organisations set up stalls outside the Wicket bar as part of the gala.
The concert, which ran between 3pm and 9.40pm, welcomed more than 1,000 people, many whom swayed along and sang to the hits.
There has been some complaints about the effect the noise levels had on surrounding residential areas and concert-goers have flagged areas where there can be improvements. But given it was the first event to be held there, organisers are pleased with how the day unfolded and there was plenty of positive feedback.
Writing on the Star's Facebook page Stuart Clarke said: "An amazing event. The tribute acts were brilliant, decent choice of food and cold beers, as well as a great atmosphere for families; my daughter's first ever festival and she can’t wait for the next one!
"Brilliant effort from the organisers and this kind of event is exactly what the town needs more of."
Stephen Bennett added: "It was a fantastic event. All of the tribute acts were brilliant, the food was good, the beer was cold and the atmosphere was great.
"Top effort from all involved
"Ignore the moaners and the NIMBYs who would clearly like to see this town continue to rot away.
"We need more things like this"
Amanda Clarke said it was "a great event for families".
She added: "The acts were brilliant, the range of food and drinks was good and the atmosphere was fantastic, as a family we had the most amazing time and we hope to be at the next one too!
"Great work from the organisers and all involved in making the day a huge success."
Ant Young added: "It's been advertised for months and was a 1st attempt at something new.
"It started at 3pm and was over at about 9.30. Room for a few improvements but well done to the organisers for trying something new."
The bowling event, sponsored by Barton's Pickles, was won by Coronation Street actor Sam Aston and entrant Steve Lang.
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