AS THE musical event Stompin’ in the Quomps celebrates its 25th anniversary this week, the Daily Echo takes a look back at the event in 1999.

Christchurch rocked to eight hours of melodic sounds as large crowds packed the banks of the River Stour on August 7.

Young local band Lighthouse kicked off things with a pumping selection of pop classics blended with catchy self-penned material.

Stompin’ stalwarts the Taverners Big Band, who are playing again this year, provided a toe-tapping climax with classic numbers by Glen Miller, Count basie and Duke Ellington.

It was music to the ears of the thousands who attended the show for free.

Admission will be free once again when Stompin’ on the Quomps returns this Saturday from 12pm