Fantastic day out at music fest

on stage . . . Nick Heyward on stage at Cotton Clouds Festival

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MUSIC-LOVERS of all ages converged on Saddleworth Cricket Club for what proved to be a hugely successful first Cotton Clouds Festival.

Organisers confirmed there were "teething problems" in the form of lengthy queues at bars, food stalls and toilets, but the vast majority of the 3,500 sell-out audience lapped up a music feast which is guaranteed to return next year.

The day did not get off to the most promising starts with the rain pouring down as the doors opened at lunchtime. But from early afternoon onwards the weather was kind as the wide range of musicians and bands across the three stages strutted their considerable stuff.

Late headliners Nick Heyward, The Coral and The Sugarhill Gang offered a treat for the gathered thousands, while earlier in the day more locals acts were handed the chance to shine in front of some huge audiences.

A Facebook post on the Cotton Clouds read: "Today has been an emotional rollercoaster. Completely overwhelmed with the support for Cotton Clouds. We're well aware there were teething problems and I promise we'll address them next year. I hope what we offered today has shown our intent for the years to come."

* Read Simon Smedley's in-depth review, and more pictures, from the festival in his double-page music column tomorrow.

• Check out some of our Cotton Clouds pictures on our picture sales page.