Christchurch Festival returned with the first full day of music yesterday.

The annual event, which has become a popular part of the Christchurch calendar, launched on Friday and closes with several acts playing on Sunday afternoon.

The festival features music from 15 bands on the main stage, with many young talented musicians playing on the Lighthouse Stage which came to the festival for the first time last year.

The event that takes place on The Quomps on Christchurch Quay, with dance troupes throughout the town over the weekend, There is also a number of attractions for children from archery to bouncy castles.

The festival is run completely by volunteers and event organiser Ceilia Pelluet said that the event which was competing with a lot of other events in the area over the weekend still drew big crowds.

“Saturday is always a little slow to get started, but we had a great opening night and things have picked up throughout the afternoon,” Ceilia said.

“We have a real range of music on offer this year and always try to get some acts that do not play in the local pubs and bars.

“As an event run by volunteers we work really hard to put this all together and it’s great to see the finished result again being so popular.”

On Friday evening Sixteen String Jack and BB3 opened proceedings, whilst Saints of Sin topped the bill on Saturday night.

Following seven acts on Saturday, six acts take to the main stage on Sunday with Amie Knight starting the day off at 12pm and Lady Winwoods Maggot closing the festival from 6:15pm.

For more information about the festival, visit christchurchfestival.co.uk.